Most digital cameras got nearly the same basic features; today we will introduce you to a more typical features found on the top and the back side of a compact digital camera.
The Top Side Features
1. Digital Camera Zoom Lens
Whenever the camera is switched on, the camera’s systems are automatically activated. This includes the lens of which will extend to its shooting position, ready for action. Zoom lenses are allocated a multiple (or ratio) as a measure of the extent to which they can zoom compared with the lens’s focal length. These ‘zoom ratios’ can be values of up to 10x or more, but a typical digital camera has a 3x zoom lens, which is ideal for most situations (see my pervious article on Zoom Lenses).
2. Digital Camera Lens Zoom Control
The lever surrounding the shutter release can slide swiftly left or right to make the lens zoom in or out. This makes it easy to adjust the view when framing a shot. Some cameras have the zoom button on the back, which needs pressing.
3. Digital Camera Shutter Release
The most important button on the camera; it takes the pictures. The shutter release will have two pressures. A half press (and hold) activates the focus system and all the electronics that measure the amount of light available (the light metering system). A little beep or an ‘OK’ indicator on the colour screen and/or an illuminated green light next to the viewfinder will indicate that focus has been achieved. Completing the press of the button will fire the shutter and take the photo.
4. Digital Camera Audio Speaker
This is the speaker for audio playback from a movie clip, or sound annotations, which you may have applied to your still images.
5. On / OFF Button
Your digital camera is electrically powered using batteries and will have a power switch: either sliding the lens barrier or an on / off button.
The Back Side Features – Digital Photography Tutorial
1. The Colour Screen (LCD)
The colour screen on a digital camera is great for instantly reviewing your photos to make sure they are okay or for showing them off to others. It can display your camera’s settings, menus, and picture information. The Screen also gives you a live display of your subject, making correct composition easy.
2. Viewfinder (Back View)
This is the part of the camera you use to compose a shot. It also has two small indicators that show the focus and flash status. A green light means the focus is okay, red shows that it is not. If the flash indicator flickers, the flash is charging; when it is steady, it means the flash is ready to fire. However, not all cameras will have optical viewfinders.
3. Other Adjustment Buttons
Depending on your camera model, there will be several other buttons on the camera that will be used to control frequently used functions without having to go through on-screen menus. Such functions could include control of the flash, the focus mode or image playback, for example.
4. Jog Button
This type of ‘jog’ button is common to digital cameras and allows you to scroll through your images on the large screen. It is also used to navigate through the camera’s on-screen menus, the central OK button being used to confirm these selections.
5. Battery and Memory Card Cover
Safely tucked away under a cover, you will find a place to insert batteries and a socket for inserting the camera’s memory card.
Digital Camera: The Top and Back Features Explained
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