The Camera

Explain the “camera obscura” effect. How is it achieved?
Inside a completely dark room, a tiny hole is created in one wall. Through the hole light is focused, and the outside scene is projected (upside down) on the opposite wall.

2. What invention during the 17th Century helped man get a step closer to creating the modern camera?
The modern camera came one step closer when Isaac Newton and Christian Huygens perfected the understanding of optics and the process of making high quality glass lenses.

3. What were the parts of the first modern camera invented by Niepce?
A glass lens, a dark box, and film. 

4.What do modern digital cameras have in common with Niepce’s camera?
Light passes through the lens, into the camera, and exposes the film.

5. What do digital cameras use to capture an image?
Digital cameras capture the images with an electronic sensor called a CCD. Photographs are stored on reusable computer memory devices.


"Camera Modes"
6. What is the difference between the Auto Mode and the Program mode?
Auto- The camera will completely control flash and exposure. On most cameras this is labelled "auto", on others simply "A".
Program- Automatic-assist, just point and shoot. Unlike full auto mode, you can usually control flash and a few other camera settings.

7. What is the Portrait mode used for? How does it work?
Portrait is to attempt to blur out the background, camera will try to use the fastest available lens setting (aperture).

8. What is the Sports mode used for? (not just sports) How does it work?
To freeze motion, camera will use the highest shutter speed possible.


"The Half Press"
9. Why should you do a half press on the trigger button?

This is an easy yet essential skill for beginners to learn. The "half-pressed" button is helpful in many ways, including:

• faster camera response time
• more control over focus
• encourages better composition

"Controlling Flash"
10. What does this symbol mean?

 When would you use this?
Disabled Flash 
no flash. There are many cases where you may not want flash at all. The mood of the photograph can sometimes be more dramatic when the natural light is used.

11.What does this symbol mean?
When would you use this?
Auto-Flash
In most camera modes, Auto-flash is enabled by default and will automatically fire if the camera thinks it needs more light.


"Introduction to Exposure"
12. What happens to your photo if there is too much light?
If there is too much light and the picture will be washed out.

13. What happens to your photo if there is not enough light?
Not enough light and the picture will look too dark.


"The Universal Stop"
14. What is a “stop.”
A stop is a relative measure of light.

15. How many stops brighter is the new planet if there are two suns instead of one?
One.

16. How many stops brighter is the new planet if there are four suns instead of two?
Two.


"Shutters and Aperture"

17. What affect does a longer shutter speed of have?
A longer shutter speed allows more light.

18. What affect does a shorter shutter speed have?

A shorter shutter speed allows less light.

19. What does the aperture control?

Before light reaches film, it must pass through an opening called an "Aperture".

20. When adjusting the aperture, how can you increase the amount of light?

The shutter blocks all light from exposing the film UNTIL you press the button. Then it quickly opens and closes, giving the film a brief flash of light.

You can control the length of time the shutter remains open by setting the SHUTTER SPEED.