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Digital Camera Features

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Anatomy of a DSLR Camera

Sensor

The heart of a digital camera is a sensor that records the image you’re taking. The sensor is located behind the mirror of the camera and made up of millions of tiny dots that transform light into a digital signal. Once in digital format, the information is then processed by the camera’s electronics and stored on the memory card.

There are two types of sensors used in digital cameras:

• CCD – Charge-Coupled Device
• CMOS – Complementary Metal Oxide semiconductor

Image Processor

Together with the sensor, the image processor is the most important part of your digital camera. After the light has been converted into a digital signal by the camera’s sensor, the image processor applies all of the adjustments needed to make it into an image file such as JPEG or RAW.

You are alerted to this process by a small LED light flashing, meaning that the camera is busy processing information.

Input Dials

The input dial controls the shooting functions of the camera. It can be a single dial for controlling the most important functions, such as aperture or shutter speed. Alternatively, a shift button system that offers extra functions is provided. In this case, you need to press a button on the back of the camera whilst rotating the dial. Some camera models have two dials.

Mirror

The mirror that is visible when you take the lens off you camera reflects the image so that you can see it in your viewfinder. When you release the shutter button to take a picture, the mirror flips up so that the light passes through the sensor. Most digital cameras have the ability to lock the mirror in the up position (‘mirror lock-up’) to allow you to clean the sensor.

Lens Mount

The lens mount offers a system-specific secure connection for the interchangeable lenses that fit onto your digital camera. Ensure that any new lenses you purchase are compatible with the features of your camera.

Flash Hotshoe

Most digital cameras have a built-in flash, and also offer a hotshoe so that separate flashguns can be connected to your camera for increased power and versatility. If the flashgun is compatible with your camera, you can use all the functions available with the flash.

Battery

Digital cameras rely on batteries for power. Make sure you keep your battery charged up and consider investing in a spare battery pack so that you don’t run the risk of having no power during a shoot.

The bulk of the controls on most DSLR cameras are positioned on the back of the camera, notably the more specialist modes and options, as well as the viewfinder and viewing screen.

Rear LCD Screen

The multi-function LCD screen enables you to access a considerable range of functions and features unique to your specific camera. The size and clarity of the screen vary between models. Some cameras also have what is called Live View, which refers to use of this screen to view the image you're framing up instead of the normal viewfinder.

LCD Screen Menu

This is where a host of controls are placed that allow you to access the on-screen menu functions of your DSLR. Make sure to explore by using the navigation controls to scroll through the available menus.

LCD Screen Playback

This function enables you to review your images on the rear LCD screen. Zoom in to assess sharpness, and check your shooting information, for example shutter speed, aperture, and white balance. Some cameras also display a histogram for assessing exposure of images.

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