Cameras vary, but most have the same basic parts and functions.
With digital cameras packed with automatic features becoming ever more prevalent in the world of photography, a traditional film camera can be intimidating. Cameras vary in features, functionality and appearance, but fortunately they all have the same fundamentals in terms of parts. Understanding these parts will give you a basic understanding of virtually any camera.
Shutter Release Button
The shutter release button is simply the button used to take the picture. It triggers the shutter release so the shutter can open and close. For timed photography or for photography where you want to keep camera movement to a minimum, an external release button can be used. This is a shutter button attached to a cord and plugged into compatible cameras so you don't have to use the button on the camera to take the picture.
Lens
The lens is located on the front of the camera. It is the object used to take light into the camera and makes it possible to record an image to the film. Lenses play a big part in your photography, as there are many different kinds with various functions. For example, a 50 mm prime lens is the closest approximation to the human eye and can be used as a versatile photography lens. A fisheye lens, however, distorts images and is only used for specific kinds of photography where that effect is desired. Lenses vary in focal length, and there are fixed and zoom lenses. The type of lens you choose should be compatible with the types of images you are shooting.
Shutter Speed Wheel
The shutter speed dial controls how fast or slow the shutter opens. Keeping the shutter open for a longer amount of time lets more light into the camera, but is not good for stopping motion. Keeping the shutter open for a faster amount of time lets less light in, but stops motion. Generally a shutter speed of at least 1/60 of a second must be used to stop motion, but for fast action shots, generally 1/200 of a second or more is required. Slow shutter speeds are often used for capturing night shots with the use of a tripod, or if a motion blur effect is desired.
Aperture Wheel
The aperture wheel controls how big of an opening is used to let in light. It controls light into the camera as well as the depth of field. A smaller aperture creates a wider depth of field and a large aperture creates a smaller depth of field. Generally, in bright sunny light you want an aperture of about 16 and in shade you want an aperture of around 5.6 These are good starting points, and you can adjust as needed from there.
Tags: depth field, into camera, light into, light into camera, shutter open