Equipment: how a camera works

First of all, a camera is basically a box with a hole in the front that allows light to enter. The light rays are what form the actual image, or picture. Formerly, that light was captured onto film. Now that light is usually captured digitally and the results are stored on a memory card. Here are a few basic terms that relate to camera functions:

LENS--a glass piece that allows the light to enter the camera and also focuses the exact direction of the light. The lens sits in the hole in the front of the camera and is focused by rotating a ring on the lens (Pictured: the first ring with numbers on the lens).

APERTURE--the size of the hole and sits just behind the lens. The purpose of the aperture is to limit the exact amount of light entering the camera at any one time. The size of the aperture is changed by rotating a ring on the lens (Pictured:The ring closest to the camera).


HOT SHOE--a metal connection on the top of a camera that allows it to synchronize with a flash unit. Pictured in the top middle of the camera.

Also pictured on the left is an additional exposure dial, but since that is more advanced I will no cover it on this post.

SHUTTER--blocks the light from reaching the film until the you decide to take a picture (known as "exposing" the film). The shutter is inside the camera and can only be seen when the lens is removed. Shutter speed dial is the dial on the right of the camera, currently set to "P."

VIEWFINDER--designed to show the photographer what is being framed. Film cameras have a small box that the photographer must look through with one eye, while digital cameras usually have an LCD screen in addition to the traditional viewfinder.

SHUTTER RELEASE--the button that tells that camera to do its job.

Mirror shown in the down position where it normally rests. Shutter is closed.