Functions of a camera
The Basics
Shutter Speed- The Shutter speed is represented by two numbers in the top left side of the screen, E.G. 1/125. The higher the second number, the Quicker the shutter speed. The fastest capability of my camera is 1/4000.
A photo taken on a fast shutter speed, you can see each individual water droplet on the dog, and the steam from the steam boat. Its like everything was frozen in time.
A photo of a fire dancer taken on a slow shutter speed. I like the way this picture came out as it looks quite abstract and surreal, and its not entirely obvious as to what it is.
Apeture- The Aperture is represented by the F-stop numbers, which are next to the shutter speed. The smaller the F-number, E.G. F5.0, the larger the opening and the more light can enter into the lens, and the depth of field is smaller, the background is blurred, and the foreground in focus.
A photo I took at F5.6, see the blurred background?
The larger the F-number, E.G. F32, the less light let through. This means that there is less of a depth of field and more of the picture is clear.
A scenic picture taken at F32, see the clearer background?
M- The M function on the camera stands for Manual. The Manual setting lets you control the Aperture on the Shutter speed. Manual mode tells you how the camera changes. In other words, you choose all of the settings yourself.
Av- The Av setting on the camera stands for Aperture Value. This setting means you can only change the Aperture and the camera changes the other setting automatically. The main thing the camera changes is the shutter speed.
Tv-The Tv Setting of the camera stands for Time Value. This setting means you can only change the Speed, and the Aperture is decided for you. This setting usually means you'll need a tripod with you, especially if you want to slow the shutter speed down.
P- The P mode on the camera stands for Programmed. This means that the camera figures everything out automatically for you. This is better for sudden photos, if you want to take them really quickly, like of wildlife.
The Av +/- picture on the back of the camera display is used to change the brightness or the darkness of the picture. It does this by allowing more or less light into the lens.
