Cameras : what's what? |
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 Hints and tips by Philip Grosset If you'd like to submit photos for criticism, click here. |
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| I've been asked to include a simple explanation of the main parts of an older camera, so I've chosen a fully automatic APS model. All cameras are a bit different, but the same basic features are found on any automatic camera (including digital models). For detailed advice on a camera you already own, please see your own camera manual. It really is worth careful study! |
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| Except for the remote-control receiver (that allows this particular camera to be operated by remote control), these are all standard features to be found on most automatic cameras. |
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| The back of the camera. |
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| The data panel provides indicators showing the battery condition, a frame encounter, film transport signals, a film cassette mark, flash-mode indicators, a self-timer indicator etc. The date button lets you choose the format for dates printed onto the back of photos (a feature often found only on APS cameras). The flash mode select button lets you choose autoflash mode (it is usually left set on this), or autoflash with red-eye reduction (see my using flash page), or manual fill-in flash, or night portrait (that uses a longer exposure so as to bring out as much of the dark background as possible), or flash cancel (very useful indeed when you don't want to draw attention to yourself, and prefer to use a longer exposure). Press the zoom buttons (shown below) and you zoom towards the wide angle end of the zoom (W) or the telephoto end (T). |
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Beside the viewfinder eyepiece (bottom right picture), is a unique APS function: the format selector switch. This allows you to choose between P (Panoramic), H (high definition TV format) and C (classic), as explained on my Looking for a new camera? page. The viewfinder changes to match your selection. |
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The photo below shows the bottom of the camera. With an APS camera, the new film just has to be slipped into the film-chamber. With 35mm, you have to load it manually by opening up the back of the camera, slipping it in, then attaching the loose end to a spool in the camera. With a digital camera, you just have to slip in a memory card or stick. |
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Don't forget to have a careful read of your own camera manual! |
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| Want to know about DIGITAL CAMERAS? |
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NEXT PAGE PICKING THE BEST VIEWPOINT |
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