Camera Settings and the Exposure Triangle

An Acronym You Should Know: DSLR

Digital cameras come in many types. The cameras owned by SCiL are “digital single-lens reflex” (DSLR) types, specifically the Canon E0S 5D Mk IV. There are helpful manuals and guides for this camera available online. 

DSLR cameras tend to look a lot like older film cameras of the SLR type. Let's break this acronym down:

            Digital - the camera produces images digitally instead of on film

            Single-Lens - there is one path for light to enter the camera

            Reflex - the light entering is split via mirror to both imaging chip and viewfinder

SLR cameras, whether digital or film, are notable for allowing simple switching of different lenses to accomplish various photographic techniques. Both SCiL camera kits come with a Canon 24-105mm lens equipped, with a selection of other lenses available as needed.

 

 

CCD vs. CMOS

Digital cameras usually use one of two types of image sensor, either a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS).

 

CCDs used to be the more common technology, but newer cameras outside of specialized applications tend to use CMOS because they operate more quickly, allowing DSLR cameras to shoot video in addition to stills.