The Camera History & Basic Functions

1. Explain the “camera obscura” effect. How is it achieved?  The camera obscura effect is how light is focused into a tiny hole in a box, in a dark room and is then projected on the opposite wall. The hole acts like a lens by focusing and projecting light onto the wall in the dark room.

2. What invention during the 17th Century helped man get a step closer to creating the modern camera?  The understanding of how to make high quality glass lenses.

3. What were the parts of the first modern camera invented by Niepce?  The part of the first modern camera that Niepce invented was the film.

4.What do modern digital cameras have in common with Niepce’s camera?  The fact that light passes through the lens, which exposes the film. 

5. What do digital cameras use to capture an image?  A digital camera uses an electronic sensor called a CCD, where photos are stored on a reusable computer memory device.

6. What is the difference between the Auto Mode and the Program mode?  Auto Mode completely controls flash and exposure, while Program Mode is automatic-assist and you control the flash, as well as some other settings on the camera.

7. What is the Portrait mode used for? How does it work?  Portrait Mode is used to blur out some of the background. It will use the fastest available lens setting.  

8. What is the Sports mode used for? (not just sports) How does it work?  Sports Mode is used to freeze motion, the camera uses the fastest shutter speed to achieve this. 

9. What does the photographer have to do in Manual Mode?  The photographer has to set the shutter and the aperture. 

10. Why should you do a half press on the trigger button?  A half-press allows for faster shutter speed and better focus on the subject of the picture.

11. What does this symbol mean? When would you use this?  The picture is showing that the flash is disabled. There are times when you don't need or want flash, such as depicting the mood of the photograph.                                                                                                       

12.What does this symbol mean? When would you use this?  The picture shows Auto-Flash, which is enabled by default. It's used when the camera thinks there needs to be more light in the photograph.

13. What happens to your photo if there is too much light?  The photo is washed out.

14. What happens to your photo if there is not enough light?  The picture will be too dark.

15. What is a “stop.”  A stop is a relative change in the brightness of light.

16. How many stops brighter is the new planet if there are two suns instead of one?  One stop brighter.

17. How many stops brighter is the new planet if there are four suns instead of two?  Two stops brighter.

18. What affect does a longer shutter speed of have?  More light.

19. What affect does a shorter shutter speed have?  Less light.

20. What does the aperture control?  The aperture controls how much light is exposed to the film.

21. When adjusting the aperture, how can you increase the amount of light?  By changing the aperture setting to a smaller number.