CHAPTER 2 Camera Handling Care and Support Objectives

CHAPTER 2 Camera Handling, Care, and Support

Objectives • Describe the controls and features common to both film and digital cameras. • Identify controls and features specific to digital cameras. • Discuss the importance of protecting cameras from moisture and dust. • Demonstrate proper procedures for cleaning lenses and image sensors. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Objectives (Cont. ) • Describe the proper techniques for supporting different types of cameras. • Explain the components of and appropriate use of a tripod. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Leaning About Your Camera • “Hands-on” learning • Studying the manual • Combined approach Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Common Camera Controls • Exposure modes • ISO – Automatic • Shutter release – Aperture priority • Exposure compensation – Shutter priority – Manual Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Automatic Exposure Mode • Auto exposure – Camera adjusts for proper exposure • Program AE – User can alter aperture or shutter speed – Camera adjusts for proper exposure Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Aperture Priority Mode • User sets aperture and ISO • Camera selects proper shutter speed • Controls depth of field Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Shutter Priority Mode • User sets shutter speed and ISO • Camera selects proper aperture • Controls effect of subject motion Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Manual Exposure Mode • User sets aperture, shutter speed, and ISO • Allows maximum control • Requires understanding equivalent exposures Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

ISO Selection • Measure of light sensitivity – Film or digital sensor • Higher ISO = greater light sensitivity • Image quality decreases as ISO increases Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Shutter Release • Operation – Activates autofocus system • Shutter lag – Opens/closes shutter • Release methods – Button press – Cable release/electronic release – Time delay Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Exposure Compensation • Increases/decreases set exposure – Aperture priority, shutter priority, program AE modes • Up to three stops change – Usually in 1/3 stop increments Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Common Camera Features • Depth of field preview – Photographer can see what the scene will look like at the selected aperture • Focus lock/exposure lock • Motor drive/burst mode – Two to eight exposures per second Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Digital Camera Features • LCD screen • Histogram • White balance • Image quality settings • Color space selection Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

LCD Screen • Used to review images after exposure – Evaluate composition and exposure – Check camera settings • May allow use as viewfinder Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Histogram • Graphic display of tonal values • Allows exposure evaluation Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

White Balance • Automatic (AWB) or selectable • Set for specific light conditions (color temperature) • Makes a white object appear white • Other colors are then accurate Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Image Quality Settings • Image size (depends on resolution) • Image compression (JPEG files) – Data loss increases with amount of compression • RAW capture available on some cameras Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Color Space Selection • Color Space—specific description of gamut of colors that can be provided by a particular device – s. RGB is standard – Adobe RGB has greater color range Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Protecting Your Camera • Cameras and lenses must be protected from environmental dangers – Wet-weather – Dust and grit Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Wet-Weather Protection • Shoot from shelter • Flexible plastic housings – Commercially available – Do-it-yourself Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Dust and Grit Protection • Changing lenses – Turn off camera – Point camera downward – Cover to protect from wind-blown dirt • Protecting lens elements – Use ultraviolet (UV) filter Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Camera Cleaning • Lenses – Blow off loose particles – Use lens tissue and solution • Camera body – Soft cloth – Brush for crevices Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Sensor Cleaning • Bulb blower (not brush) • Special cleaning products Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Avoiding Physical Damage • Equipment storage and transportation – Camera bag or photo backpack – Hard case for travel • Carrying a camera – Strap around neck – Strap over shoulder – In hand; strap around wrist Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Camera Support • Hand-holding • On-site supports • Support devices Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Hand-Holding a Camera • Proper grip for SLR – Horizontal – Vertical • Head is part of support system Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Using the LCD as a Viewfinder • Grip with both hands • Extend arms only far enough to view LCD • Release shutter with light, steady pressure Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Avoiding Camera Shake • 1/30 second shutter speed with 50 mm lens • Longer lenses / shorter shutter speeds – 1/125 second with 100 mm lens – 1/500 second with 300 mm lens • Stabilizing (anti-shake) systems – Gain up to four shutter speed steps Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

On-Site Camera Supports • Elbows and body Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

On-Site Camera Supports (Cont. ) • Fences, walls, benches • Door frames, posts, tree trunks Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Mechanical Supports • • Beanbags Shoulder stocks Clamping devices Monopods Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Tripod • Best general-purpose camera support • Available in many sizes • Wood, aluminum, carbon fiber Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Tripod Features • Legs extend independently • Center column extends height • Head permits fine adjustments Manfrotto Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Tripod Heads • Ball head • Pan head (two-axis) • Pan-tilt head (three-axis) Manfrotto Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Tripod Advantages • Improved image sharpness • Precise camera positioning • Long-exposure capability • Frees photographer’s hands Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Tripod Disadvantages • Cumbersome to carry • Lack of mobility • Tripping hazard in crowded areas Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Choosing a Tripod • Consider: – Weight to be supported – Weight of tripod – Quality of tripod Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.

Using a Tripod • • Extend to full height Point one leg toward subject Make needed leg height and angle adjustments Eliminate causes of camera movement Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co. , Inc. May not be posted to a publicly accessible website.