Digital cameras come in various types for different needs and budgets, from cheap point-and-shoot cameras to expensive professional SLR models. Key components that impact image quality include the lens, image sensor, and image stabilization system. Camera lenses use different elements and apertures to focus light onto the sensor, and features like zoom range, aperture sizes, and sharpness are important. Larger image sensors generally produce higher quality images but increase camera size and cost. Other factors like resolution, noise, ISO light sensitivity, LCD screens, and manual controls allow photographers flexibility in shooting styles and environments. Understanding these core camera technologies helps choose the right camera.

1. DigitalCameras

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3. Digital Camera Types3Prosumer*Mobile Phone Professional SLRExpansive

4. Versatile

5. Better images

6. Responsive

7. Bulky

8. Heavy

9. Cheap

10. Small

11. LightPoint & ShootProsumer SLR*Prosumer = Consumer cameras with some pro-like capabilities

12. SLR vs. Fixed-Lens Cameras4

13. Digital Camera Operation5Camera Body1) The lens focuses light reflected from the subject onto the sensor2) Pressing the shutter button opens the shutter briefly to allow light in3) The image sensor converts the light into electric signalsShutterLensLightImageSensorSubjectDigitalImageProcessor5) The image file is stored in the memory card4) The digital image processor transforms the signals into an image file (usually in jpeg format)MemoryCard

14. The Lens - Zoom6Changing the distance between the elements magnifies/shrinks the image (zoom in & out) Camera lenses are made up of glass elementsZoom range (AKA focal range) is measured in millimeters or in image magnification factor (xN)Fully-extended lensExample: x31 zoom from 18mm (wide) to 250mm (tele)

15. The Lens - Aperture7Light enters the lens through the aperture hole which can be made bigger or smaller to allow more or less light in Aperture size is measured in f-numbers or stopsf/1.4f/16Lenses indicate maximal aperture in wide and full-tele modes (smaller numbers are better)A lens capable of big apertures (small f-numbers) isbetter: allows more light in in low-light conditions and enables shallow depth-of field imagesf/32f/5.6 (shallow depth of field)

16. What to Look For in a LensZoom rangeWide for scenery shotsZoom for portraits, sports, wildlife Big apertures (low f-numbers)Allow in more light and shallower depth of fieldSharpnessIn center and in cornersMinimal distortionEspecially in wide and in full-teleMaterials and build qualityGlass materials, coating, body materials8

17. Image Sensor – Resolution and SizeImage sensors affect image quality and resolution (how many dots, or pixels make up the picture) Resolution is mainly important when printing pictures 8MP (megapixel) is sufficient for most print sizes More resolution ≠ Better imagesSensors come in a variety of sizesUsually the bigger the camera the larger the sensor Bigger sensor  better image quality9

18. Image Sensor – NoiseSensors generate random variation in brightness or color, called Image NoiseImage noise depends on:Sensor qualitySensor size – smaller sensors are noisier Cameras have built-in Noise-Reduction (NR),but this reduces detail10Noise-free imageNoisy image