The Camera - History and Information

The Camera - History and Information

Explain the “camera obscura” effect. How is it achieved?

The camera obscure affect was a primitive method of taking pictures. Through a small hole in the wall, a image of the scene where the wall was pointed was projected onto the back wall. It was because the hole acted as a lens and refracted the light.

2. What invention during the 17th Century helped man get a step closer to creating the modern camera?

Higher quality lenses where developed and the process for making and using them was refined.

3. What were the parts of the first modern camera invented by Niepce?

Niepce added the film to the camera where the picture could be more accurately taken. 

4.What do modern digital cameras have in common with Niepce’s camera?

Modern digital cameras still record the image on a "film", but now the film is digital.

5. What do digital cameras use to capture an image?

Digital cameras use a light reactive device called a CCD. 

6. What is the difference between the Auto Mode and the Program mode?

In auto mode, the camera controls most of the settings, where in program mode, the user can control some settings.

7. What is the Portrait mode used for? How does it work?

Where blurring out the background is attempted so that the subject in the foreground is the center of attention.

8. What is the Sports mode used for? (not just sports) How does it work?

This is used when objects are moving fast. The camera uses the highest shutter speed possible.

9. Why should you do a half press on the trigger button?

The half press primes the camera for taking the picture. It will focus the image until the trigger is fully depressed.

10. What does this symbol mean?

This symbol tells the camera not to flash in any situation, regardless of whether the camera thinks the flash is necessary. It makes the focus lock and faster full press.

11.What does this symbol mean?

This symbol indicates letting the camera have discretion on whether or not to flash.

12. What happens to your photo if there is too much light?

If there is to much light, the picture will be washed out.

13. What happens to your photo if there is not enough light?

Not enough light, and the picture will be dark.

14. What is a “stop.”

The stop is a change in the light, only in increase.

15. How many stops brighter is the new planet if there are two sons instead of one?

The two suns are one stop brighter.

16. How many stops brighter is the new planet if there are four sons instead of two?

The four suns are one stop brighter than the two suns, bringing the total to two stops brighter than the single sun.

17. What affect does a longer shutter speed of have?

More light.

18. What affect does a shorter shutter speed have?

Less light.

19. What does the aperture control?

The aperture controls the size of the "pupil", where the light has to pass through before it reaches the CCD.

20. When adjusting the aperture, how can you increase the amount of light?

Larger opening in the aperture makes more light.