This post provides a summary of each of the articles in a series that I am writing as I teach camera basics and camera operation to my children, in particular to my (then) 11 year old son who wants to buy his first DSLR.

My children have been using cameras for a while (with some good results), but typically use full-auto mode, or rely on me to adjust the settings for them.

I thought it would be worthwhile to write a series of blog posts on this subject, to help other people who might be interested, and because one of the best ways to ensure you understand something is to try to explain it to others.

I am intending to publish more articles in this series in the future, and will update this post with details as additional articles are published.

• Understanding Your Camera: Exposure Basics
  This introductory article covers the basics of exposure, as well as a description of aperture, shutter speed and ISO, and the impact of varying each of these. The relationship between aperture, shutter speed and ISO is also described.
  
  
• Understanding Your Camera: Lens Aperture Demystified
  This article discusses aperture in more detail, describing the mathematics behind aperture f-stops, and the effect of aperture on depth-of-field in your photography. A number of common aperture-related terms are explained.
  
  
• Understanding Your Camera: Explaining ISO
  Historically, ISO refers to the numerical scale used to measure the sensitivity of photographic film to light. The ISO scale is described, as well as the impact of varying the ISO, and some recommendations on selecting an ISO setting.
  
  
  

  a 5 second shutter speed captures
  the trails of the sparks
• Understanding Your Camera: Shutter Speed
  The third factor affecting exposure, the impact of varying the shutter speed is described. Sample photos using fast and slow shutter speeds demonstrate this impact, the mathematics behind the shutter speed scale is briefly covered, and some guidance is provided on using longer shutter speeds, including bulb exposure. Some information about interpreting how your camera displays the shutter speed is also covered, along with recommendations on selecting shutter speeds.
  
  
• Understanding Your Camera: Focal Length, Field of View and Angle of View Defined
  A slight deviation, this post provides definitions and descriptions of some key concepts, namely focal length, angle of view and field of view. Diagrams are used to more clearly explain each of these terms.
  
  
• Understanding Your Camera: F-Numbers, F-Stops and Stops
  Continuing with definitions, this article covers f-numbers and f-stops, detailing exactly what a "stop" is, and the use of fractional stops.
  
  
  

  camera mode dial
• Understanding Your Camera: Camera Modes Explained
  Confused by the various modes on your camera dial? In this article, each of the modes is described, along with details of the situations in which each mode would typically be used.
  
  
• Understanding Your Camera: The Manual Mode Myth
  Many photographers believe you are not a photographer unless you always use manual mode on your camera. This article explores using manual mode vs using the smart electronics in your camera, and concludes that the believe that you have to always use manual mode is a myth. The use of manual mode is not completely discounted, as there are still situations where it is appropriate to use.
  
  
• Understanding Your Camera: Depth of Field
  An important concept, depth of field is defined, and the factors which affect the depth of field are described. This equips you with the knowledge to be able to control the depth of field in your photos.
  
  
• Understanding Your Camera: Revisiting Focal Length
  Revisiting a concept previously covered, this article provides some more detailed information on the definition of focal length, including how the effect of focusing impacts the focal point.
  
  
  

  evaluative
  metering
• Understanding Your Camera: Metering Modes
  Understanding the various metering modes that your camera supports is important in knowing which metering mode should be used in different situations. Each of the metering modes is described, along with recommendations on situations when it should be used.
  
  
• Understanding Your Camera: Crop Sensors vs Full Frame Sensors
  Confused about the differences between a crop sensor and a full frame sensor, and the pros and cons of each? This article explains the differences, as well as the benefits and limitations of a camera body with a crop sensor vs a full frame camera.
  
  
• Understanding Your Camera: Exposure Compensation
  Exposure compensation allows you to adjust the default exposure selected by your camera, by several stops up or down. There are situations where you need to be able to adjust the camera exposure up or down, depending on the scene being photographed, and the lighting conditions, to achieve the results that you want. This article describes how to use exposure compensation, and walks through several situations where it is useful.
  
  
• The Importance of Understanding Your Camera: A Practical Example
  A practical example to demonstrate how understanding your camera's behaviour to expose for mid-grey, and how to apply some negative exposure compensation allowed me to capture photos of a sunset at the beach.

This post will be updated as additional posts in this series are published.
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