Camera features
and capabilities -
additional
tips & insights

ISO speed

It measures an image sensor's sensitivity to light. The higher the number, the better for you because the more dimly lit your subject can be before you need to use a flash.

However, there's a trade-off. Higher ISOs create noise (graining) in a photo and decrease color reproduction accuracy.

Compact cameras typically have a 100 to 400 ISO range, though some go as high as 800. Some SLRs can go much higher.

Aperture

After the light travels through the lens, it passes through the aperture, an adjustable opening in front of the sensor.  The size of the opening determines how much of the light will come through. The wider the aperture, the more light.

The aperture is calibrated in F-stops, which are marked on an adjustable ring on SLR cameras. The most common F-stops are F2.4, F4, F8, F12, F16 and F32. The lower the number, the wider the opening.

A low F-stop (wide opening) is beneficial if you're taking pictures in a dimly-lit setting without a flash. It's also good for capturing subjects in motion because with it, you can use a faster shutter speed.

Self-timer

It delays the shutter by several or more seconds. It's a terrific feature. It lets the photographer get in the picture.

If you have a tripod or other rest for your camera, you can use the self-timer mechanism to eliminate the camera shake created when you press the shutter button. Set it to its lowest setting, press the button, and move your finger away - and wait.

Other worthwhile features

Built-in microphone - Helps you remember easily forgotten details.

Continuous mode - Lets you take a quick-succession series of still photographs.

Video mode - Interesting to show at gatherings, but don't expect these low-resolution movies to come anywhere close in quality generated by a video camera.

Magnified preview - Useful for advance users who want to examine small details in their photos to see if they should retake the shot.

Wireless - With some cameras, you can upload pictures to your computer via infrared or WiFi transmission.

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LCD size

Scene modes

Image stabilizer

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