Section 1 The Basics
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Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
This builds muscle memory that helps you locate
and operate frequently used controls.
Common Controls and Features
Film cameras and digital cameras have a
number of common features and controls. Not
all cameras or all models will have a particular
feature or control, but most will. For this reason,
the following section describes controls and
features in general terms.
Imagine that you must drive a car that is
unfamiliar to you across town for an important
appointment. You start the car and, using the
familiar basic controls, you are on your way
and on schedule. But what if a storm arises and
you have to turn on the headlights and use the
windshield wipers? You would probably have to
pull over to the curb and figure out where the
headlight and wiper controls are on this car, and
how to use them. By the time you do that, you are
probably running late for your appointment.
Many people approach a new camera in the
same way. They can “point and shoot” using the
basic controls, but are not prepared to handle an
unexpected situation. By the time they figure out
what to do, the picture opportunity may be lost.
Learning about Your
Camera
Today’s cameras are sophisticated pieces
of equipment. Most have dozens of controls
and features that allow you to make an image
successfully in almost any situation. It takes
time and effort to learn what those controls and
features do, and how and when to use them. To
move beyond the level of birthday party and
vacation snapshots, you must take the time to
learn about your camera.
Some people learn about a new camera by
simply experimenting with various controls; others
virtually memorize the owner’s manual before
using the camera. In other words, some people
are “hands-on” learners, while others learn by
studying instructions. A good method is to blend
those approaches. First, study the manual on how
to use a feature or control, and then use the camera
to practice with that control or feature.
Begin on the manual page that displays a
drawing or photo of the camera and labels the
controls. Locate each of the labeled controls.
The first time you do this, rest the camera on
a surface with the lens pointing toward you
to make it easier to locate the controls on the
front and top of the camera, Figure 2-1. Next,
turn the camera to point away from you so
you can identify the controls on the camera
back, Figure 2-2. Practice operating, or at least
touching, each of the controls on the camera
front, top, and back from behind the camera.
Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 2-1. Using your manual and camera together is
the best way to learn about basic camera controls and
features.
Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 2-2. Camera controls and their locations are
clearly labeled in the owner’s manual.