Section 1 The Basics
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Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Digital Controls and Features
Digital cameras have a number of features
and controls not found on traditional film
cameras. Since camera brands and models can
vary considerably, the following section describes
these features and controls in general terms.
LCD Screen
The LCD (liquid crystal display) screen
is a small viewing screen on the back side
of a digital camera that allows review of
each image immediately after it is exposed,
Figure 2-13. This allows you to quickly
evaluate composition and exposure and
determine whether the image is a “keeper”
or should be reshot. On compact cameras, the
LCD screen is typically used as the viewfinder
for composing the image. It can also display
information on such camera settings as shutter
speed, aperture, and ISO.
A useful feature on some models is an
LCD screen that swings out from the camera
body. The screen can be positioned to aid in
composing pictures taken from various angles.
See Figure 2-14.
Because of their design, older digital SLRs
did not permit using the camera-back LCD as a
viewfinder. Today, many camera models have a
live-view LCD that can be used for composing
the image. A digital SLR has an additional
small LCD display on the top or back side of
the camera to show exposure settings, battery
status, and other information. On most SLR
models, the camera-back LCD is used strictly for
reviewing images.
Although camera controls allow you to
zoom in on an image to judge sharpness or
examine details, the LCD does not allow you
to accurately assess whether the image is
well-exposed. When the LCD is viewed under
Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 2-12. These three shots of a baseball pitcher’s
delivery were taken in a span of approximately one second
using the camera’s continuous shooting (burst) mode.
Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 2-13. After a digital camera makes an exposure, it
displays the image on the LCD screen for review.