Basic Parts of DSLR Camera and Their Functions

Basic Parts of DSLR Camera and Their Functions with Pictures

Whether you have a Digital SLRs or point and shoot , these camera parts will inevitably be found on most cameras. After getting hold of any camera, you need to know the name of the different parts before you start using it. A proper understanding of the names and functions is the primary step towards improving your photography skills. Here we will be listing Basic Parts of DSLR Camera and Their Functions before you buy :

1. Lens

The lens is one of the most vital parts of a camera. The light enters through the lens, and this is where the photo process begins. Lenses can be either fixed permanently to the body or interchangeable. They can also vary in focal length, aperture, and other details.

2. Viewfinder

The viewfinder is the area on the camera that you look through in order to compose your shot. For some cameras, an LCD screen is used as a viewfinder, or your camera may have the option to use either one. Once your photo is taken, it may not look exactly like what you see through the viewfinder. Factors such as lighting, lens, camera settings and your camera’s capabilities will affect the finished result. Because of this, the viewfinder is not intended as a preview of your photo, but rather a tool to aid you in taking it. You, as the photographer, determine the final result.

3. Mode Dial

Most cameras today have a variety of functions and automatic features. The mode dial allows you to select different options, such as automatic mode, program mode, sport mode or macro mode. Older cameras may not have a mode dial, because all of the settings are manual. There are also some compact cameras that use a touch-screen for selecting options instead of a dial.

4. Body

The body is the main portion of the camera, and bodies can be a number of different shapes and sizes. DSLRs tend to be larger bodied and a bit heavier, while there are other consumer cameras that are a conveniently smaller size and even able to fit into a pocket.

Choosing the best camera for amateur photographer can be difficult, so try to test several camera bodies and read professional reviews before buying an expensive camera for about $1500. A matrix size and ISO settings are the main things that show the quality of the camera body

5. Shutter Release

Every camera comes equipped with a shutter release button. This is simply the button on the camera that is used to snap the picture. It opens and closes the shutter, allowing the necessary light and information to enter the camera. The amount of time the shutter stays open depends on what you have your shutter speed set to. The length of time the shutter is left open or “exposed” is determined by the shutter speed.

6. Aperture

The aperture affects the image’s exposure by changing the diameter of the lens opening, which controls the amount of light reaching the image sensor. Some digital compacts will have a fixed aperture lens, but most of today’s compact cameras have at least a small aperture range. This range will be expressed in f/stops. For DSLRs, the lens will vary on f/stop limits, but it is usually easily defined by reading the side of the lens. There will be a set of numbers stating the f/stop or f/stop range, ex: f/2.8 or f/3.5-5.6. This will be your lowest settings available with that lens.

7. Image Sensor

The image sensor converts the optical image to an electronic signal, which is then sent to your memory card. There are two main types of image sensors that are used in most digital cameras: CMOS and CCD. Both forms of the sensor accomplish the same task, but each has a different method of performance. To know more about sensor, Click Here

8. LCD Screen

The LCD screen is found on the back of the body and can vary in size. On digital compact cameras, the LCD has typically begun to replace the viewfinder completely. On DSLRs, the LCD is mainly for viewing photos after shooting, but some cameras do have a “live mode” as well.

9. Flash

The on-board flash will be available on all cameras except some professional grade DSLRs. It can sometimes be useful to provide a bit of extra light during dim, low light situations.

10. Focus Ring

Film or digital SLR cameras will most likely have a focus ring. This is a ring typically found on the lens that allows manual control of the camera’s focus. You can decide if you want the whole image in focus, or just a part of it. Many cameras have an auto-focus feature in addition to the focus ring. Other cameras, such as point-and-shoot cameras, will not have a focus ring at all, as all of the focus is set automatically.

11. Video start-stop button

Don’t press the red button! Unless you want to shoot video, that is. This button may show up in a different position on your camera, but it is likely still decorated with a red dot. Some cameras forgo a separate record button and instead use the regular shutter button, along with a movie mode on the mode dial, for shooting videos.

12. Exposure compensation button

If you want to control aperture, you need to hold down this button. If not in manual mode, this button allows you to adjust exposure compensation — that is, make the image brighter or darker while still letting the camera make its own decisions about which settings to use to achieve that. To know more about Exposure Compensation in details click here.

13. Mode dial

This sets the camera to your desired shooting mode. The standard modes are Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and Manual (denoted by the P, S, A, and M positions on the dial). To know each and every modes in details, check here.

14. Flash button

In any of the “advanced” exposure modes (P, S, A, or M), this button will trigger the pop-up flash. Its location may vary from camera to camera, but the “lightning bolt” symbol is universal, so you’ll always be able to find it. The icon next to it is the flash symbol, plus the exposure compensation symbol.

15. Lens retract button

Retractable lenses are becoming increasingly popular as they are more compact than non-retractable models. You must press this button to initially “zoom” the lens into its operational position, and again to retract it when you’re done shooting.

16. Lens release button

Press this button to unlock the lens mount and detach the lens by rotating it. You don’t need to press it when mounting a lens.

17. AutoFocus-AutoExposure lock (AE/AF Lock)

When using autofocus and autoexposure, holding this button down will lock those settings, even if you move the camera. This isn’t often used by beginners, but it is beneficial for more advanced shooters who can use it to take several shots with different framings while ensuring all remain focused on the same point and exposed identically.

18. i button

Nikon really does call this the “i” button — probably because it already has an “info” button on its cameras. Many other brands have a similar button, usually denoted by a “Q,” for “quick menu.” Pressing this button brings up a set of functions on the camera’s LCD screen, which can be controlled directly. This can be useful for adjusting ISO, white balance, and drive mode settings on cameras that don’t have dedicated buttons or dials for said features.

19. Magnify button

We took the liberty of labeling this as “magnify” rather than “zoom” in order to avoid confusion, as this button has nothing to do with zooming the lens. This is for magnifying an image during playback, allowing you to see greater detail.

20. Demagnify button

Again, we’re not calling this “zoom out.” This is the opposite of the aforementioned magnify button, but will also let you expand the playback view to show multiple image thumbnails at once. Some cameras will even let you pull back into folder or calendar views.

This is just a list of major parts, I Will keep adding all other parts slowly.

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