Getting to know a DSLR camera

So we have these big fancy black cameras here at NFS, and you might have one at home too.  And you probably know that these take "better" pictures than other cameras and also cost more.  But you probably don't know why...

These larger black cameras are called DSLR cameras:
 D   =   digital
 SL  =  single-lens
 R   =  reflex

Let's watch a video from About.com that explains the difference between a DSLR and a point-and-shoot camera.

• What are some benefits of a point-and-shoot?
• What are some benefits of a DSLR?
• How can a DSLR with lower megapixels than a point-and-shoot take better photographs?

Now that we know a little bit about DSLR cameras, let's learn what some of the buttons do.

Grab a camera and let's find these buttons together:

• shutter button
• AF/MF
• on/off
• camera mode dial
• aperture/shutter dial
• ISO

ISO is a really important term in photography.  You need to know:

• what does ISO control?
• what happens when the ISO is set to a low number?
• what happens when the ISO is set to a high number?
• what is the recommended setting for ISO for different situations?

As you know, I'm not an expert in photography.  I am an AMATEUR :)
So let's watch this YouTube video from Kerry Garrison and hear an expert explain ISO.




That is enough vocabulary for today!  We'll explore more later this week.

Now I want you to do practice using the DSLR cameras and start gathering photos that we can use for future projects.  Go outside (or stay in if you like) and take at least 10 pictures each.  If you like, you can play with the ISO setting to see how it affects your photos.