Digital SLR Photography Basics

DSLR cameras are gaining traction in the non-professional realm, and with good reason. They deliver crisp and detailed photos with the type of quality that regular point and shoots lack. This is due to the fact that digital SLRs have larger image sensors, quicker shutter speeds with no lag time and higher creative controls. To make the most of a digital SLR, make it a point to learn the following technical terms and functions.

Digital SLR Photography Basics No. 1: Aperture

Aperture is the opening of the lens. A larger opening allows more light to be captured in the photo and creates out-of-focus areas, which is also known as bokeh blur. The aperture value is measured by an f-stop number. For instance, to shoot a portrait with an out-of-focus background, choose a smaller f-stop like f1.8. This creates a narrow depth of field. A larger f-stop like f16 has a wide depth of field, which allows both the background and subject to be clear and focused.

F-stop can be confusing because its measuring system may appear illogical. Just remember that a small f-stop number means a wider opening, which lets in more light and allows the photographer to create blurry effects in certain parts of the picture, typically the background. Since a lower f-stop creates more light, it is also used in darker settings.

Digital SLR Photography Basics No. 2: ISO

Digital SLR cameras are convenient since the ISO can be controlled digitally. The ISO is the film speed. The lower the ISO value, the slower the speed with less sensitivity to light. A lower ISO is best to use outdoors, in good lighting and whenever able since a higher number creates more noise and grain. A high ISO, such as 800 or 1600, is useful for darker settings because it has a higher sensitivity to light.

Digital SLR Photography Basics No. 3: Shutter Speed

Different shutter speeds are used to freeze an action or create motion blur with moving objects. Measured in fractions of a second, the shutter speed (time value) is how long the shutter is open. To freeze an action, use a shutter speed of 1/500 to 1/4000 seconds. To create motion blur, use a speed of 1/60 to 1/250 and follow the moving object through the viewfinder and press the shutter. Use a tripod for anything slower than 1/60 seconds since holding the camera can create unwanted blur from even slight camera shake.

Slow shutter speeds can create artful effects at night. For instance, setting the shutter speed for a long minute can capture the night’s lights, such as the moon, as the lens gathers light from different places. A person passing through the camera during the capturing process will appear transparent/ghostlike.

Understanding aperture, ISO and shutter speed are the digital SLR photography basics every photographer should be aware of. They are the three variables that work in conjunction with each other to balance the lighting and create a perfectly exposed photo.