19 Basic Parts of a Standard Camera

Parts of a Camera That You Need to Know About

A camera is an advanced device that consists of a variety of
components. However, you need to learn more only about the
19 main parts of a camera. This information will be especially
useful for beginners who are just starting to use their cameras.
If you learn more about the components of your model, it will
be easier for you to understand how they function.

1. Camera Body
The first part of a camera that you notice instantly is its body
that contains all other components. Camera bodies differ in
shape, weight, size, and color. Everything depends on the
model of the camera and its intended use.

As for small GoPro cameras, they are quite compact and can
easily fit into your pocket. It allows you to use them to take
photos in different situations.
Larger DSLR cameras might weigh more than 5 pounds. For
instance, the Sony A7R III is one of the most popular cameras
for photographers. It weighs 1.45 pounds, while its size is 9.6 х
6.1 х 5.6 inches. If you travel a lot and like taking photos on the
go, you can use the GoPro Hero 8 that weighs only 0.25
pounds. Its size is 1.14 х 1.89 х 2.6 inches.
Most camera bodies are made from the same material.
However, it is better to select a model with shock-impact and
moisture protection, since it will allow you to use your camera
for years to come regardless of the weather conditions.

2. Viewfinder
A viewfinder is a small rectangular window on the rear panel.
You can use it to preview your shot. There are several types of
viewfinders. For instance, a digital (optical) viewfinder comes
with a set of mirrors that allow you to see everything that is in
the field of view of your camera`s lens. However, if you have a
mirrorless camera, it will be fitted with an electronic viewfinder
(EVF). It displays a digital image. Both of them serve the same
purpose and allow you to select the right focal distance, create
a perfect composition in the frame, and take a photo.
Besides, you need to consider a frame coverage of a viewfinder.
It shows the percentage of the field of view of the sensor that
you can see in the viewfinder. If the coverage is wide, it will be
easier for you to see the edges of the photo.

3. Sensor
A sensor is one of the main camera parts since it is responsible
for recording light. It is located right under the lens and has a
rectangle shape. This sensor records the light and creates an
image preview that you can see through the viewfinder.
The type of sensor might differ depending on the model of a
camera and its size. For instance, your camera might be fitted
with a full-frame or crop sensor. The latter is typically
embedded in affordable photography cameras. Its purpose
remains the same. You just need to understand that a full-
frame camera allows you to take an image of better quality
even in low light than models equipped with a micro 4/3
sensor.

4. Shutter Release
A camera shutter is a piece of plastic or metal that helps control
the amount of light that gets to the sensor. By pressing the
shutter release button, you can control the exposure, which will
directly affect your image. When you press this button, the
shutter opens and closes thus letting in more light. It enables
you to take a photo and save it to the memory card.
Most camera models allow you to use the shutter release
button to maintain the focus. To do it, you need to slightly
press it until you see that your camera is focused on your
subject.
5. Display or LCD in Modern Cameras
You can find an LCD screen or a display on the rear panel of
every digital camera. It is used for displaying all the camera
settings and viewing photos. If you buy a modern camera, it will
be fitted with an LCD screen. Its key advantage is that it
supports high-quality images and can be controlled via the
sensor. This is one of the most useful components in the
structure of camera since on this screen you can see a whole
image without using a viewfinder.
For a more comfortable shooting experience, I recommend
using cameras with an LCD screen that can be tilted 180
degrees. It will allow you to take complex staged shots.
6. Flash
Some models of digital cameras come with an in-built flash in
the top part of the camera`s body. When you turn on a camera
flash, you can use it immediately. It will be activated when you
press the release button. This camera part will help you take
great photos when working in low-light conditions.
However, make sure to avoid harsh shadows. Besides, a camera
flash might make colors look blurry. If you want to experiment
with shadows and learn how to add beautiful highlights, make
sure to read these flash photography tips.
7. Flange
The flange is a mount that connects a lens to a camera body.
You can find it only on cameras with a detachable lens. It has
markings that allow you to fix a lens properly. After inserting a
lens, the fixing mechanisms and connection pins between the
camera body and the lens will become connected. It will allow
you to control the lens via your camera`s settings.
Tip: Make sure to keep the flange clean. There should not be
any traces of dirt or grease. You can use special lint-free wipes
before installing a camera lens.
8. AF/MF Control
Almost all modern camera models come with the AF/MF
control. Its name refers to autofocus (AF) and manual focus
(MF). By adjusting the control, you can change the focus mode
of your camera. In autofocus mode, your camera will
automatically select a focus. When using manual focusing
mode, you will need to rotate a focus ring on the lens to focus
on your subject.

9. Quick Release Plate

If you look at the bottom part of the camera, you will see a 1/4
or 3/8 quick release plate. It is used for mounting a camera on a
tripod head. Thanks to it, you can quickly mount your camera
and fix it securely in place.
Furthermore, a quick release plate ensures stability and
security by providing a tight and secure connection between
the camera and tripod head. The locking mechanism on the
plate prevents any accidental movement or slippage during use,
allowing for steady shots and reducing the risk of camera
shake.
Quick release plates come in various shapes, sizes, and designs
to accommodate different camera models and tripod systems.
Some plates have additional features such as anti-twist
mechanisms or safety locks to enhance stability and prevent
unintentional release.

10. Diopters
Most cameras, especially models released by Сanon or Nikon,
are fitted with a small diopter wheel. If you have some eyesight
issues, it will be easier for you to focus on your subject if you
adjust a diopter wheel. You can change the camera settings
depending on your acuity of vision.
11. Hot Shoe
A metal mounting point that can be found in most DSLR and
mirrorless cameras is called a Hot Shoe. It is used for mounting
and connecting a remote control or external camera flashes.
With the help of small sensors in the bottom part of the
mounting point, the camera can send signals to other
accessories.
As for compact cameras, they don`t have a Hot Shoe or have
only its small version called the Cold Shoe. This camera part
allows photographers to connect accessories without
transmitting signals to them. Unlike the Hot Shoe, it doesn`t
have any sensors.
12. User Controls
When talking about user controls, people refer to the camera
buttons that allow changing the menu settings, selecting
shooting modes, etc. All these buttons enable you to control
your camera.
While every model has slightly different camera settings, the
button layout is usually the same. For instance, a shutter
release button is always located in the top part of the camera.
The mode dial can be found next to the viewfinder.
13. Memory Card Slot
To copy information from your camera to the memory card,
make sure to use a dedicated slot. Every digital camera has a
slot for a memory card. Besides, some professional cameras are
fitted with several memory card slots. Thanks to it, it will be
easier for you to back up your images. These camera parts
range depending on the model and the purpose of use of your
camera.
Everything depends on the type of card. It is important to
understand that memory cards have different speeds, which
directly affects the import and recording speeds.

14. Additional Outputs

Most digital cameras have many additional inputs on the side
near the memory card slot. For instance, a remote trigger input,
DSLR microphone input, or HDMI port for connecting a camera
to a computer. Some cameras have even more input.
Everything depends on their brand and purpose of use.
If the inputs of your camera don`t work properly, it might mean
that they are dirty. To avoid this issue, make sure to keep your
device in a dedicated camera bag.

15. Lens
While in most cases you need to buy a lens, some cameras
come with an in-built lens. It has a set of lenses and mirrors
that focus light on the sensor. Any lens has an adjustable focal
length, from wide to middle one, such as 55mm. If you are
looking for a camera lens for real estate photos, you need to
pay attention to the minimum focus distance. It should be
about 11-24mm. When it comes to camera lenses for portraits,
the focus distance should be about 35-50mm. Depending on
the brand, the numbers and letters on lenses can mean
different things, so you may need to do some research to test
the potential of each lens.
16. Zoom Ring
Thanks to this ring, you can change the distance between the
glass elements of a camera lens. The zoom ring is usually
located closer to the camera body. By rotating it, you can easily
change the focus distance of your camera.
17. Focus Ring
It is one of the most important camera parts as it allows you to
take images without any blur. You can find the focus ring in the
front part of the camera lens. It lets you focus manually (MF).
By rotating the focus ring, you can focus on your subject better.
Besides, there is a distance scale on the lens that allows you to
estimate the distance from the target surface. If you use
autofocus, the ring becomes inactive, and you won`t be able to
rotate it.

18. Aperture
An aperture looks like a small donut-shaped ring inside the
camera lens. The lens`s diaphragm opens and closes depending
on the settings you use. The best camera models support
higher aperture values.
If your camera has a wide aperture, for instance, F/4, it lets in
more light which accounts for higher exposure. You can use
such cameras to take photos at night or in poor light situations.
If you set the aperture to F/16, it will make your photos blurry.
Besides, you can use a wide aperture for taking photos with a
blurry background.

19. Lens Hood

A lens hood is a detachable plastic ring in the front part of the
camera lens. It was created for protecting a lens from flare and
incidental damage. However, not all lenses come with a lens
hood, especially compact and wide-angle lenses since a lens
hood might get in the way. This is why zoom lenses usually
have large lens hoods.
A lens hood allows you to minimize flare. While some specks of
light might make your photos more unique, more often they
spoil a whole shot. Besides, it might be difficult to remove them
during post-processing even if you use Photoshop or other
similar software.