COURSE OUTLINE:

MODULE 1: CAMERA & ITS OPERATION

UNIT 1: HISTORY & DEFINITION OF A CAMERA

UNIT 2: TYPES OF CAMERA

UNIT 3: COMPONENTS & FUNCTIONS OF A CAMERA

UNIT 4: UNDERSTANDING SHOOTING/EXPOSURE MODE

MODULE 2: LENSES

UNIT 1: HOW LENS WORKS

UNIT 2: DEFINING FACTORS OF A LENS

UNIT3: TYPES OF LENS

MODULE 3: EXPOSURE TRIANGLE

UNIT 1: Aperture

UNIT 2: ISO

UNIT 3: Shutter Speed

UNIT 4: Understanding the Exposure Triangle

UNIT 5: Depth of Field

UNIT 6: How Aperture & Lens Affects Depth of Field

LESSON 4: PHOTOGRAPHY & LIGHT

UNIT 1: Types of Light

UNIT 2: Quality of Light

UNIT 3: Angles of Light

UNIT 4: How Lighting Helps to Achieve Good Image

☆LESSON 5: FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY

• Types of Flash Lights

• When and How to Use Flash Lights

☆ LESSON 6: COMPOSITIONAL RULES (COMPOSITION)

UNIT 1: Rule of Thirds

UNIT 2: Leading Lines

UNIT 3 Symmetry & Patterns

UNIT 4: Repitition

UNIT 5: Shapes

UNIT 6: Negative Space

UNIT 7: Horizon Lines

☆ MODULE 7: PHOTOGRAPHIC MISTAKES TO AVOID & HOW TO GET OUT OF THEM

UNIT 1: HISTORY OF CAMERA

A Brief History of the Camera

Cameras have proven to be great tools for mass media, visual arts, and for that enjoyable past time of
being able to capture moments to remember. Whether you’re a professional or an amateur
photographer, knowing a bit more about the history of the camera can help you appreciate photography
and the tools that you use a little more.
The history of the camera has shown how today’s cameras are much different from what used to be
fairly crude looking instruments. It has been dominated by modern inventions like digital single lens
reflex cameras which are the improved versions of its more traditional single lens reflex siblings, digital
point and shoot cameras which you can carry conveniently in your pocket, and even smartphone
cameras which come as almost standard features of today’s many different smartphones.

These digital innovations added to photography history and the fast, ever changing world of technology
continues to improve the cameras that people use today. Let’s look at a brief history of the camera and
see just how much this gadget has evolved. But first things first…

What is a Camera?
Before moving along to the details of the history of the camera, let’s understand what a camera is first.
In the simplest terms, a camera is a device used to take photographs and is the main tool used for the
art of photography. Photography comes from the Greek words “photos” which means light, and
“graphein” which means “to draw”. This word in photography history was first used by Sir John F.W.
Herschel in 1839.
A camera therefore is a device which captures light and records the images by the action of light or
other related forms of radiation on a sensitive material. A camera makes use of lenses, mirrors, its own
light source, and the media on which the captured image can be saved. So now we know, in basic terms,
what a camera is, let’s get into the history of the camera in more detail.

The Evolution of the Camera

Photography history and the evolution of the camera as we know them today is kind of similar to that in
the sense that the very first versions of the camera, although considered ingenious in their time, had
been very crude instruments of photography compared to the advanced and even smart cameras that
people have today.

The very first “camera” was the camera obscura or the pinhole camera. This device in the timeline of
photography history is said to date back to the ancient Greeks and the ancient Chinese. The device
makes use of a pinhole to project the image but the resulting projection was upside down. It is said that
Alhazen or Ibn Al-Haytham, a great authority in the field of optics, was later on known in photography
history as the one who created the pinhole camera in 1000 AD.
In the earliest days of photography history, the camera obscura was used for watching solar eclipses,
most notably done by Reiners Gemma Frisius from the Leuven University in 1544. Giovanni Batista della
Porta recommended using this device as an aid for scientific drawings in 1544. It was in 1685 when
Johann Zahn envisioned the first small and portable camera which is closer to the smaller gadgets
known today.
Although crude, the camera obscura which was the first device in the history of the camera that showed
the first signs of the makings of a more advanced device which would lead to the development of
cameras as we know them today.

The First Compact Cameras

It is true that the Kodak and Brownie were affordable, but they weren’t very compact. Comfortable
handling and more portability would definitely be more attractive to more buyers who are interested in
creating photographs of their own.
Oskar Barnack decided to experiment with 35-mm cine film while simultaneously trying to make a
compact camera. His prototype camera was the 35-mm Ur-Leica which was developed in1913. Its
development was delayed because of the First World War though, but it was test-marketed from 1923
to 1924. It received positive feedback which resulted in commercial production of the “Leica 1” which
got its name from the first two letters of “Leitz” where Barnack worked, and “camera”. Today, Leica
cameras are sought after by most photographers as the pinnacle of photography equipment, but the
price tag that comes with a Leica means that for some, it’s just something to lust over.

TLRs and SLRs

In 1928, the Franke & Heidecke Rolleiflex TLR or twin-lens reflex camera was released and it was known
to have been the first practical reflex camera. TLRs and SLRs or single-lens reflex cameras have been
available for decades but both have been even bulkier than the box-type Kodak and other more
portable cameras. The Rolleiflex was different though, and it was compact enough to gain popularity in
the mass market. The TLR design then became popular for high as well as low-end cameras during those
years.

In 1933, the same revolution happened with the SLR when the Ihagee Exakta was released. This was a
127 rollfilm compact SLR which was followed three years later by the Kine Exacta, which was also known
as the Soviet “Sport” camera. The SLR gained immediate popularity and new models as well as more
innovative features were introduced back in those days.

After the First World War, the newest SLR innovation was having the eye-level viewfinder, which was
first featured on the Hungarian Duflex released in 1947. A year later, it was refined with the Contax S
which was the first camera to have used a pentaprism. Around the same time, the Hasselblad 1600F was
released and this set the standard for medium format SLRs for many years.
In 1952, the Asahiflex was introduced and this was made by the Asahi Optical Company who is now well
known for their Pentax cameras. In the 1950s, other Japanese camera makers entered the worldwide
market. These brands included cameras from Canon, Nikon, and Yashica. It was Nikon F that came with
interchangeable components and was called the first Japanese system camera. This helped establish
Nikon’s reputation as the manufacturer of professional-level cameras. Something they continue to have
today.

Enter Instant Cameras

The relationship between the printing method and development of cameras has been established in the
earlier models of cameras, and this relationship has not been forgotten. The Kodak required film to be
taken back to the factory, and the same applied for many other cameras when it came to developing the
photographs.

Conventional cameras steadily became more sophisticated, but come 1948, a completely new “breed”
of the camera was released. The Polaroid Model 95 was the very first instant-picture camera in the
world. It had also been known as the Land Camera since it was named after Edwin Land who created it.
It made use of a patented chemical process to come up with finished prints of the photos within just a
minute! You can imagine just how different and modern this concept was back then and it became a
really huge success because of this innovation.It was expensive, but despite the hefty price tag, the fact
that users can have their photos right then and there made all the difference. In the 1960s, there were
dozens of models for the Polaroid and they were met with huge success. The Model 20 Swinger released
in 1965 was largely successful and it remains to this day as one of the top-selling cameras of all time!

Today, there truly are a lot of cameras but having a Polaroid and those instant printouts prove to be a
novel experience for many. Unlike smartphone cameras which can give you photos limited to only the
amount of storage you have, a Polaroid snapshot may seem more unique because the resulting printout
is one of a kind.

The Arrival of Digital Cameras

In the history of the camera, instant cameras came after the film cameras and they are closer to the
digital cameras which we know today. These cameras are some of the most innovative ones in
photography history because these no longer use film for storing images, but make use of memory cards
or internal storage for keeping the photos. These photos of course can still be printed, but they can also
now be viewed on other gadgets which have display screens. Most, if not all, digital cameras have their
own display screens which can show the photos right after they are Compared to film cameras which
require printing the photos somewhere else, unless you have your own dark room or red room, these
digital cameras have lower costs. Because of this, film cameras have been limited to some niche
markets. There are still advantages when using film, but the expenses and other limitations make the
use of film much more laborious than the friendlier digital cameras.
There are a bounty of digital cameras and there are hundreds of models from many different brands.
They do however share some common properties which make them the popular gadgets they are today.

These properties includes:

• Being powered by rechargeable batteries
• Having more advanced settings for ISO, white balance, focus, shutter speed, and image resolution
among others
• Having display screens
• Having internal or removable storage systems

• Usually portable, digital cameras are used by a lot of people and can be one of the following:
• DSLR or digital single lens reflex cameras – These are quite bulky and often used by professionals but
are still more portable than its early ancestors.
• Point and shoot digital cameras – Pocket-sized and very user friendly, they are also more affordable
than DSLRs.

• Compact System Cameras – A cross between the DSLRs and point and shoots, they have less bulk but
can rival the shooting quality of DSLRs.
Modern digital camera features continue to amaze people especially when they are compared with the
cruder camera versions of photographic history. Some of these features include burst shots or having
several photos taken at intervals, capture timers for automatic shooting without anyone pressing the
capture button, built-in filters and colour selection, mood and shooting options, and several others.
Some cameras even have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity which allows for photo file transfers to other
devices for easier sharing.

Truly, cameras have come a long way from being something used to view a solar eclipse to gadgets
which are now used to share works of art or even the most random of captured moments. From being
used for scientific purposes to being used for minute-by-minute selfies or group pictures, the history of
the camera has truly seen many advancements through time and has become a part of how people
today preserve memories, in both digital and printed form.

Looking at how technology is advancing, it won’t be long before more huge innovations enter the world
of photography. Who knows, maybe we’ll be taking holographic images in the near future
UNIT 2:
TYPES OF CAMERA
1. COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERAS: This literally allow anyone to capture beautiful images by simply
pointing the camera at the subject and clicking the shutter. Also known as a point-and-shoot camera, it
is the most user-friendly of all camera types. It is smaller and lighter, and doesn’t require film or extra
lenses. It also does all the hard work of automatically adjusting its settings to deliver well-exposed
photos every time. You won’t have the freedom of adjusting the settings to your liking. However, with a
good artistic eye and a knack for composition, you should have no problem producing great photos.

This walk-around digital camera is incredibly handy and surprisingly very durable, which is why you’ll
probably still see people using their Canon and Sony digital compact cameras from over a decade ago. It
fits right in your pocket or a small camera pouch, so it’s the perfect choice for photography enthusiasts
who want to have the convenience of being able to take higher resolution snapshots (compared to most
smartphone cameras) whenever, wherever.

ADVANTAGES OF COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERAS

• Very User-friendly

• Light and Compact

• No need for Film or Extra Lenses

• Full Auto Mode

• More Affordable

DISADVANTAGES OF COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERAS

• Usually can’t customize Shutter Speed and Aperture

• Limited Aperture and Zoom Range

• Noisier Photos due to Small Sensor

• Lower Resolution

• Slower Focus

WHO IS THIS CAMERA BEST FOR?

Content creators or hobbyists who prefer a camera that performs well enough and provides lots of
optical zooms, and is portable and travel-friendly, without having to carry interchangeable lenses or any
other camera gear.

Top Option: The Panasonic LUMIC DC-ZS80D

The Panasonic LUMIC DC-ZS80D is a fantastic compact digital camera packed with features. It boasts a
30x optical zoom (equivalent to a 35mm camera lens of 24-720mm), 4K video shooting, a 3.0-inch
tiltable rear monitor for a variety of different angles and vlogging opportunities, as well as a sharp 24mm
ultra-wide angle lens, all in a pocket-size camera body that can travel wherever you go.

2. BRIDGE CAMERAS: In general, a bridge camera is “somewhere between” a point and shoot and an
interchangeable lens camera. It has a large zoom range, a viewfinder, and allows for some manual
control of settings. It’s ideal for someone who has “graduated” from a point and shoot but isn’t ready
yet to invest in an interchangeable lens camera (ILC) system or doesn’t want the inconvenience of
carrying around and changing multiple lenses.
Bridge cameras typically have image sensors that are smaller than those found in interchangeable lens
cameras but larger than in most point and shoots. Two of the more popular bridge cameras are the Sony
RX10 IV and Panasonic LUMIX DC-FZ1000M2. Both offer incredible focal length range (24-600mm for the
Sony and 25-400mm for the Panasonic) and fairly bright apertures. They also use a 1-inch sensor, which
will produce much better-quality images than from a typical point and shoot camera sensor. The Sony is
also weather sealed in case your photography adventures take you to harsh environments.

Bridge cameras often find themselves in the bags of travel photographers who want to capture a variety
of subject matter while keeping equipment to a minimum. As long as you’re comfortable with the
limitations of just one lens, smaller sensor size than most interchangeable lens cameras, and somewhat
slower operational speed, a bridge camera such as the Sony or Panasonic are good options.

ADVANTAGES OF BRIDGE CAMERAS

• A single camera and lens for most focal length needs

• Superior image quality to most point and shoot cameras

• Budget friendly when compared to and ILC and multiple lenses

• A good balance between portability and versatility

DISADVANTAGES OF BRIDGE CAMERAS:

• Single lens may not be ideal for specialized needs such as ultra-wide angle or extreme shallow depth of
field portrait photography

• Usually more expensive than simple point and shoots

• Most are still not “pocketable”

• Slower operational speed than ILC

WHO IS THIS CAMERA BEST FOR?

Content creators or hobbyists who prefer a camera that balances the benefits of a point-and-shoot with
the size and layout of a DSLR. Their superzoom capabilities paired with their wide angle base focal length
make them great options for travel and sightseeing as well.

Top Option: The Sony DSC-RX10 IV

The Sony DSC-RX10 IV is a top-of-the-line bridge camera with an impressive superzoom of 24-600mm
and a 1” stacked BSI-CMOS sensor. Its faster processor, borrowed from Sony’s flagship Sony A9 camera,
as well as phase-detect autofocus, and ability to shoot 4K footage, make it a fantastic choice for those
who prefer the balance between a point-and-shoot camera and DSLR camera that a bridge camera
provides.

3. DSLR (Digital Single Reflex Camera): This takes photos to the next level of image quality. This more
“serious” type of camera is best known for delivering remarkably sharp and spectacular images. It
produces beautiful background bokeh, and even high resolution videos with the help of their advanced
sensors, manual settings, and wide range of interchangeable lenses.

Today, professional photographers and videographers from around the world mostly use DSLRs (now
alternatively known as hybrid single reflex lens cameras or HDSLR) for commercial purposes. Many of
Canon’s and Nikon’s DSLR cameras are being used for capturing hi-res images for magazines and
billboards, and even full HD 1080p videos at up to 60fps for television shows and movies.

Pentax DSLRs are also well-known for being the perfect camera buddy for shooting under the most
difficult weather situations.

While they are considered high-end, there are more affordable entry-level DSLRs for beginners. They are
suitable for almost every kind of photography out there, so literally anyone—from hobbyists to event
and sports photographers—can opt for this type of camera.

There are two types of DSLRs: the full-frame or 35mm, and the crop sensor or APS-C.

A full-frame DSLR camera has a 36x24mm sensor, which typically yields better image quality and low-
light capability. They also tend to be more expensive than their crop sensor counterparts, which covers
less of the image projected by the lens due to the smaller sensor.

ADVANTAGES OF DSLRs:

• Fully Customizable Settings

• Large Sensors for Cleaner Images

• Optical Viewfinder

• High-Resolution Photo Output

• Full HD to UHD Video Output

• Wide Variety of Camera Body and Lens Choices

DISADVANTAGES OF DSLRs:

• Bigger and bulkier

• Higher cost

• Requires ample know-how

WHO IS THIS CAMERA BEST FOR?

Photographers, videographers, and content creators who prefer a DSLR design, robustness, and
superior battery life, over mirrorless and want access to a plethora of interchangeable lens options and
camera body options for all levels and experience

Top Option: The Nikon D850, Canon 5D Mark IV

The Nikon D850 has been considered by many to be one of the best full-frame DSLR cameras ever made,
specifically for professional photographers. Its high-resolution 45.7 MP backside-illuminated CMOS
sensor and 153-point AF system paired with a 180,000-pixel metering system make the Nikon D850
powerful, fast, and tact-sharp, producing brilliant imagery at the highest level..

4. MIRRORLESS CAMERAS: These are the latest in professional cameras. They are basically more
compact DSLRs without the internal mirror that reflects light onto the sensor.

What’s interesting about mirrorless cameras is that they are now capable of capturing incredible, high-
resolution images with even faster shutter speeds and record ultra HD videos that only the most
expensive, higher-end DSLRs can produce.

Overall, it’s a combination of two popular types of digital cameras—a point-and-shoot for its compact
size and somewhat simpler controls, and a DSLR for its interchangeable lenses and impressive output.
Similar to the DSLR, mirrorless cameras also come in two types: full-frame and crop sensor.

ADVANTAGES OF MIRRORLESS CAMERAS

• Electronic Viewfinder

• Smaller and Lighter

• Simpler Operation and Controls

• Faster and Better for Video

• Higher Video Quality even in Lower-end Models

• Shoots more images at faster shutter speeds

DISADVANTAGES OF MIRRORLESS CAMERAS

• Shorter Battery Life

• Slower Autofocus

WHO IS THIS TYPE OF CAMERA BEST FOR?

Photographers, videographers, and content creators who prefer the latest and greatest camera
technology that marries perfectly with the newest, most advanced lens on the market. They’re also
great for people that prefer a far more portable and travel-friendly option than a DSLR.

Mirrorless cameras are also far superior to DSLRs when it comes to video, so if you prioritize video
content or filmmaking, mirrorless cameras are for you.

Top Option: The Canon EOS R8

The Canon EOS R8 is a new full-frame mirrorless camera that offers a fantastic entry-level option that is
travel-friendly and Canon’s lightest full-frame mirrorless camera, but also feature-heavy, with specs like
a 24.2 MP full-frame CMOS image sensor, fast, accurate autofocus with head, face, and eye tracking, and
the ability to capture 4K 60p footage.

5. MEDIUM FORMAT CAMERAS: This section will focus on the digital version of medium format cameras,
which, in general, have sensor sizes that are smaller than film medium format. However, medium format
sensor size is larger than a full frame sensor, which generally translates to higher quality images.

Medium format cameras also produce shallower depth of field, produce smaller equivalent focal length,
and have more dynamic range when compared to a full frame camera. For example, on the Fuji GFX
100S medium format digital camera there is a crop or magnification factor of approximately 0.8.
Therefore, a 100mm lens for that camera would be equivalent to 80mm on a full frame sensor. Similarly,
if the aperture was set to f/4, the full frame equivalent would be about 3.2.

Because of the larger surface area of the sensor and typically larger pixel size, the resulting image quality
and noise profile is also better. Because medium format cameras are generally slower (e.g., autofocus
speed and frames per second) and produce much larger image files, they are usually not as well suited
for fast moving action (e.g., birds in flight) or sports photography. Medium format cameras are mainly
used for studio and landscape work. However, with evolving technology, this is changing.

ADVANTAGES OF MEDIUM FORMAT CAMERAS

• Excellent Image Quality

• Low Noise

• Higher Resolution

• Shallower Depth of Field for that “medium format look”

DISADVANTAGES OF MEDIUM FORMAT CAMERAS

• Generally, more expensive than full frame cameras

• Usually Physically Larger with larger/heavier lenses

• Lower Frames per second

• Slower to Autofocus

WHO IS THIS CAMERA BEST FOR?

Photographers that prefer higher resolution and better-quality images. Medium format cameras have
larger sensors than full-frame cameras, which allows for maxim resolution and higher image quality.

Top Option: The Fujifilm GFX50S II

The Fujifilm GFX50S II is one of the top medium format cameras ever made and is so impressive, it might
just make you rethink medium format. The GFX50S II sports a massive 51.4 MP sensor approximately
1.7x bigger than every full-frame camera sensor on the market. It’s light yet durable, weighing under 2
lbs with impressive weather-resistant construction, making it durable and lightweight enough to travel
anywhere with, and its impressive autofocus system and in-body stabilization make it a true winner as a
professional medium format camera, that can match up with the best cameras on the market.

6. ACTION CAMERAS: We’ve definitely seen the abundance and rising popularity of action cameras in
the past few years. Common action cameras like the GoPro can fit in the palm of your hand, but they’re
some of the most durable and versatile types of digital cameras that offer very high-resolution output.

A wide range of accessories like waterproof housing and mounts allow the user to attach action cameras
to helmets, bicycles, and even drones, which enable hands-free shooting in different types of situations.
This opens up a whole new world of photographic possibilities. This type of camera allows you to
capture impressive wide-angle photos and videos with sound from almost any angle and environment.
Take them underwater or on top of a mountain.

If you’re the adventurous or sporty type and simply want to take breathtaking photos and videos that
will “take you back” to those moments, action cameras are for you.

ADVANTAGES OF ACTION CAMERAS:

• Rugged and Compact

• Lightweight

• Versatile and Mountable on Almost any Surface

• Remote View and Shutter via Smartphone

DISADVANTAGES OF ACTION CAMERA

• Viewfinder too small, if available

• Exposure settings not fully customizable

• Fixed focus

• Limited Digital Zoom

WHO IS THIS TYPE OF CAMERA BEST FOR?

Content creators that want to capture a unique perspective of the activity, they are participating in,
through quality photos and videos. Because action cameras are so small and lightweight, they are easily
mountable to vehicles, gear, and even humans and animals, making content options endless.

Top Option: The GoPro HERO11 Black

GoPro pioneered the action camera and has been raising the bar to what action cameras are capable of
for years. Its latest action camera, the GoPro HERO11 Black, raised the bar even higher. With features
like 5.3K video, 27 MP photos, award-winning HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization, dual LCD screens, and
much more, the GoPro HERO11 Black might just be the best action camera ever

7. 360 CAMERA: The 360-degree camera takes half dome to full-circle panoramic photos and videos
using back-to-back lenses. Like action cameras, some of them are also water resistant and mountable on
many surfaces, such as on top of cars, helmets, or drones. Above all, they take the most realistic pictures
and videos with stunning panoramic views that you can truly immerse yourself in, virtual reality style.

It’s a very good camera choice for taking vacation photos that you can proudly show off to your loved
ones and on social media. After all, we still can’t get enough of this new Google Streetview-style
photography and videography. However, because of its non-traditional output, images cannot be
printed unless they are cropped as a rectangular panoramic frame.
It can also be a challenge to produce perfect panoramic shots because a lot can go wrong with the image
stitching and composition (especially since it’s hard to hide the camera director in the shots). But when
it works, the results can be truly exceptional.

While mostly geared toward hobbyists, professional photographers can also benefit from this type of
camera if they wish to create highly unique, immersive digital photos that allow them to capture a
certain scene from all angles.

ADVANTAGES OF 360 CAMERAS

• Small and lightweight

• Versatile and mountable on almost any surface

• Takes very realistic 360-degree photos and videos

• Allows live view or streaming

DISADVANTAGES OF 360 CAMERAS

• Lower Resolution Output

○ Sensitive to camera shake and blurring

• Fixed Focus

• Limited Digital “pinch” zoom, if available

• Can be challenging to frame shots

• For Digital Viewing Only

WHO IS THIS CAMERA BEST FOR?

Content creators who want to capture unique photo and video content and prefer the 360 content look.

Top Option: The Ricoh THETA SC2 4K 360 Camera

Gone are the days of complicated 360 cameras. The Ricoh THETA SC2 4K 360 Camera makes 360 content
easy with its simple and sophisticated design and front button operation. Its two ultra-wide lenses, each
with a 1/2.3 CMOS sensor allow for improved image quality and even 4K 360 footage, all in a portable,
lightweight design and reasonable price.
8. FILM CAMERA: Film cameras may seem outdated in our new digital world, but they are by no means
obsolete. There are many types of film cameras and they provide more artistic output than ever before.
Much to the delight of film photography enthusiasts, there are still classic 35mm film cameras being sold
today with improved bodies and enhanced capabilities.

The younger generation has learned to love film cameras, thanks to the birth of instant and lomography
cameras, which produces (and sometimes prints out) vintage-style photos with vignettes and Instagram-
style “filters” with every click of the shutter. Rangefinder cameras, which manually measure subject
distance, have been improved while retaining the vintage body and analog settings.

Medium format film cameras provide an even bigger surface frame (up to 4 times bigger than the usual
35mm, but smaller than large format) and is widely-used by gallery artists for its capability to develop
huge prints without losing image quality and to capture natural-looking, wide-angle shots as our eyes
actually see them in the real world.

Film cameras obviously require more hard work in achieving your desired images, but they are loved for
their unmatched ability to produce gorgeous, artistic photos that are great for galleries and photo
albums. Follow our guide to film photography to begin your journey.

ADVANTAGES OF FILM CAMERAS

• Image Resolution and Size (for medium and large format)

• Beautiful, Artistic Photos

• Vintage-looking Hardware

• Cheap, good quality lenses

DISADVANTAGES OF FILM CAMERAS

• Analog Settings

• Expensive and Recurring Film Cost

• No Internal Light Meter

• Risk of Parallax, focus, and exposure errors

WHO IS THIS TYPE OF CAMERA BEST FOR?

Photographers who like or prefer the timeless, vintage look of film photography, and/or want to learn
how to master exposure settings

Top Option: The Yashica MF-2 Super DX 35mm Film Camera

The Yashica MF-2 Super DX 35mm Film Camera is an affordable film camera that offers a vintage, 90s-
inspired look to your images. Its compact point-and-shoot design allows you to take it with you in your
camera bag, as the perfect sidekick to your main camera, and its easy-to-use exposure settings allow the
user to learn and master the fundamental rules of

9. INSTANT CAMERAS: In recent years, instant film has made a strong resurgence. There are a variety of
reasons why you should consider purchasing an instant camera. The biggest benefit of an instant
cameras is it allows you to give a physical copy (print) of the image to anyone right after taking the
picture. This feature alone has changed the way many photographers approach their craft, such as event
or wedding photography. Instant cameras also appeal to the casual photographer who might want to
handout keepsakes at a family gathering or when out with friends. With the recent concentration on
social media privacy and growing mistrust for on-line digital distribution of images, an instant camera
seems to have found a home with the younger generation of photographers who prefer to keep physical
versions of the images over digital ones.

There are several brands of Instant cameras, with Fujifilm Instax being one of the most popular. The mini
version will produce images about the size of a credit card while Instax Wide will allow you to print a size
approximately double that. Both color and black and white media are available. Buying the paper in bulk
can make the price of individual prints quite affordable.

ADVANTAGES OF INSTANT CAMERAS

• Instant physical prints

• Great for gatherings and parties

• Durable Media

• Various sizes available

• Color or Black and White media

• Cons of Instant Cameras:

• Print is generally not as detailed as from a dedicated photo printer

• Dynamic range and colors are also not as good as lab prints
• Different sizes are available but are usually still no larger than 5” x 7”

WHO IS THIS TYPE OF CAMERA BEST FOR?

Content creators or hobbyists who want to create a physical image of a moment for mementos,
keepsakes, or scrapbooking. They might not take the best image possible, but the instant gratification of
physical print is something many people love.

Top Option: The INSTAX MINI 12 Instant Camera

The INSTAX MINI 12 Instant Camera is a fun, vibrant instant camera that offers plenty of fun color
options alongside easy-to-use controls, modes, and automatic exposure, making sure you never miss a
moment. Just simply aim and click, and you have a fun, physical image that documents the memories
you want to

10. SMARTPHONE CAMERAS: We all know the adage that the best camera is the one you have with you.
This saying isn’t truer than for the smartphone cameras. Arguably, the most significant advances in
digital photography in recent years have been in smartphone cameras. According to many online
sources, images taken with smartphone cameras vastly outnumbers those taken by any other format.

Computational photography allows for sought after features such as simulated shallow depth field,
automatic blending of files to produce noise free images, and easy removal of unwanted elements from
photos. The latest generation of cameras on iPhones and Android devices allow for incredible zooming
capabilities, RAW image capture, and 8K video, just to name a few features.

Many apps are also available for photo editing to further enhance the look and quality of images from a
smartphone. Although the sensors on these are usually tiny compared to dedicated cameras, the
advanced software features and integration of hardware allow them to overcome this handicap.

Modern smartphones also come with several lenses build in, both in front and at the rear. It is not
uncommon to have a 12 – 40 MP selfie camera and up to 108 MP rear facing sensors. The lenses range
from ultra-wide to extreme telephoto. You can also buy mobile add-on lenses for improved photo
abilities.

Strong built-in image stabilization has allowed many smartphones to produce handheld night shots that
are noise free and well exposed, something impossible to do just a few years ago.

ADVANTAGES OF SMARTPHONE CAMERAS:

• Always with you

• Robust computational photography features

• Variety of built-in lenses

• Instant Sharing

DISADVANTAGES OF SMARTPHONE CAMERAS

• In certain situations, computational photography can’t overcome downsides of a small sensor

• Only prime lenses available with digital zooming between focal lengths “Digital” look to images

WHO IS THIS TYPE OF CAMERA BEST FOR?

Content creators who want a powerful content creation tool, but don’t want to lug around or invest in
camera gear. For many, smartphones, like the iPhone 14 Pro, provide more than enough photo and
video features to create quality, engaging, and exciting content for social media and more.

Top Option: iPhone 14 Pro/14 Pro Max

The iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max offer image and video quality that is so good, it’ll make you question
if it was really shot from a phone. Offering image quality up to 48 MP with Apple ProRAW and video
features like 4K 60p and Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR 30p, with some of the best low light
performance of any phone camera to date, the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max is a must for any content
creator.

11. DIGITAL CINEMA CAMERA: Digital cinema cameras are specialized cameras designed specifically for
professional filmmaking and video production. Unlike consumer-grade cameras, digital cinema cameras
are built with larger sensors, higher resolutions, and more advanced features to capture cinematic
footage with exceptional quality.One of the main features of digital cinema cameras is their ability to
capture video in high resolutions such as 4K or even 8K, which allows for greater detail and clarity in the
final image.

Digital cinema cameras also offer advanced color grading options, which allow filmmakers to fine-tune
the color and contrast of their footage to create a particular aesthetic. They often also support the RAW
format, which provides the highest quality image and the most flexibility in post-production. Overall,
digital cinema cameras are essential tools for professional filmmakers and video producers who demand
the highest quality and performance from their equipment.
ADVANTAGES OF DIGITAL CINEMA CAMERAS

• High resolution for greater detail and clarity

• Larger sensors than consumer cameras

• Advanced color grading options

• Supports the RAW format

• Robust construction and ergonomic controls for precise handling and control

DISADVANTAGES OF DIGITAL CINEMA CAMERAS

• Higher initial cost

• Requires greater battery power to run

• Less direct control over exposure settings

WHO IS THIS TYPE OF CAMERA BEST FOR?

Filmmakers and content creators who want the highest level of video quality possible, for client work,
film projects, and more. Digital cinema cameras are the future and offer the latest technology in video,
so while they come with a hefty price tag, they are well worth the investment.

Top Option: The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro

The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro is one of the most affordable, compact, feature-
packed, digital cinema cameras on the market today. The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K
Pro’s ability to shoot 6K footage with 13 stops of dynamic range and dual native ISO up to 25,600 allows
it to capture stunning footage, no matter the light conditions. Its smart, functional features like an
adjustable 5-inch LCD, built-in ND filters, two mini XLR audio inputs, and fantastic battery life make it a
winner as a cinema camera for run-and-gun filming

12. DRONE CAMERA: Drones have become an indispensable tool for photographers and videographers
alike. They offer a unique perspective that is impossible to achieve with traditional camera equipment,
giving professionals access to stunning aerial views that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to
capture. Drones are highly maneuverable, allowing photographers to reach tight spaces and difficult-to-
access areas, making them ideal for capturing images of landscapes, buildings, and other subjects that
are challenging to photograph.
Drones can cover a large area in a short amount of time, making them an ideal tool for capturing images
of large events or landscapes. This makes them a cost-effective tool for aerial photography, as they can
capture high-quality footage quickly and efficiently.

ADVANTAGES OF DRONE CAMERAS

• Unique perspective and ability to capture aerial views

• Highly maneuverable and can reach tight spaces and difficult-to-access areas

• Equipped with high-quality stabilization systems

• Able to cover a large area in a short amount of time

• Advanced safety features, such as collision avoidance systems and GPS tracking

DISADVANTAGES OF DRONE CAMERAS

• Pilots are now required to be fully certified with the FAA

• Prosumer and pro-level drones still can’t match up to the quality of professional mirrorless or digital
cinema cameras

• Limited or unusable in poor weather conditions and extreme temperatures

• Drones are quite noisy and polarizing and can cause unwanted, negative attention

WHO IS THIS TYPE OF CAMERA BEST FOR?

Drones are made for a multitude of people. From hobbyist pilots to professional content creators and
FPV pilots, drones offer something for just about anyone that loves to fly and offer a unique, bird’s eye
perspective that is powerful, valuable, and engaging.

Top Option: The DJI Mavic 3 Classic

The DJI Mavic 3 Classic offers a more affordable option in the DJI Mavic 3 series, without losing out on
the top features that make this drone series so impressive. The DJI Mavic 3 Classic offers a powerful
Hasselblad-designed, professional-grade 4/3 CMOS sensor that provides incredible dynamic range and
low-light performance, the ability to shoot footage up to 4K 120p at 10-bit D-log, an impressive 46-
minute max flight time, and more, all the portable, foldable quadcopter drone design we know and love.
The Mavic 3 series is the next phase in the evolution of drone content, and the DJI Mavic 3 Classic is a
fantastic choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike..
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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UNIT 3
COMPONENTS & FUNCTIONS OF A CAMERA
1. Camera Body: The casing of the camera which holds the camera parts.

2. Lens: It draws the light into the camera and focuses it on the film plane.

3. Shutter Release Button: The button that releases or "trips" the shutter mechanism.

4. Mode Dial: This dial allows you to select a shooting mode, automatic or manual or a choice between
one of the pre-defined settings.

5. Viewfinder: The "window" through which you look to frame your picture.

6. Aperture Ring: Found around the old manual lens of SLR camera thisis used to select an aperture
opening.

7. Focusing Ring: This can also be found around the lens of a DSLRcamera. This is turned to manually
focus the lens.

8. LCD Display: In some compact cameras this acts as the viewfinder.

9. Flash: It provides an instantaneous burst of bright light to illuminate apoorly lit scene.

10. Control Buttons: Usually includes a set of directional keys and a fewother buttons to activate certain
functions and menus, this is used to letusers interact with the camera's computer system.

11. Zoom Ring: Usually the larger of the lens rings, turning the zoom ring zooms the lens in or out.

12. Delete Button: Denoted by a universal trash can icon, pressing this button will let you delete a photo
from your memory card during playback. Every manufacturer does it a bit differently, but it won’t ever
be a one-touch process. You will have to press the button twice, or another button — like the OK button
— afterward to confirm your decision.
• Automatic (Auto)

This is your default setting for digital cameras. This setting automatically sets the

camera’s flash and focus by using the normal, average exposure settings. Nothing

fancy, but consistent.

• Lightning (Flash)

This controls the flash setting. Generally it includes...

Auto Flash - Camera determines when the flash will fire

Flash On - Forces the flash to fire when the shutter is released

Flash Off - Forces the flash to remain off

Red Eye Reduction - Fires a pre-flash to minimize the amount of red light reflected in the eyes

• Flower (Close-up or Macro)

The macro function allows you to shoot objects very close-up and still maintain focus. For subjects closer
than 50cm-ish... this is great for flowers, bugs, small details, finger tips, toes and eyes.

• Portrait

Use this when photographing people and faces. It minimizes the depth of field by

blurring out the background a greater sense of focus on your subject’s face.

• Landscape

Use this setting when photographing distant subjects or landscapes. It will maximize

your depth of field and provide focus across the whole scene. Best not to use flash

with this setting.

• Running Man (Sport Mode)

This is the best setting foroving subjects that you would like to freeze in action. It

sets the shutter speed on your camera its fastest setting.

• Night Portrait

This is a personal favourite... it is for portraits or subjects shot in low light or at night. It fires the flash to
illuminate your main subject and uses an extended shutter speed to draw as much ambient light as
possible from the scene. Try pressing the shutter to release the flash and then moving the camera
around while it exposes - you will have a ball creating some crazy blurry portraits.

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_________

UNIT 4:
EXPOSURE MODES
Exposure Mode determines how the camera sets shutter speed and aperture when adjusting exposure.
There are generally four modes available...
• Manual (M): Gives you complete control over the camera’s aperture and shutter speed. This is ideal
but takes plenty of brain-space to complete successfully.

• Aperture-Priority Auto (A): This is where you manually set the camera’s aperture and allow the
camera to automatically control the shutter speed for you. By doing so you control the amount of focus
in the image.

• Shutter-Priority Auto (S): Here you manually set the shutter speed and allow the camera to control
the aperture. This is ideal when controlling movement in the scene is your primary goal.

• Programmed Auto (P)

Simply auto mode for the SLR (Single Lens Reflex). The camera will automatically determine the aperture
and shutter speed to average exposure settings.

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MODULE 2

UNIT 1:
 HOW LENS WORKS
Lenses are one of the most important components in cameras. Even though the image making happens
inside the camera body and on the film itself, the lens is what handles the light and determines the
quality of the resulting image. You can’t really hope to take a picture without a lens, so it is important to
understand how they work.

A lens is basically an assembly of different elements which help focus light onto the film and remove any
aberrations. You can attain decent exposure using a simple pinhole camera, but it will not be of high
quality. In fact, it’ll appear blurry. Although such imagery has its own quaint charm, it is not what’s
always desired. Plus, you can’t increase the size of the hole to get a coherent image.

In its simplest form, a lens places a glass convex lens where the pinhole is so the aperture can be opened
wide to let more light in and make faster exposures. Through the lens, the light can still be properly
focused to get a sharp image. But it’s really not that simple, lens assemblies are complex and have
various other glass elements that help fine tune the quality of the image further.

UNIT 2:

DETERMINANTS OF LENSES (FOCAL LENGHTS & APERTURE)

The main factors that are used to define lenses are focal length and aperture, which control the angle of
view and amount of light respectively. Various lenses play with these two elements to help produce
quality photographs.

1.Focal Length
In simple words, focal length is the distance between the optical center and the film plane. The optical
plane is the point where multiple rays of light from the object entering the camera converge or cross
over. You might ask why this matters. Well, this distance is what determines your angle of view, as well
as the magnification of the image.

What this means is that the wider the angle of view is, the shorter the focal length becomes. Imagine
this as two triangles pointing at each other with the two bases being the object and the film plane. The
wider these get, the shorter the height of the triangles. In the same way, a narrower field of view would
be achieved with a longer focal length.
Lenses are distinguished by focal length—the greater the number, the longer the lens. When your
subject is far away and you want to bring it in closer in the frame, use a longer lens with a long focal
length. With a long-focal-length lens, you’re reaching out and grabbing a single point in the landscape;
with a shorter focal length, you’re showing much more of the world, a wider view.

Focal length can also determine subject magnification, especially where lenses have variable focal
lengths as in a zoom lens. As you increase or decrease the focal length, the subject can start looking
smaller or bigger. In certain cases, the focal length also affects perspective, mostly in architectural or
landscape shots where the subject fills the frame. Shorter depth of field can elongate perspective,
making closer objects look much closer and bigger, and objects further away looking distant and smaller.

On the other hand, longer depth of field can flatten or compress the subject. Focal length is measured in
millimeters, and is used as the lens name. For example, 50 mm or 200 mm. Different lenses have
different focal lengths. Wide angle lenses have a very short focal length, usually between 10 mm and 42
mm, whereas telephoto lenses have anything between 100 mm and 800 mm.

2. Aperture
The second most important element is the aperture, which a lot of you may already know a bit about
since it is an integral part of controlling exposure. The aperture is the lens opening which controls the
amount of light that enters the camera and also determines your depth of field. It is denoted by an f
number, which looks like f/n or f:n. f is not focal length, and the number reflects the diameter of the
opening. However, this confuses a lot of people since the number decreases to denote a larger opening.

The reason for this is that f/n is basically an equation of sorts which gives you the diameter. So if your
focal length is 50 mm, and your aperture is closed down to 22, your aperture diameter is 50÷22=2.27
mm. Subsequently, every time the number decreases, the diameter would increase as the focal length is
divided by a smaller number and vice versa.
Usually the lens will come with its widest possible aperture printed on it, which is because this is usually
more important when considering flexibility in terms of exposure and depth of field. Lenses with wider
maximum apertures (smaller f numbers) are considered to be faster as you get more light in. This results
in the ability to shoot images at faster shutter speeds. This is of course desirable especially for low light
situations. Prime lenses tend to be faster lenses, while zoom lenses may have a range of maximum
apertures, which denotes the maximum apertures at different focal lengths.

Minimum apertures are usually not mentioned on lenses because most people never use them due to
blurring affects caused by lens diffraction. Similarly, it is advisable to shoot as 1 or 2 stops down from the
maximum aperture for the best results. However, it is always desirable for a lens to have a wide range of
apertures for flexibility in exposure setting.

UNIT 3:
TYPES OF LENSES

Variations of these factors in lenses should determine the type and quality of lens and pictures you get.
A basic standard lens which sees the way our eyes see is different for different formats. 50 mm lenses
are normal for a 35 mm SLR camera, while for a medium format 6x6 camera an 80 mm lens would give
you a natural perspective. For the 4x5 format that fits a large format camera, a 150 mm focal lens is the
normally preferred choice. However, this is not all that determines the types of lenses. Here’s a brief list
of the main types of lenses:
• Prime Lenses: Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, which means you cannot zoom in and out. Prime
lenses are considered to be of a much higher quality than zoom lenses and are easier on the wallet. You
also have the advantage of higher maximum apertures which means they perform really well in low light
settings.

• Zoom Lenses: Zoom lenses offer a range of focal lengths, for example 24 – 200 mm. The obvious
benefit is more control and flexibility in terms of perspective and composition, but you should know
having a zoom lens does not mean you can shoot pictures while moving around. Zoom lenses are useful
when you want a tighter shot or want to move in close without cropping the subject, but they should
not be an excuse for a lazy shot. It is still recommended you use your legs more than the zoom. With
zoom lenses you have to compromise on quality, however, the various extra elements available mean
you have limited aperture settings and lesser light to work with.

• Wide Angle :As mentioned, lenses with shorter focal lengths are called wide angle lenses because of
the wider field of view they provide. These are usually 10 mm to 42 mm, and can be prime as well as
zoom. Zoom lenses may provide both wide angle and telephoto focal lengths depending on the range
they have. These are ideal for landscapes and architectural shots, and are great for getting all the
elements in a large area in, but of course there are no rules and you may use them for any purpose.
They give an interesting perspective with certain subjects because of how they elongate the perspective.
They also have a deep depth of field.

• Telephoto Lenses: Telephoto lenses have a longer focal length, ranging from 100 to up to 800 mm.
These lenses can see great distances and provide a shallower depth of field. The field of view here is also
much narrower and they tend to compress the perspective and make things appear closer to each other.
All of this makes them ideal for wildlife, sports, and portrait photography. Again, these can be prime as
well as zoom lenses.

• Macro Lenses: Macro lenses are used mainly for close-up or macro photography. They allow for sharp
focus at very close distances while objects further off would be completely out of focus. Their focal
length ranges from 50 to 200 mm, and they are used to photograph tiny objects with extreme clarity.