Camera Parts and Their Function

Cameras on the market today come in many different shapes and forms. Digital cameras, point-

and-shoot, and single-lens reflex are just a few of the types available. While the parts of a camera

will vary from model to model, basic parts are found on virtually every camera. An

understanding of these basics will help you to know your way around most cameras you

encounter.
Lens

The lens, which is made of glass, is used to let light into the camera. Some cameras have a
single, built-in lens while others have detachable lenses. The type of lens you use affects the
appearance of the image. Some lenses create distortion, while others create a very close
approximation to what is seen with the human eye.

Zoom Elements

If you just bought your first ever camera, chances are you got a zoom lens with it. Zoom lenses
allow you to shift between focal lengths, from wide to telephoto, depending on your lens’ focal
range, by turning the lens rings.

Pentaprism

The pentaprism is a mirror placed at a 45-degree angle behind the camera lens. The mirror
projects the light captured from the lens to the viewfinder. Before pentaprisms were introduced,
photographers always had to look downwards when taking photos, which is not ideal for some
subjects and would only allow you to take photos at hip-level. Pentaprisms got rid of this
problem and now defines single-lens reflex or SLR cameras.

Focusing Screen

A camera’s Focusing Screen is the glass surface on which the camera’s mirror projects the
image. The focusing screen helps in achieving various focus effects such as sharp and high-
contrast shots to blurs and bokeh.
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.

Autofocus System

One of the advantages that digital cameras have over traditional film cameras is their ability to
focus on a particular subject quickly and automatically. This is made possible thanks to the
autofocus sensor, one of the parts of a camera lens that sends information to the computer inside
the camera and commands the lens to adjust its focusing elements to render a sharp image.

Condenser Lens

A condenser lens is a part made up of two matching convex lenses. This part uses a simple
method for correcting color fringing or aberration that is a common problem encountered when
using traditional camera lenses.

Digital Sensor

The digital sensor of a camera is one of its most delicate parts. This sensor captures the light
coming from the lens to create an image. Modern cameras use either a charged-coupled device
(CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) imager for capturing images.
Shutter

The camera shutter is an opaque piece of metal or plastic that controls the amount of light that
reaches the camera sensor. The length of which your shutter stays open will determine how your
exposure will look like. You can activate this using the shutter release button and adjust it
accordingly using your camera’s shutter speed setting.

Display/ LCD Screen

The camera display shows the user helpful information about the photos and the camera. Here
you will see the different camera settings you can tweak to alter your exposure, ISO, shutter
speed, and more. You can also access other menus using this display to change the settings on
your camera. Most camera displays nowadays let you see how your image will appear before you
press the shutter release button. This feature revolutionized digital cameras as it helps
photographers in creating consistent shots.

Electronics

Your camera’s electronic components can be divided into three separate categories: photo
capture components, camera controller, and user interface components. The camera controller
elements control all the electronic components of the camera. Its photo capture elements are
responsible for the recording of images, while the user interface elements are responsible for
letting the user interact with and control the camera.

Reflex and Relay Mirror

The reflex mirror is found in any SLR or DSLR camera. Unlike rangefinder cameras, the lens of
a DSLR camera is not on the same axis as the lens, which is why this type of camera needs a
mirror. The reflex mirror is a mirror positioned at a 45-degree angle to reflect light from the lens
to the viewfinder, enabling you to see what the lens sees.
Aperture

Aperture is considered to be one of the three pillars of determining the exposure of your
photographs. The aperture is the opening in your camera lens through which light passes
through. This part is made up of small, thin blades that shrink or expand depending on how much
light you want in your exposure. It also determines the depth of field of your camera, which is a
vital factor in how much background blur you want.

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.

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.

Batteries

Lastly, the battery is one of the most important parts of the camera, as most of its components
will not work if not powered by one. Having a long-lasting battery lets you shoot more photos
and shoot for extended periods, allowing you to find the perfect shot.