Digital Photography Technology

Photographic exposure is the key to a good, quality photograph. There are four parameters that are involved in photographic exposure. The light source intensity, shutter speed, lens opening, and the speed of the sensor in digital cameras or film speed. If applicable, all attribute to photographic exposure.

Light, if outdoors, is basically fixed. It can not be changed, except for moving from an open area to a shaded area. Time of day will change the light, along with the density of the clouds. Otherwise, make use of what is available.

Digital sensors and film are both rated in speed. The lower the number, the more light is needed to get the proper exposure. When using a higher end digital camera, sensor speed is adjustable. When using roll or sheet film, speed is a set value for each type of film. Digital sensor and film speeds are directly comparable to each other. The higher the speed, there is more chance for a grainy photo.

Shutter speeds in most film cameras are adjustable, except for the very low end cameras. In low end digital cameras, the shutter speed is automatically adjusted. In the higher end digital cameras, the shutter speed can be automatic manually adjustable, depending on the photographer.

Lenses, like shutters, are also adjustable. They can be adjusted for the amount of light that passes through the lens to the camera, focusing for distance, and changing focal length, which then varies the magnification.

A well exposed photograph depends on the amount of light that is presented to the sensor or film. With the sensor or film set to a specific speed, the shutter and lens are adjusted according to the amount of light on the subject. The automatic exposure control keeps the amount of light at the proper level.

All digital cameras have a built in exposure metering system which has made picture taking easy. The systems are remarkably accurate, but under certain conditions they can be fooled and an over or under exposed picture will result. The low end digital cameras have no adjustments, they just take the picture. The higher end cameras can all be fully automatic or manual. This give the photographer complete control of the camera system.

Many cameras have a built in flash which will become operative when the light level is to low. This allows a picture to be taken under any conditions.

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