A few years ago I wrote up a Digital Primer to help one of our nieces learn how to use her new camera. In it, I explained the camera in terms of various Components, explaining what each is, and what factors have to be considered for each.
Here’s a sample:
Component: Lens
What: That glass thing in front that forms the image, just like you study in science class
Factors:
- Focal length – measured in mm
- a longer focal length brings objects closer (telephoto) but takes in a narrower view
- a shorter focal length is the opposite – smaller objects but wider view
- telephoto lenses have less depth of field, meaning there is more in front of and behind the subject that will be blurry. You can use this to isolate the subject e.g. portrait in focus with flowers etc soft-focus in behind.
- A zoom lens has a range of focal lengths, usually from somewhat wide to somewhat telephoto – good all-purpose compromise
- Quality – almost any modern name-brand camera will have a good-quality lens, and you can upgrade over time
You can download the complete pdf here: Digital camera primer