Camera Components and Functions

Front

Lens

Back

A piece of optical glass attached to a camera that focuses light onto the sensor or film to create an image.

Front

Focal Length

Back

The distance (in millimeters) between the lens and the image sensor when the subject is in focus. It affects how zoomed in or wide the photo appears.

Front

Aperture

Back

The adjustable opening in a lens that controls how much light enters the camera. It also affects depth of field.

Front

Shutter

Back

A device inside the camera that opens and closes to control the length of time light hits the sensor.

Front

ISO

Back

A setting that controls the camera sensor's sensitivity to light. Having a higher ISO helps in low light but can introduce more noise.

Front

Stop Action

Back

A technique using a fast shutter speed to freeze motion and capture a moving subject sharply.

Front

Depth Of Field

Back

The range of distance in a photo that appears sharp. A shallow depth of field means only a small part is in focus, while a deep depth of field keeps more of the image sharp.

Front

Shutter Release

Back

The button on a camera that you press to take a photo, which triggers the shutter to open and close.