Everyone thinks that the 'clarity' of the image depends on the mega-pixel of the camera, as I had mentioned earlier. That's is a big misconception! It depends on three main elements of the photograph- Aperture, ISO and Shutter speed. These three make up the Exposure Triangle. The most basic knowledge that a photographer must have, is that of the exposure triangle. These three affect the light reaching the sensor. They are used to maintain the exposure required.
Most of the photography-tricks are based on these three elements. Let's see what these mean.
ISO:
ISO is the sensitivity of the sensor (inside the camera) to light. It controls the amount of light hitting the sensor. A higher ISO setting gives us a brighter image. But chances are, that the photo becomes grainy. Have you ever wondered why most of your night-time images tend to be grainy? Well that's because the camera automatically sets a higher ISO, and a lower shutter speed. But let's get to that later.
Aperture or f-stop:
Aperture literally means a hole. In this case, it means the hole inside the camera, through which the light hits the sensor. This may sound a bit confusing, but let me try to put it in simple terms-
A smaller f-value means a larger opening and vice versa.
Smaller f-values, say f/2.8 or f/3.5 can be used for Macro shots. This is to get a shallow depth of field. (Much like isolating the subject) Using a lower aperture can brighten the image.
If you want to do landscapes, use a higher f-value like f/22 or f/32. This creates a deep depth of field and darkens the image.
Shutter speed:
Shutter speed is the amount of time the camera shutter is open. If the shutter speed is low, the image is brighter, and you can guess the opposite. Normal point-and-shoot cameras have a shutter ranges between 15s to 1/8000s. Today's DSLRs have the bulb mode, which can be used to set more longer shutter speeds.
Lower shutter speeds require a tripod because hand-held shots may tend to get blurry.A long-exposure means that the shutter is open for a long time. Stop-motion photography is the opposite.
Now, when you set a camera into Auto mode, what it does, is to try and balance the exposure by changing these three values. Sometimes when you return from a friend's party and look back at the photos, they look all blurry. This is because the camera automatically sets a lower shutter speed because you are indoor and there is low light. It spoils the photograph. This is where you raise the ISO. But if you raise it, you're shots get all grainy.
So, finding the right combination of these three elements is the key to getting the most out of your camera. This is what affects the 'clarity' and quality of the photographs.
This one should probably sum up the whole idea:
(Courtesy: Living in the stills)
Most of the photography-tricks are based on these three elements. Let's see what these mean.
TIP #1: Get out of the Auto-mode. Don't be afraid to try the Manual.
ISO:
ISO is the sensitivity of the sensor (inside the camera) to light. It controls the amount of light hitting the sensor. A higher ISO setting gives us a brighter image. But chances are, that the photo becomes grainy. Have you ever wondered why most of your night-time images tend to be grainy? Well that's because the camera automatically sets a higher ISO, and a lower shutter speed. But let's get to that later.
TIP #2: Use the lowest ISO setting possible.
Aperture or f-stop:
 |
| " Lost faith.. " (A macro shot) **Aperture: f/3.5** |
A smaller f-value means a larger opening and vice versa.
Smaller f-values, say f/2.8 or f/3.5 can be used for Macro shots. This is to get a shallow depth of field. (Much like isolating the subject) Using a lower aperture can brighten the image.
If you want to do landscapes, use a higher f-value like f/22 or f/32. This creates a deep depth of field and darkens the image.
TIP #3: Higher f-stop for Landscape, lower f-stop for Macro.
Shutter speed:
 |
| " Majestic! " **Shutter speed: 1/1000** |
Shutter speed is the amount of time the camera shutter is open. If the shutter speed is low, the image is brighter, and you can guess the opposite. Normal point-and-shoot cameras have a shutter ranges between 15s to 1/8000s. Today's DSLRs have the bulb mode, which can be used to set more longer shutter speeds.
Lower shutter speeds require a tripod because hand-held shots may tend to get blurry.A long-exposure means that the shutter is open for a long time. Stop-motion photography is the opposite.
TIP #4: Lower shutter speeds for longer exposures.
Now, when you set a camera into Auto mode, what it does, is to try and balance the exposure by changing these three values. Sometimes when you return from a friend's party and look back at the photos, they look all blurry. This is because the camera automatically sets a lower shutter speed because you are indoor and there is low light. It spoils the photograph. This is where you raise the ISO. But if you raise it, you're shots get all grainy.
So, finding the right combination of these three elements is the key to getting the most out of your camera. This is what affects the 'clarity' and quality of the photographs.
This one should probably sum up the whole idea:
(Courtesy: Living in the stills)
