subject: Dslr Photography Basics For Beginners [print this page] DSLR stands for digital single-lens reflex cameras. They are a combination of the traditional single lens reflex models and digital cameras, where photographic film is replaced with JPEG or RAW formatted file storage.
Single-lens reflex works with a series of mechanical maneuvers. The light works its way through the mounted lens at the front of the camera, which in turn bounces off of the reflex mirror, toward a matte focusing screen, and ultimately through a condenser lens to a pentaprism. This pentaprism aligns with the viewfinder so that you can see the image clearly. Behind the reflex mirror is a focal-plane shifter and image sensor. The reflex mirror's natural state is at a 45 degree angle between the external lens and the focusing screen, but when you click autofocus or manual focus the lens folds toward the screen allowing the light to interact with the focal-plane shifter and image sensor. This then notifies the camera mechanically to adjust the shutter for exposure. Basically this means that your photos get a much more precise light reading and they will come out clearer. It is a fool-proof imaging system for high quality photography.
The thing about DSLR cameras is that understanding how they work will improve the quality of the photos you take. If you can figure them out then nothing gets in your way of taking spectacular photos, except your own eye for composition and framing. Things you need to master are the proper use of interchangeable lenses and ISO settings.
The major interchangeable lenses are polarized, telephoto, and zoom. Polarizing lenses will help battle bright lighting and reflections, as well as create better definitions between indistinguishable horizons. Telephoto lenses are intended to reach farther ranges, but not in the same way as zoom. They collapse the field of depth. In other words, a telephoto lens is a long-focus lens in which the physical length of the lens is shorter than its focal length. And zoom lenses are intended for the sake of getting those steady close-ups you desire.
ISO refers to the film speed, traditionally, and the exposure necessary for a good shot. With digital cameras this refers to the sensor adjusting shutter speed to prevent your hand movement from causing blur in low light settings.
These cover the basics for beginning photographers. Trial and error can help you learn your settings and figure out what works best for your specific camera.
