Questions+for+Jim


 * //Jim, can you explain how the aperture changes the picture?//**

By itself (see note below), if you adjust the aperture to a larger number (example: F22) this will allow LESS light to the sensor because the aperture is smaller. A smaller F number (F2.8) will allow MORE light to the sensor because the aperture is larger. LESS light means a darker exposure, MORE light means a lighter exposure. Also, a larger F number (small aperture) will give you a greater depth-of-field, whereas a smaller F number (large aperture) provides a shallow depth-of-field.

Note: If the camera is operating in anything other than Manual mode, when you adjust the aperture, the camera will adjust the shutter speed to give you an optimal exposure. // Here is an example of shallow depth of field caused by a large aperture, F2.8: // media type="custom" key="5575613"


 * //Also, can you explain how the shutter speed changes the picture?//**

Again, by itself (see note below), if you adjust the shutter speed to a larger number (example: 1000) this will allow comparatively LESS light to the sensor because the shutter is open 1/1000th of a second. A smaller number (60) will allow MORE light to the sensor because the shutter is open a longer time, 1/60th of a second. Again, LESS light means a darker exposure, MORE light means a lighter exposure. Also, a shorter shutter speed will freeze action, whereas a longer shutter speed will show motion blur.

Note: Again, if the camera is operating in anything other than Manual mode, the camera will automatically adjust the aperture to give you an optimal exposure in combination with the shutter speed selected. // Following is an example of a slow shutter speed balanced by a small aperture, 1/10 second at F16: // media type="custom" key="5575659" >>>Remember the dual balancing effect of adjusting the aperture and the shutter speed: to arrive at the same optimal exposure, smaller aperture is matched with a longer shutter speed and vice-versa: larger aperture is matched with a shorter shutter speed (usually done automatically by the camera)