CHAPTER 1 THE WORKINGS OF A DIGITAL CAMERA^11
Manual zoom control: Changes the Optical
zoom factor of the lens, so distant objects seem
closer or so the lens has a wider range of view.
The control is usually a ring that manually adjusts
the zoom or a rocker switch that transmits electri-
cal signals to tiny motors that turn gears inside the
lens. (See Chapter 4.)Shutter:Opens and
closes quickly to control the
amount of light (exposure)
the image sensor receives.
(See Chapter 5.)Shoe and/or plug for external flash:Provides
a way to synchronize the flash of an externally pow-
ered light with the opening of a camera’s shutter.Flash:Produces an intense, brief flash
of light when available light is too dim.
See Chapter 6, “How Technology Lets
There Be Light.”)Viewfinder:Peer through this window to frame
your picture. There are many types of viewfinders,
their accuracy improving as the camera’s price
rises. (See Chapter 4, “How Light Plays Tricks
on Perception.”)
Focus ring:Lets you adjust
the lens so it focuses best on
objects that are a certain
distance from the camera.
(See Chapter 3, “How
Lenses Work.”)Internal light metering system:
Located near the prism, it measures light
coming through the lens, which, compared
to an external meter, provides a more accu-
rate and versatile way to set exposure.
(See Chapter 5.)