How Digicams Juggle
Exposure and Creativity
In the few seconds it takes to snap a picture, there is
a windstorm of activity as different parts of the cam-
era measure, calculate, communicate, and finally
send out electronic instructions to various other parts
of the camera that result in a swirl of switches,
gears, and exploding light. Most of this activity is
centered on exposure, admitting into the camera the
right amount of light for the right length of time to
register an image where crucial details are
not lost in the shadows or blown away in
the highlights. We’ll look at each of
the elements that go into calculat-
ing an exposure in more detail,
but first, here’s a whirlwind tour
of the exposure.72 PART 2 HOW DIGITAL CAMERAS CAPTURE IMAGES