2.1 Camera types and functions

Cameras are essential tools for journalists, shaping how stories are captured and told. From DSLRs to smartphones, each type offers unique advantages for different reporting scenarios. Understanding camera functions and components is crucial for selecting the right equipment.

Exposure settings, focus modes, and specialized features like slow motion or low-light performance greatly impact the final product. Accessories such as tripods and microphones enhance versatility. Choosing the right camera involves balancing budget, intended use, ergonomics, and ecosystem compatibility.

Types of cameras

• Camera types play a crucial role in filmmaking for journalists, affecting image quality, versatility, and workflow
• Understanding different camera types helps journalists select the best tool for various reporting scenarios and storytelling approaches

DSLR vs mirrorless

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• DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) cameras use a mirror mechanism to reflect light to the optical viewfinder
• Mirrorless cameras eliminate the mirror system, resulting in more compact bodies and electronic viewfinders
• DSLRs typically offer better battery life and a wider selection of native lenses
• Mirrorless cameras provide silent shooting, faster continuous shooting speeds, and improved video autofocus performance

Camcorders vs cinema cameras

• Camcorders feature integrated lens and body designs optimized for run-and-gun video shooting
• Cinema cameras offer modular designs with interchangeable lenses and advanced color science for high-end production
• Camcorders excel in ease of use, built-in ND filters, and long recording times
• Cinema cameras provide superior dynamic range, raw video capabilities, and professional audio inputs

Smartphone cameras

• Utilize computational photography to enhance image quality and offer multiple lens options
• Provide convenience and immediate sharing capabilities for on-the-go journalism
• Feature advanced stabilization systems and AI-powered scene recognition
• Limited in low-light performance and manual controls compared to dedicated cameras

Action cameras

• Compact, rugged cameras designed for capturing immersive point-of-view footage
• Offer wide-angle lenses, waterproof housings, and advanced stabilization for dynamic shots
• Ideal for first-person perspective reporting and extreme environment coverage
• Limited in terms of manual controls and low-light performance

Camera components

Lens mount

• Interface between the camera body and lens, determining lens compatibility
• Different mount types (EF, E-mount, F-mount) correspond to specific camera systems
• Adapters allow use of lenses from other systems, often with some limitations
• Mirrorless cameras typically have shorter flange distances, enabling adaptation of a wider range of lenses

Image sensor

• Converts light into electrical signals to create digital images
• Sensor sizes affect field of view, depth of field, and low-light performance
  • Full-frame (35mm equivalent)
  • APS-C (crop sensor)
  • Micro Four Thirds
• Pixel count influences resolution and detail capture
• Different sensor technologies (CMOS, BSI-CMOS) impact noise performance and readout speeds

Viewfinder vs LCD screen

• Optical viewfinders in DSLRs provide a direct view through the lens
• Electronic viewfinders in mirrorless cameras offer exposure preview and focus aids
• LCD screens enable live view shooting and playback review
• Articulating screens allow for flexible shooting angles and self-recording

Memory card slots

• Store captured images and video footage
• Different card formats (SD, CFexpress, XQD) offer varying read/write speeds and capacities
• Dual card slots provide backup recording or overflow storage options
• UHS speed classes and video speed classes indicate minimum write speeds for reliable video recording

Camera functions

Exposure triangle

• Interrelationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO in determining exposure
• Aperture controls depth of field and light entering the lens
  • Measured in f-stops (f/1.4, f/2.8, f/5.6)
• Shutter speed affects motion blur and exposure time
  • Measured in fractions of a second (1/60, 1/250, 1/1000)
• ISO determines the sensor's light sensitivity
  • Higher ISO values increase brightness but introduce more noise

White balance

• Adjusts color temperature to ensure accurate color reproduction under different lighting conditions
• Measured in Kelvin (K) units
  • Daylight: ~5600K
  • Tungsten: ~3200K
• Auto white balance (AWB) automatically detects and adjusts color temperature
• Custom white balance allows manual setting using a white or gray reference

Focus modes

• Single AF (AF-S) locks focus when shutter is half-pressed, ideal for stationary subjects
• Continuous AF (AF-C) continuously adjusts focus, suitable for moving subjects
• Manual focus allows precise control in challenging situations or for creative effects
• Face/eye detection AF prioritizes focus on human subjects for portraits and interviews

Frame rates

• Determines the number of individual frames captured per second in video recording
• Standard frame rates include 24fps (cinematic), 30fps (broadcast), and 60fps (smooth motion)
• Higher frame rates (120fps, 240fps) enable slow-motion playback
• Variable frame rate (VFR) recording allows in-camera slow motion or time-lapse effects

Camera settings

Resolution options

• Defines the number of pixels in the captured image or video
• Common video resolutions include 1080p (Full HD), 4K (Ultra HD), and 8K
• Higher resolutions offer more detail but require more storage space and processing power
• Pixel binning combines adjacent pixels to improve low-light performance at lower resolutions

Picture profiles

• Preset color, contrast, and tonal curve settings that affect the look of captured footage
• Log profiles (S-Log, C-Log, V-Log) capture wider dynamic range for post-production flexibility
• Standard profiles offer ready-to-use looks with less need for color grading
• Custom picture profiles allow fine-tuning of image parameters to match specific requirements

Audio inputs

• Built-in microphones provide basic audio capture capabilities
• 3.5mm microphone inputs allow connection of external microphones for improved audio quality
• XLR inputs on professional cameras offer balanced audio connections for pro-grade microphones
• Audio level meters and manual level controls enable precise audio monitoring and adjustment

Time code

• Provides a precise time reference for synchronizing multiple cameras or audio devices
• Measured in hours, minutes, seconds, and frames (HH:MM:SS:FF)
• Free run time code continues running even when the camera is not recording
• Jam sync allows multiple devices to synchronize their time code clocks

Specialized camera features

Slow motion capabilities

• Enables capture of high frame rate footage for smooth slow-motion playback
• Frame rates typically range from 60fps to 1000fps or higher
• Higher frame rates often require reduced resolution or crop factors
• Some cameras offer in-camera slow-motion processing for immediate playback

Low light performance

• Determines a camera's ability to capture clean, detailed images in dimly lit environments
• Influenced by sensor size, pixel size, and noise reduction algorithms
• Dual native ISO technology improves high ISO performance in some camera models
• Fast lenses (wide maximum apertures) allow more light gathering for improved low-light shooting

Image stabilization

• Reduces camera shake for smoother handheld footage
• In-body image stabilization (IBIS) shifts the sensor to counteract camera movement
• Optical image stabilization in lenses uses floating lens elements for stabilization
• Digital stabilization crops the image and uses software to smooth out motion
• Hybrid stabilization combines multiple stabilization methods for enhanced results

Wireless connectivity

• Enables remote camera control and image transfer via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
• Smartphone apps allow live view monitoring, settings adjustment, and shutter release
• Facilitates quick sharing of images and videos for immediate publication
• Some cameras offer built-in cellular connectivity for direct uploading to cloud services

Camera accessories

Tripods and monopods

• Provide stable support for cameras, reducing shake and enabling precise framing
• Tripods offer three-legged stability for stationary shots and long exposures
• Monopods provide vertical support for quick setup and mobility in restricted spaces
• Fluid heads on video tripods allow smooth panning and tilting motions

External monitors

• Offer larger, higher-resolution displays for improved focus and composition
• Provide additional exposure tools (waveforms, vectorscopes) for accurate exposure
• Enable client or director monitoring on set
• Some models include recording capabilities for backup or higher-quality capture

Microphones

• Improve audio quality over built-in camera microphones
• Shotgun microphones offer directional pickup for focused sound capture
• Lavalier microphones provide discreet, close-miking for interviews and dialogue
• Wireless microphone systems allow freedom of movement for subjects and camera operators

Lens filters

• Modify light entering the lens for various creative and technical effects
• Neutral density (ND) filters reduce light for wider apertures or slower shutter speeds
• Polarizing filters reduce reflections and enhance color saturation
• UV filters protect the front element of lenses from dust and scratches

Choosing the right camera

Budget considerations

• Determine the available funds for camera body, lenses, and essential accessories
• Consider the total cost of ownership, including memory cards, batteries, and software
• Evaluate the potential return on investment for professional use
• Explore rental options for specialized or high-end equipment needed infrequently

Intended use

• Assess the primary types of content to be produced (news, documentaries, interviews)
• Consider the shooting environments (indoor, outdoor, extreme conditions)
• Evaluate the need for specific features (low-light performance, slow-motion, weather-sealing)
• Determine the required image quality and resolution for the intended distribution channels

Ergonomics and handling

• Assess the camera's physical design and button layout for comfortable extended use
• Consider the weight and size for portability and handheld shooting
• Evaluate the menu system and customization options for efficient operation
• Test the camera's handling with intended lenses and accessories before purchasing

Ecosystem compatibility

• Evaluate the availability and cost of compatible lenses and accessories
• Consider the upgrade path within the chosen camera system
• Assess the availability of repair services and technical support
• Explore the compatibility with existing equipment and workflow software