Basic Public Affairs Specialist Course

Photojournalism

Digital camera operations

Camera operation is the most important

part of photography. You will not be
able to consistently produce images that
communicate if you do not understand how
to operate your camera.

The more familiar and knowledgeable

you are with your camera, the quicker
and more confident you will become in
your photographic skills. Knowing how to
assemble, set up and operate your camera
will give you a better understanding of how
to take better photos.

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 Digital Camera Operations Photojournalism

Electronic need a camera, but now the computer,

software and printer become your
imaging darkroom.

Traditional cameras record images

Electronic imaging is a
on film. Then the film is processed, and
photojournalist’s tool in which digital
prints are made. The digital camera, on
technology is used to capture, catalog and
the other hand, electronically records
transmit images. It uses digital cameras
images on a charge-coupled device (CCD),
and computers instead of film-based
which converts light reflected from the
cameras and darkrooms.
scene and stores it as red, blue and green
Traditional cameras vs. digital pixels.
cameras With digital cameras, pictures are
If you know how to operate a film- ready to be reviewed, edited or shared
based camera, you will find a digital instantly on the camera’s liquid crystal
camera similar in many respects. Digital display, or LCD, panel. Images can also
photos can appear to have the same “look be transferred to your computer or viewed
and feel” of traditional photographs, but on a television -- all without processing
there are many differences. costs -- though digital photography is not
For traditional photography, you free.
need a camera, film and a darkroom with
chemicals, photographic paper and an A digital cameras is as a computer
enlarger. With digital imaging, you still with a lens. They are not as durable as a
film camera in the cold or rain.

Traditional film camera

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Digital camera

Digital images can be processed faster also connect the camera directly
than film-based images. The images are to a computer and have the
downloaded onto a computer where they images displayed there. To view
can be printed, e-mailed, displayed on a photographs taken the traditional
website or stored for later use. way, you have to develop the film
first. Digital cameras also offer
Advantages and disadvantages instant transmission capability.
of electronic imaging Transmitting digital images
requires Internet access to a Web
Electronic imaging has been evolving or use of a direct satellite link, but
since introduction of the digital camera once those are established you
in the 1980s. Below are some of its can send images from anywhere
advantages and disadvantages. to anywhere within seconds.
Conventional photography requires
Advantages the use of mail to get your images
anywhere. If you are overseas it
yy Saves time -– It is much faster can take several days to mail the
to acquire an image digitally and images where you need them to
print it than to shoot a roll of film, go.
process the film and then print the
photos. Plus, the LCD on most yy Saves money –- With a digital
digital cameras offer immediate camera system, once you buy the
viewing of images. You can

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 Digital Camera Operations Photojournalism

equipment, you never need to Disadvantages

purchase film or chemistry, saving
you a lot of money. You still need yy Image quality and cost –- Great
to buy printer ink and paper (after steps have been made in the
processing equipment), but the quality of images that are produced
cost of these items is significantly by digital cameras from the earlier
cheaper. days of electronic imaging, but
there are some limits. Higher
yy Environmentally sound –- quality cameras, printers and print
Using a digital camera system media could be cost-prohibitive for
requires no hazardous chemicals. some consumers.
Conventional photography requires
the use of many chemicals yy Initial cost –- Digital is cheaper
hazardous to the environment. than conventional in the long
run, but you must purchase all
yy Random access -– In the equipment first, such as the
conventional photography you camera, computer software and
would need to process the whole computer in order to process the
roll of film to get the picture images.
that you wanted. With electronic
imaging, you can pull just the yy Learning curve -– Shooting with
image you want or need. Also, a digital camera is very similar
retrieval of stored files is much to shooting with a conventional
easier. Conventional photography camera, but everyone may not
requires hunting through file have the aptitude, the time or
cabinets of photographs to find the desire to learn the nuances of
image you need. With digital and a electronic imaging’s hardware and
proper archiving system, you can software. Yet as the technology for
run a search on the computer and both becomes easier to use, this
quickly find the image that you may be less of an issue.
want.
yy Reluctance to accept -– Some
people are still determined they will
never use digital imagery.

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Safety and
Your camera equipment may be sturdy, but it is
not indestructible.

maintenance tips yy Handle like any sensitive electronic

equipment and do not drop or
disassemble.
To prevent damage to your digital camera
or injury to yourself, here are just a few basic
yy Always wear the camera strap around
safety and maintenance tips. Refer to your
your neck when shooting. Keep at least
camera’s manual for more detailed safety and
one hand on the camera to prevent it
maintenance practices.
from swinging around and knocking into
things.
For your safety:
yy Keep equipment clean and dry.
yy Do not look at the sun or any bright light
directly through the viewfinder.
yy Always keep a lens on the camera.
yy Do not use electronic equipment near
yy Keep away from strong magnetic fields.
flammable gas of any kind.
yy Do not touch the internal mirror.
yy Observe proper precautions when
handling camera batteries.

yy Do not apply heavy pressure to the LCD

monitor. If breakage should occur, avoid
contact with the liquid crystal.

yy Always be aware of your surroundings

when you’re shooting.

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 Digital Camera Operations Photojournalism

Components position on the grid is recorded as a

picture element, or “pixel.” The D70’s
CCD is able to produce 6.1 million pixels
Learning the components of your per frame.
digital camera will greatly enhance your
experience as a digital photographer. yy The image comes through the
With regard to the primary difference lens in an analog form on a
between a digital camera and a traditional continuously variable scale.
film camera, it all comes down to one
thing: the manner in which images are
recorded. And how images are recorded
has everything to do with a camera’s
components.

In a traditional camera, images are

captured and recorded on film. Film is
broken down into frames or exposures.
Each roll of film typically has from 12 to
36 frames. Once the entire roll of film has
been shot, the film must be developed
using a series of chemicals.

In contrast, digital cameras, like the

Nikon D70 single lens reflex, or SLR, yy Each light-sensitive cell on the CCD
cameras used at DINFOS, are capable measures the intensity of the light
of producing and storing high resolution that falls on it.
digital images on a compact flash card,
or memory card, using a charge-coupled
device, or CCD, which turns light into a yy A red-green-blue filter in front of
digital signal. each cell allows the CCD to also
record color information.
This section of the lecture will cover
the primary components of the Nikon yy The CCD sensor is diagonally
D70: CCD, battery, compact flash card, smaller than a frame of 35mm film.
lens and controls.
yy The focal length is increased by
All digital SLR cameras have these 1.5, which makes the lens seem
components, but for specific information longer so the magnification of
about the components of your digital the images appears greater, i.e.,
camera, if different than the Nikon D70, 20mm=30mm, 50mm-75mm, etc.
refer to the camera’s manual.

Charge-coupled device (CCD) - The

CCD is a sensor, or imager, that converts
analog, or light, data into a digital format.
The digital representation of the image,
called a bitmap, is like a grid, and each

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Battery – The camera you use will Lens – Lenses for SLR cameras are
determine the type of battery you need. interchangeable, and having a variety of
Rechargeable nickel-metal hydride or lenses at your disposal will allow you to
rechargeable lithium batteries, or battery take photographs with a wide range of
packs, offer extra life and viewing time. views.

yy The Nikon EN- A 50mm lens is considered a “normal”

EL3a battery takes lens, while a 20mm lens is considered a
approximately 90 wide-angle lens.
minutes to charge,
and the camera
must be turned off
before inserting
or removing the
battery.

Compact flash card - The compact flash

card, or memory card, is a small, solid-
state removable memory drive that stores
your images until they are transferred to a
computer.

yy Depending on the capacity of the

card and the size of the photos you
take, the cards hold anywhere from
a few large files up to hundreds of Controls - Knowing the various
large files. operational controls on your camera —
where they are and how they work — is
essential to taking good pictures. It’s
especially paramount during intense
shoots so you will be able to change your
settings without ever removing your eye
from the viewfinder.

Camera controls vary from camera to

camera, so if not using the Nikon D70,
refer to your camera’s manual for the
location and working of its controls.

yy The size and quality of a digital

image determines how much
storage space the file for the
photograph takes up. Operational
controls on the camera allow you
to select the size and quality of the
image before shooting.

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 Digital Camera Operations Photojournalism

Important note:
What follows in this section is a quick look of the most commonly used
operational controls on the Nikon D70, which is all testable information. More
detailed information about how to set these controls and how they work can
be found in the “Assembly” and “Setup” sections of this lecture and in the
Photojournalism Handbook. Refer to your camera’s manual for related information
on its similar operational controls to ensure you set up your camera appropriately.

Top view controls yy Metering mode button – The

(Refer to the diagram, “Top view of the D70 has an internal light meter
Nikon D70”) that has three built-in exposure
metering modes: matrix, center-
yy Mode dial – This movable dial weighted and spot. DINFOS
allows for selection of various students will set the camera on
modes of camera functions. These the matrix mode for all activities
modes range from full automatic in this course. The matrix mode
control of camera functions to full calculates the exposure based on
user control of camera functions. everything in the viewfinder.
These user-controlled modes —
four of them — are called exposure yy On/off switch – The movable
modes. They are M (manual), ring surrounding the shutter-
A (aperture priority), S (shutter release button turns the camera
priority) and P (program). DINFOS on and off.
students will set the camera on
the M (manual) exposure mode yy Shutter-release button – This
for all activities in this course. button, when fully depressed,
The M (manual) mode allows the activates the shutter, which allows
photographer to manually change a picture to be taken. To “wake
both aperture and shutter speed up” the camera when in power-
settings, both of which must be save mode, slightly depress this
adjusted to get a good exposure. button. To take a photo, fully
yy depress the button.

Note: When using any of the four yy Accessory shoe – Also known
exposure modes, the auto-focus lens’ as a hot shoe, it is located at
manual aperture ring -- the ring on the the rear and top of the camera’s
lens closest to the body of the camera built-in pop-up flash, which
-- must be set at the smallest possible DINFOS students will not use in
aperture setting, or the largest num- this course. The hot shoe is the
ber on the ring. If not, the error code location where an electronic flash
“FEE” will appear in the viewfinder and can be attached to the camera.
the control panel, and you won’t be In-resident DINFOS students
able to take a photograph. use the Nikon SB-800 autofocus
speedlight flash.

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The control panel (top LCD) provides a yy Control panel (top LCD) - The
wealth of information at a quick glance. control panel, depicted in the
diagram on the left, provides a
quick readout of several camera
settings, as well as frame count
and battery power.

yy LCD illuminator button – This

button turns on and off the control
panel’s backlight, allowing the
display to be read in the dark.

Top view of the Nikon D70

On/off switch (movable ring)
Metering and Shutter-release button
Mode dial mode button (center button)

Accessory shoe Control panel LCD illuminator

(hot shoe) (top LCD) button

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 Digital Camera Operations Photojournalism

Front View Controls photographer changes his position,

(Refer to the diagram, “Front view of the the shutter-release button must
Nikon D70”) be lightly pressed again to refocus.
DINFOS students will set the
yy Sub-command dial – Located camera on the M (manual) focus
near your right index finger when mode for all activities in this
holding the camera (so it can be course.
easily rotated), on the front grip
just below the shutter-release
button, this dial’s primary function
is to control the camera’s f/stops.
When used in conjunction with
other controls, the sub-command
dial can also be used to change
other settings, such as image size.

yy Depth-of-field preview - Located

on the front right of the camera
below the lens, this button allows
you to preview the depth-of-field Focus-mode selector on the
before you record the image. Nikon D70 camera

yy Lens-release button - Located

yy Auto-focus assist lamp – When
on the left side of your lens, this
the camera is in auto-focus (AF)
button allows the lens lock to be
mode and under certain other
released when you’re changing
camera settings, this lamp helps
lenses.
the camera focus when the subject
is poorly lit. Since your camera will
yy Focus-mode selector - Located
be on the manual focus mode in
just below the lens-release
this course, you will not be using
button, this lever allows you to
this control.
select between manual (M) and
auto-focusing (AF) modes, which
control how the camera focuses.
The M (manual) mode allows the
photographer to manually focus,
which is accomplished by rotating
the focusing ring on the lens. In
the AF (auto-focusing) mode,
when the shutter-release button
is slightly depressed, the lens will
automatically focus on whatever
is within the selected focusing
brackets in the viewfinder. The
camera will maintain this same
focus as long as the shutter-
release button is lightly depressed.
If the subject moves, or if the

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Front view of the Nikon D70

Sub-command Shutter-release Auto-focus (AF)

dial button assist lamp

Focus-mode
Depth-of-field Lens-release selector
preview button button

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 Digital Camera Operations Photojournalism

Rear view controls (left side) yy Bracketing button – Used

(Refer to the diagram, “Rear view of the primarily in challenging light
Nikon D70 – left side”) situations and only in the M, A, S
or P exposure modes on the Nikon
yy Shooting mode button / Format D70, bracketing allows the camera
button – This button accomplishes to take three consecutive shots
two distinct operations: selection with slight variations in settings.
of a shooting mode, which This button is not used in this
determines how the camera takes course.
photographs, and formatting of
the memory card. The D70 has
four possible shooting modes:
single frame, continuous, self-
timer, delayed remote and quick-
response. For all activities in this Rear view of the Nikon
course, DINFOS students will set
the camera to S (single frame) D70 - left side
shooting mode to take one photo
each time the shutter-release
button is fully pressed.

Shooting mode
button / Format
button

Bracketing
button

Viewfinder

Playback

Menu button

Sensitivity
(ISO) button

White balance
button

Image
quality/Image
size button

Monitor

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yy Viewfinder – The viewfinder is the function on the camera. DINFOS

small window through which you students will keep the ISO set to
look to compose photos. It allows 200 or 400 for all activities in this
you to see 96 percent of the area course, except in situations, such
the lens “sees.” The viewfinder as low light conditions, when ISO
information bar (depicted below) can be changed as designated/
provides essential, such as shutter approved by instructor.
speed and f/stop. It also includes
the light meter. yy White balance button – White
balance is the process of making
internal camera adjustments for
the color of the light source. The
D70 white balance button allows
for several different settings,
such as auto, incandescent and
fluorescent. Auto is recommended
for most lighting situations.
In auto, white balance adjusts
automatically based on color
yy Playback button – Pressing this
temperature. DINFOS students
button once allows the most recent
will keep the white balance set to
photograph to be displayed on
A (auto) for all activities in this
the monitor. To view additional
course.
photographs, use the multi
selector cursor located on the rear
yy Image quality / Image size
right side of the D70 to view the
button – This button allows you to
photographs. The playback button
change image quality and image
is also used to help manage other
size on the camera. Together,
activities related to storing images
image quality and image size
on the memory card.
determine how much space each
photograph occupies on the
yy Menu button – Pressing this
memory card. DINFOS students
button provides access to the
will set the image quality at basic
different menus displayed on the
(BASIC) and image size at small
monitor in which various settings
(S) (or equivalent) for all activities
can be selected for various camera
in this course.
functions. The D70 has four
main menus: the shooting menu,
yy Monitor – This LCD display is
playback menu, custom settings
used to view images and menu
menu and the setup menu.
functions, such as ISO, image
quality, white balance, etc.
yy Sensitivity (ISO) button –
“Sensitivity,” which is the digital
equivalent of film speed, refers to
the CCD’s sensitivity to light. The
higher the sensitivity, the less light
needed to make an exposure. This
button allows you to control this

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 Digital Camera Operations Photojournalism

Rear view controls (right side) and right cursors are used to
(Refer to the diagram, “Rear view of the navigate through the camera
Nikon D70 – right side”) menus that are displayed on the
monitor.
Multi selector
yy Main command dial (or often
simply, the command dial)
– Located near your thumb as
you’re holding the camera, just
below the control panel (so it
can be easily rotated), this dial’s
primary function is to control the
camera’s shutter speed, which
can be viewed both on the control yy Focus selector lock – This
panel and through the viewfinder. control, when in the unlocked
Shutter speeds for the Nikon D70 position (•), works with the
range from “bulb” to maximum multi selector to select up to
1/8000th second. When used in five different focus areas on the
conjunction with other controls, subject. The locked position (L)
the main command dial can also “locks in” the selected focus area
be used to change other settings, while you are taking an exposure.
such as exposure mode, metering DINFOS students will set the
mode, etc. camera to L (locked position) for all
shooting activities in this course,
Important note about shutter but the control needs to be in the
speeds in BPASC-ADL: unlocked (•) position in order to
Do not use a shutter speed below use the multi selector to navigate
1/60th in this course. Shutter speeds through the camera’s menus.
below 1/60th (when used without a
tripod) can show camera shake, ren- yy Delete button – Pressing this
dering your photos unusable. button twice -- once to delete,
then another time to confirm
yy AE/AF lock button – This button delete -- allows you to delete
will lock both exposure and focus the photograph displayed on the
settings when used in automatic monitor.
settings. This button is not used in
this course. yy Memory card slot cover -
Protects the card slot and card
yy Diopter adjustment control – when inserted from dirt and debris.
This graduated lever control allows
you to adjust, albeit very slightly, yy Memory card slot cover latch –
the viewfinder’s focus to match Pressing this latch releases the lock
closer to your own vision, but it on the cover to in order to insert
only makes very minor tweaks. It or remove the memory card. Note:
cannot replace the need for glasses The memory card should only be
or contacts. removed when the camera is off.

yy Multi selector – This round

device’s “built-in” up, down, left

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Rear view of the Nikon D70 - right side

AE/AF lock Main

button command Dial

Diopter
adjustment
control

Multi
selector

Focus
selector
lock

Delete
button

Memory card slot

cover and latch

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 Digital Camera Operations Photojournalism

Assembly Battery compartment of the D70

Your camera has very delicate

parts, so you must exercise care when
assembling it. Assembly includes battery
insertion/removal, compact flash card
(memory card) insertion/removal and lens
mounting/dismounting.

Battery insertion/removal - The

battery compartment door is located in
the bottom of the camera’s handgrip. The
camera requires a charged battery or AC
adapter in order to function. You must Compact flash card insertion and
ensure the camera is in the OFF position removal - With the camera in the OFF
before inserting or removing the battery. position, unlatch the memory card slot
Release the latch on the battery door and cover (door). With the back side of the
slide the battery in with the connection card and the pin slots first, GENTLY slide
points entering first. the card into place until the grey button
pops out. Do not force the card in, or the
Memory card slot on the D70 connector pins will break, rendering both
card and camera useless. To remove the
card, gently push the grey button until the
card pops out of place, then slide the card
out the rest of the way and close the door.

Mounting a lens on the D70

Lens mounting/dismounting - To
mount the lens onto the camera, place
the lens in the camera ensuring that
the white dot on the lens aligns with the
white dot on the camera. Rotate the
lens counterclockwise away from the lens
release button until it locks into place and
an audible click is heard. To dismount
the lens, press and hold the lens-release
button while rotating the lens clockwise
toward the lens-release button. Gently
lift the lens from its seated position. To
prevent damage to the insides of the
camera, you should always have a lens
mounted on the camera.

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Setup Listed below are the mandatory

camera settings for this course (except
Setting up your camera includes where noted) and at least one way how
formatting your memory card, establishing you can make them on a Nikon D70.
the course’s mandatory camera settings
for exposure mode, metering mode, focus Important Note: Refer to your camera’s
mode, shooting mode, white balance, manual to make these required settings
image quality and image size, locking or on your camera, if different than the
unlocking the focus selector, and adjusting Nikon D70.
the diopter, if necessary. Keep in mind
while taking photographs in the manual Exposure mode – M (manual) The
(M) exposure mode, the only mode you camera can be on or off to make this
will use in this course), you will also need setting. To set, rotate the mode dial (see
to adjust the following three settings top view diagram) to M. This setting
depending on your shoot: sensitivity allows to be able to change both aperture
(ISO), aperture (f/stop) and shutter and shutter speed settings while shooting.
speed. For comparison, the A (aperture-priority
auto) mode allows the user to manually
Formatting compact flash card – set the aperture (f/stop) while the camera
Formatting a memory card versus simply automatically adjusts the shutter speed;
erasing the images off a memory card the S (shutter-priority auto) mode, allows
permanently deletes any and all images the user to manually set the shutter speed
and other data from the card, and in while the camera automatically adjusts
addition, improves the overall performance the aperture; and the P (program) mode
of the card because it recreates the automatically sets the shutter speed
card’s file system. Before formatting and aperture f/stop for average lighting
your memory card be sure to copy to a situations.
computer any photos and other data you
wish to keep. Note: New memory cards do Important Note: For all four exposure
not need to be formatted. modes (P, S, A and M), ensure the auto-
focus lens’ manual aperture ring (closest
yy To format the card for the Nikon ring to body of camera on the camera
D70, turn the camera on, then lens) is set at smallest possible aperture
press and hold both the LCD setting, (meaning the largest number on
illuminator button (located to the the ring), or the error code, “FEE” will
right of the control panel (top LCD) appear in the viewfinder and control panel
and the shooting mode button (top LCD), and you will not be able to take
(located to the left of the viewfinder a photograph.
on the rear of the camera)
simultaneously until the term “FOR” Metering Mode – With the camera on
appears in the control panel (top and the exposure mode set to M (manual),
LCD) (about two seconds). Then, hold down the metering mode button (see
press both buttons together a top view diagram) while rotating the main
second time to format card. Your command dial (see right side rear view
frame count will return to the diagram) and looking at the control panel
maximum number of exposures (top LCD), which will display the three
available on the card. different metering modes available on the

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 Digital Camera Operations Photojournalism

Nikon D70: Spot, which is used when a the camera will automatically adjust the
photographer wants to base the exposure colors in the exposure to help make white
on a very specific area of a scene, is objects appear white despite the light
indicated on the top LCD by a dot in a conditions in the scene. This setting can
bracketed rectangle. Center-weighted, also be adjusted through the monitor
which is useful when a photographer (rear LCD) using the menu button and
wants to base the exposure on a single multi-selector, similar to the explanation
area in the scene, is indicated by a dot under “Image quality” below.
surrounded by what looks like parentheses
in a bracketed rectangle. Matrix, the only Image quality – BASIC (basic) and
metering mode you will use in this course, Image size – S (small) As with many
calculates the exposure of a shot based on of the camera settings, such as white
everything the photogrpaher sees in the balance and sensitivity (ISO), adjustments
viewfinder. Matrix is indicated on the top can be made a few different ways.
LCD by a dot surrounded by what looks
like four “leaves” in a bracketed triangle. yy To set the image quality and
image size through the monitor
Focus mode – M (manual) The camera (rear LCD): With the camera on,
can be on or off to make this setting. To hit the menu button (see left side
set, move the focus-mode selector (see rear view diagram) to turn on the
front view diagram) to the M position. In monitor. With the multi selector
the M mode, the camera does not focus (see right side rear view diagram),
automatically, but must be adjusted ensure the camera icon is
manually by using the lens focusing ring highlighted (in the far left column
(located on end of the lens furthest away of the monitor), which represents
from the camera body). By contrast, the shooting menu of the
in the AF, or auto-focus, position, the camera. [If the camera icon is not
camera focuses automatically. highlighted, use the multiselector
to move the cursor up, down, left
Shooting mode – S (single frame) or right, as appropriate, to reach
With the camera on, hold the shooting the shooting menu.] Next, move
mode/format button (see left side rear the multi selector appropriately
view diagram) as you rotate the main to scroll up or down to highlight
command dial (see right side rear view “Image quality” in the menu
diagram). Stop when you see in the listing. Hit the right cursor on the
control panel (top LCD) a small box with a multi selector to select (open) the
“S” in it. The S mode allows you to take menu listing selections for image
one photograph each time the shutter- quality, then scroll up or down
release button is pressed. using the multi selector to highlight
the “JPEG” setting, using the right
White balance – A (auto) With the cursor to select it. This should
camera on and the exposure mode set to take you back to the menu listing
M (manual), hold down the white balance that includes Image size. To set
button (see left side rear view diagram) the image size, move the multi
while rotating the main command dial (see selector to scroll up or down to
right side rear view diagram) until the A highlight “Image size.” Hit the
appears in the control panel (top LCD) right cursor to select (open) the
next to the letters “WB”. In the A setting, menu listing selections for image

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 Digital Camera Operations Photojournalism

size, then scroll up or down using the room (or away) from you, slightly
the multi selector to highlight the depressing the shutter-release button
“S” setting, using the right cursor until the camera’s auto focus function
to select it. When finished, you automatically adjusts the settings. Then,
may turn the monitor off by hitting adjust the diopter control, moving the
the menu button twice. lever up or down, if necessary, to sharpen
the image as you see it through the
yy To set the image quality through viewfinder.
the control panel (top LCD): With
the camera on, hold down the The three settings on the camera that you
image quality/image size button will set yourself depending on the shoot
(see left side rear view diagram) are the sensitivity (ISO), aperture (f/stop)
while rotating the main command and shutter speed. These three settings
dial (see right side rear view are the primary factors in controlling how
diagram) until “BASIC” appears your exposures, or photographs, will turn
in a box on the bottom left-hand out.
corner of the control panel’s
display. The combination of ISO rating, shutter
speed and aperture setting helps control
yy To set the image size through the the light entering into the camera so you
control panel (top LCD): With the can capture the image you want, but most
camera on, hold down the image likely you don’t have to completely guess
quality/image size button (see at what settings to use. Most digital
left side rear view diagram) while cameras have an internal display that
rotating the sub command dial shows whether the photograph you’re
(see front view diagram) until “S” about to take would be under- or over-
appears in a box on the bottom exposed, and before your take the shot,
left-hand corner of the display next you can change your settings accordingly.
to the image quality box. You’ll learn more about this display, called
the “electronic analog exposure display”
Focus selector lock - L (locked) position in the Nikon D70, or simply referred to as
(unless using menus) [You will be using the “light meter,” and other details about
the manual focus for all activities in this taking properly exposed photographs in
course.] To adjust this setting to the L the Exposure Control lecture and related
(locked) position for all shooting activities, materials.
move the lever (see right side rear view
diagram) to the “L” position. Move lever yy Sensitivity (ISO) – The ISO
to the “•” (unlocked) position when using setting, or rating, on a digital
the menus on the monitor. camera controls the charge-
coupled device’s (CCD, or sensor)
Diopter adjustment control (if needed) sensitivity to light. The higher the
- To check if you need to make an ISO rating, the higher the sensor’s
adjustment to this lever, which is located sensitivity to light, and therefore
directly next to the viewfinder (see right the less light required in the scene
side rear view diagram), first set the for a good exposure. For this
camera on auto focus (AF) using the focus course, your camera’s sensitivity
mode selector (see front view diagram), will usually be set at either 200 or
then aim the camera on something across 400 (unless you’re in very low-light

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 Digital Camera Operations Photojournalism

settings and as approved by your about what aperture setting to use

instructor). ISO 200 should be in different shooting situations.
used for all bright daylight shots;
ISO 400 should be used for cloudy, To adjust the aperture, rotate
mildly overcast daylight shots the sub-command dial (see top
(and, in addition, both can be used view diagram) until you reach the
with flash photography). desired f/stop number, which is
displayed in the top right-hand
To set the ISO rating: With corner of the control panel.
the camera on, hold down the
sensitivity (ISO) button (see left yy Shutter speed – Shutter speed
side rear view diagram) while is the physical speed at which
rotating the main command dial the camera’s shutter, the two-
(see the right side rear view curtained structure that opens and
diagram) until the “200” or “400” closes inside the camera, moves
appears at the top left of the to control the amount of time a
control panel (top LCD). [Note: given quantity of light (controlled
The ISO rating and shutter speed by the aperture) is allowed to
appear in the same place on the enter the camera. On the Nikon
control panel, with the ISO rating D70, shutter speeds range from
being displayed only while the the slowest speed, “bulb,” to the
sensitivity ISO button is pressed, quickest speed, 1/8000ths of a
and the shutter speed being second, which is displayed as
displayed at all other times.] You “8000” on the control panel. In
can also set (or confirm) the ISO this course, you will not go below
through the monitor (rear LCD) a shutter speed of 1/60th of a
using the menu button and multi second due to the potential of
selector, similar to the way you set camera shake while in manual
the image quality and image size focus mode.
settings.
To adjust the shutter speed: With
yy Aperture (f/stop) – The the camera on and the exposure
aperture, or often simply called “f/ mode on M (manual), rotate the
stop,” is the adjustable diaphragm main command dial (see right
in the camera lens that controls side rear view diagram) until you
the amount, or intensity, of the reach the desired shutter speed
light that is allowed to enter number, which is displayed in the
the camera. This diaphragm is top middle of the control panel (top
calibrated in f/stop numbers, LCD). [See note in Sensitivity
with a higher number indicating (ISO) information on this page.]
a smaller opening and vice versa.
The f/stops on different lenses
vary slightly: A Nikon 50mm
lens ranges from 22 (smallest
opening) to 1.8 (largest opening);
on a Nikon 20mm lens, the f/stops
range from 22 to 2.8. You will
learn more in the coming lectures

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 Digital Camera Operations Photojournalism

Camera setup wrap-up

Required Nikon D70 camera
settings for BPASC-ADL

Important Note: Refer to your camera’s

manual to make these required settings
on your camera, if different than the
Nikon D70.

*Exposure mode: M (manual)

Metering mode: matrix metering

Focus mode: M (manual)

Shooting mode: S (single frame)

White balance: A (auto)

Image quality: BASIC

Image size: S (small)

Focus selector lock: L (locked) unless

using menus on monitor

ISO: 200 or 400 (unless in low-light

setting and approved by instructor)

* Important note: For all four exposure modes (P, S, A and M), ensure the auto-focus
lens’ manual aperture ring (closest ring to body of camera on the camera lens) is set
at smallest possible aperture setting, (meaning the largest number on the ring), or the
error code, “FEE” will appear in the viewfinder and control panel (top LCD), and
you will not be able to take a photograph.

Important note:
For this course, do not use a shutter
speed below 1/60th of a second.
Without a tripod, a shutter speed
below 1/60th can show camera shake,
rendering your images unusable.

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The Defense Information School, Fort George G. Meade, Maryland 21

 Basic Public Affairs Specialist Course
Photojournalism

Conclusion

Camera operation is the most critical

step of photography. You will not
be able to consistently produce good
images if you do not understand how
to operate your camera. The more
familiar and knowledgeable you are
with your equipment, the quicker and
more confident you will become in your
photographic skills.

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London, B., Upton, J., Kobre, K., and Brill, B. (2001). Photography (7th ed.). Prentice Hall

Tompkins, A. (2004). The accidental photojournalist. The Poynter Institute.

http://www.poynter.org/content/content_view.asp?id=65438
Retrieved May 11, 2009

Hurley, G. & McDougall, A. (1975). Visual impact in print.

Kobre, K. (2000). Photojournalism: The professional’a approach, Fourth edition. Focal Press

Upton, B. & Upton, J. (1981). Photography. Little, Brown & Co.

Morely, D. (1978). The focal guide to action photography. Focal Press, London England

Kerns, R. (1980). Photojournalism: Photography with a purpose. Prentice Hall

(1987) SECNAVINST 5720.44A: Public affairs policy and regulation.

http://www.cpf.navy.mil/subsite/ehimemaru/legal/Exhibit_11.pdf
Retrieved May 04, 2009

Nikon D70 owners manual

SB800 Flash Manual

BPASC Photojournalism Handbook (2009)

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The Defense Information School, Fort George G. Meade, Maryland 23