Let's move beyond full auto mode on your DSLR! Part 1: Aperture

You bought a digital SLR (single-lens reflex or mirrorless) camera, but your photos don't turn out the way you expected.

Are you relying completely on the camera to do everything?

If you shoot in full auto mode, the camera will only capture what it determines.

There are different types of auto functions.

If you can think for yourself, set the camera, and shoot, you'll be able to capture images closer to what you envision.

 

Under the title "Break Free from Full Auto Mode on Your Digital SLR," I will be writing a series of three articles.

The first article will focus on the "aperture."

The second will cover "shutter speed," and the third will cover "ISO sensitivity and other functions."

The 3 Basic Elements: Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO Sensitivity

A "photograph" is composed of three elements: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity.

These are mechanisms and functions for obtaining the appropriate amount of light.

Furthermore, to freely control light, a good understanding of these elements is necessary.

Exposure

The amount of light required to compose a photograph is determined by the location and brightness, and this is called "correct exposure."

"Exposure" refers to directing light onto the image sensor (formerly the film plane) during shooting. (Also called illumination)

Exposure is determined by the respective values of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity.

Basically, you set either the aperture or the shutter speed, and the ISO sensitivity serves to complement them.

About Camera Modes

Camera modes are broadly divided into "P, A, S, and M" modes.

This is an example. The setting method varies depending on the camera.

 

P = Program Mode: A mode that automatically determines exposure. This mode is for beginners who don't need difficult operations.

A = Aperture Priority Mode (also written as Av on some models): A mode where you set the aperture, and the shutter speed is automatically determined to achieve correct exposure.

S = Shutter Priority Mode (also written as Tv on some models): A mode where you set the shutter speed, and the aperture value is automatically determined.

M = Manual Mode: A mode where you manually set the aperture value, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity to achieve exposure. For advanced users.

 

Aperture

This is the main topic of this article.

 

"Aperture" is a mechanism that adjusts the amount of light entering the lens. Adjusting the aperture changes the size of the opening.

The amount of light taken into the camera through this opening, quantified, is called the F-number.

Shutter speed 1/60 F1.8
 

By adjusting the F-number, you can make photos sharp and clear, or blur the background.

 

For F-numbers, the smaller the number, the larger the opening. This is called opening the aperture.

Conversely, the larger the number, the smaller the opening, and this is called stopping down the aperture.

 

1.4・2・2.8・4・5.6・8・11・16・22・32

← Open (brighter) / Stop down (darker) →

 

When the aperture is open, more light is taken in, making the image brighter.

Conversely, when the aperture is stopped down, the amount of light is reduced, making the image darker.

 

If the light intensity changes due to the aperture in a location with the same brightness, the shutter speed is adjusted to match the brightness.

A faster shutter speed makes the image darker, while a slower shutter speed makes it brighter.

 


F1.8 (Open - blurry) F22 (Stopped down - wide depth of field)

 

Utilizing the Aperture

To make the most of the aperture's effect, use A mode (Aperture Priority).

When you set the aperture, the shutter speed and ISO sensitivity are automatically set.

Bokeh

One of the joys of using an interchangeable lens digital SLR camera is "bokeh."

You can also control bokeh by utilizing the aperture function!

 

Background bokeh increases as the aperture is opened (smaller F-number) (more blur).

Conversely, it decreases when the aperture is stopped down (larger F-number) (less blur = more in focus both in front and behind).

 

The state of being blurred is called having a shallow depth of field.

 

F-number = 1.4

F-number = 16

 

F-number = 2

 

When photographing people, increasing the bokeh can create an impressive portrait.

 

I will explain the key points for achieving "bokeh" in more detail in later articles!

Sharpness

I explained that opening the aperture creates bokeh.

Conversely, by stopping down the aperture, you can achieve "sharpness."

You can capture landscapes and other subjects clearly and distinctly.

 

It's important to note that when stopping down, it's not simply a matter of choosing the largest number; the sharpest value varies depending on the lens. In many cases, F8 yields the sharpest images.

Stopping down further can cause a phenomenon called diffraction, which actually degrades image quality, so caution is needed.

 

The technique of stopping down the aperture to widen the depth of field and make the entire image appear in focus is called pan-focus.

 

Also, a state where the focus appears sharp from the foreground to the background is called having a deep depth of field.

Dark Places

What should you do to prevent camera shake in dark places like at night or indoors?

Camera shake is likely to occur when the shutter speed becomes too slow.

Opening the aperture allows more light to be captured, making the image brighter.

This means you can use a faster shutter speed.

To achieve a faster shutter speed in dark places, we recommend a lens with a bright F-number.

Lenses that make the most of aperture

To make the most of aperture characteristics, choose a lens with a small F-number.
 
The so-called kit lenses that come with cameras usually have a dark F-number, and it gets darker as you zoom to the telephoto end.
For example, with a kit lens like "16-50mm F3.5-5.6", you can set it to F3.5 at 16mm, but only up to F5.6 at 50mm.
Lenses like "24-70mm F2.8" have a fixed F-number and are designed to be bright at F2.8.
However, these are lenses used by professionals, and tend to be expensive, large, and heavy.
 
In the case of prime lenses, the F-number can be designed to be bright, and many have low values.
Among them, a 50mm F1.8 is common and recommended.
Many manufacturers offer these at a relatively low price and lightweight design.
 
Generally, lenses with small F-numbers are called fast lenses.
They are sometimes referred to as High Speed Lenses in English.
This is because making the F-number smaller allows for a faster shutter speed, hence "high speed."

Summary

  • Opening the aperture makes it brighter, and stopping it down makes it darker.
  • The more you open the aperture, the more bokeh you get.
  • F8 is generally the sharpest setting for lenses.
  • To achieve bokeh, choose a lens with a small F-number.
     

Alps Camera Used Sales and Purchases

At our store, we strive to accurately convey product conditions through images and text so that you can purchase used items online with peace of mind.

Also, you can ask any questions you have through our inquiry form!

We also accept used camera trade-ins.
We buy all types of digital and film cameras!
Even old, worn-out cameras are welcome for consultation. You might be surprised at their value!
Feel free to bring photos taken with your smartphone for consultation!

We also welcome email inquiries.

info@alps-camera.jp

We will provide an approximate price.

 

We also appraise camera-related accessories!

Even items that cannot be priced individually can be purchased as a bundle,

So bring all your unwanted itemsOK

Please also refer to this:
⇀ "Tips for increasing your trade-in appraisal amount?"


 

 

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