Module 1 · Know Your Camera
Cheat sheet
Lesson 12 of 12
MODULE 1 ROADMAP
Quick reference: the light path
| Part | Job | You control it with |
|---|---|---|
| Lens | Focuses light into an image | Zoom and focus controls |
| Aperture | How much light gets through | Aperture setting, in modes that offer it (Module 3) |
| Shutter | How long light falls on the sensor | Shutter speed setting, in modes that offer it (Module 3) |
| Sensor | Records the light | ISO setting (signal amplification) |
| Processor and card | Builds and saves the file | Image quality menu (Module 4) |
| Sensor | Size | Crop | 50mm frames like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium format | 44 × 33 mm | ≈0.79× | ≈40mm |
| Full frame | 36 × 24 mm | 1× | 50mm |
| APS-C | 23.5 × 15.6 mm | 1.5× (Canon 1.6×) | 75mm (80mm) |
| Micro Four Thirds | 17.3 × 13 mm | 2× | 100mm |
| 1-inch type | 13.2 × 8.8 mm | ≈2.7× | ≈135mm |
Every element at a glance
| Element | Use it when | Key step |
|---|---|---|
| Camera types | Choosing what to carry or buy | Match sensor size and reach to the subject and light |
| Sensor and crop factor | Comparing lenses across systems | Equivalent = focal length × crop factor |
| Viewfinder and screen | Composing and checking | Exposure preview on; judge with the histogram |
| Menus and first-day settings | New, reset or borrowed camera | Step through the menu tabs; files, then safety, then feedback |
| Batteries and cards | Every shoot, every flight | Spares in carry-on; U3/V30 cards; format in camera |
| Lens mount | Changing lenses | Camera off, face down, align marks, cap at once |
Checklist
- Batteries charged, spare in an inside pocket; card formatted in camera.
- Date, time and copyright name set.
- Dioptre adjusted to your eye (if your camera has a viewfinder).
- Grid display on.
- Screen brightness at standard.
- Lens set to autofocus (if it has a switch).
- You know what each dial or wheel does in your current mode.
- You can find playback, zoom and delete without the menu.
Common mistakes
- Stabbing the shutter button — half-press, pause, then squeeze.
- Blurry viewfinder text — turn the dioptre, not the focus ring.
- Trusting a bright screen — keep it at standard and check the histogram.
- Forgetting the crop factor — multiply focal length by it to compare lenses.
Tip: print this page or save it to your phone.