Digital Cameras 101: Getting To Know Your Digital Camera

Today, a digital camera has become a must – have to almost everyone. Why? It allows everyone to document not only special events but everyday milestones as well. Every snapshot it takes preserves the memories that are important enough to keep and display. To parents, those memories may be their baby's first smile, to lovers, their wedding day and to students, their first day in college or their first frat party.

Yet, despite their importance in our lives, only a few people get to spend time to know these gadgets more. So if you are one of the ignoramuses who just know how to point and shoot, here is some information that can help you get to know your digital camera more.

What Are The Parts of a Digital Camera?

A digital camera has several basic parts:

1. Lens – This is where the light passes through when an image is captured.
2. CMOS Sensor – This part absorbs the light and translates it into a digital signal. The size of the CMOS sensor determines the pixel size of the image produced.
3. PCB (Printed Circuit Boards) – They process the picture acquired by the lens. This is also coined to be the brain of the camera.
4. Memory – Part that stores the image taken by the device. They may either be built in or removable memory cards.
5. LCD Screen – These are necessary for viewing the pictures before and/or after they are taken by the camera. Commonly, their size would range from 1.8 to the larger 2.5 inches depending on the model.
6. Flash – especially handy for taking pictures in a low light or dim environment.
7. Body – holds the parts and other components together.

Those parts mentioned above are but the basics. More often, professional DSLRs may have additional or more sophisticated components.

Care and Maintenance

It does not really take much to take care of your investment. Basic care includes:

1. Keeping the lens and the LCD clean. Instructions for cleaning the lens may be different depending on the make and model of your digital camera.
2. Preparing the camera prior to storage. This is done by turning the power off and removing the batteries from the unit.
3. Storing them in a cool dry place with virtually no magnetic fields of any sort.
4. Avoiding putting them beside or on top of heated, dusty and wet surfaces.
5. Always handling them with care. Avoiding dropping or scratching them as much as you can.
6. You can attempt to fix problems yourself or you can look for reputable centers who specialize in digital camera repair to do it for you.

I hope this helps to shed a little light on your digital camera. It’s not a definitive guide I know, but if we can help you understand digital photography even a little better that is a step in the right direction!