SLR cameras are usually of a higher quality than point-and shoot-cameras and have several advantages. One advantage of an SLR camera is that the lenses can be changed based on the photographer's needs. Lenses can either be prime lenses or zoom lenses. The main components include the aperture, the focal length, and the focusing system. The way the lens is constructed will also have an impact on the quality of the image.
Primes and Zooms
The terms prime and zoom refer to a lens' ability to change focal length. Prime lenses have only one focal length, which cannot be changed, meaning the photographer cannot zoom in and out. Prime lenses are usually a bit sharper than zoom lenses. Zoom lenses have a range of focal lengths, allowing the photographer to change the composition of the photo without moving.
Aperture
The aperture refers to the amount of light a camera lens lets in. The lower the number, the more light. A "fast" lens is one with a maximum aperture of 2.8 or less. More light allows for freezing fast-moving objects.
Focal Length
Focal length refers to the inherent zoom of the lens. For pictures of objects up close, a wide-angle lens with a focal length of 35mm or less is best. For pictures where the photographer needs to zoom in, a lens of 100mm to 200mm is better.
Focus Modes
Lenses with manual focus allow the photographer to change how the camera focuses. Automatic-focus lenses allow the camera to do it for the photographer. Those with full-time manual allow the photographer to adjust the automatic focus of the camera without having to change the focusing mode.
Lens Quality
Different lenses have different build qualities. Cheap lenses are built with plastic parts and low-quality glass. Better lenses will use metal and high-quality glass, resulting in better pictures as well as a higher price tag.
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