Camera Simulator

18 sections · 111 min · free

Contents

How your camera works, one picture at a time. Each section explains a single idea, then lets you try it in a simulated camera right on the page.

Start § 1

1

How a camera works

Light, the lens, the sensor and the three settings that decide every exposure.

  1. 01How a camera makes a pictureLight, lens, sensor and exposure in five minutes.5 min
  2. 02The exposure triangleAperture, shutter speed and ISO, and how they trade off.6 min
  3. 03Aperture and depth of fieldLight, background blur and why f/16 can look softer.7 min
  4. 04Shutter speed and motionFreeze action, blur water and keep handheld shots sharp.7 min
  5. 05ISO and noiseWhat ISO really does and where grain comes from.6 min
2

Using your camera

Modes, the meter, the histogram, focus, lenses and sensor size, the way a modern camera presents them.

  1. 06Auto, P, A, S and MWhich mode to pick and what the camera does for you in each.6 min
  2. 07Lenses and focal lengthWide, normal and tele: what changes and what does not.6 min
  3. 08Metering and exposure compensationHow the meter thinks, when it gets fooled and how to correct it.7 min
  4. 09The histogram and highlight warningsRead exposure from data instead of the screen.6 min
  5. 10Focus: where and how muchFocus points, manual focus, peaking, the magnifier and hyperfocal distance.7 min
  6. 11Full frame and APS-CCrop factor, equivalent focal length, depth of field and noise.6 min
3

Real situations

Portraits, action, night, sunsets and indoors: what to set and why.

  1. 12Why photos come out blurryA five-point checklist for sharp pictures.5 min
  2. 13Portraits with a soft backgroundAperture, distance and focal length working together.6 min
  3. 14Freezing actionShutter speeds for people, pets, cars and sport.5 min
  4. 15Long exposure: silky water and light trailsSlow shutters, tripods and ND filters.7 min
  5. 16Night and low lightBlur or noise: choosing the lesser evil.7 min
  6. 17Sunsets and backlightSilhouettes, bright skies and exposing for what matters.6 min
  7. 18Indoors without flashLamps, candles and the settings that keep the mood.6 min