Exposure

In addition to the focus and other settings, it is also important to adjust the exposure in order to take beautiful pictures.

Exposure is the amount of light that the CCD of the digital still camera is able to receive. This value changes according to the combination of aperture and shutter speed. When the amount of light is larger, the image becomes brighter (whitish), and when it is smaller, the image becomes darker. The proper amount of light is called “correct exposure.”

The correct exposure can be maintained by setting a faster shutter speed when the aperture value is reduced, or a slower shutter speed when the aperture value is increased from the correct exposure.

Aperture

Aperture is the opening in the diaphragm of the lens part which adjusts the amount of light entering the camera. The aperture setting value is called the “aperture value (F value).”

Open (smaller F value)

•The image tends toward overexposure (brighter).

•The in-focus range narrows.

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Close (larger F value)

•The image tends toward underexposure (darker).

•The in-focus range widens.

Adjustment by shutter speed

Shutter speed adjusts the time during which light enters the camera.

Faster

•The image tends toward underexposure (darker).

•Moving objects appear stopped.

Slower

•The image tends toward overexposure (brighter).

•Moving objects appear to flow.

When setting a slower shutter speed, it is recommended that you use a tripod to prevent shaking.

Overexposure

•Open the aperture

•Set a slower shutter speed

Correct exposure

Underexposure

•Close the aperture

•Set a faster shutter speed