I recently completed the teaching of Digital Photography I at George Brown College. It was great. It's been six years since i taught college and there was a little rust, but it didn't take long to get into stride. I had never taught photography before, so it was also fun to write notes for the course. I learned some things myself. So I thought I would share my notes. Hopefully, my young aspiring photographer friends might pull a few tidbits of info out of them. I will also inject some additional information, customized to shooting in the Caribbean. After four years of photography in Antigua, I certainly learned a few things that are unique to the region. These notes will come as a series, in the order in which they were taught and i will also include attachments to the notes as downloadable PDF files. Enjoy.
 

THE DSLR CAMERA

definition: digital single lens reflex. a digital version of the SLR camera uses an automatic moving mirror system and fast moving shutter to capture the appropriate amount of light which creates a digital replication of an visual onto an imaging sensor. other types of cameras available is the point-and-shoot which relies on full automatic settings and the fixed lens camera which provides manual options but does not allow for the swapping of lenses.
 

HISTORY

• 1884    first SLR was marketed with the introduction of C.R. Smith’s Monocular Duplex. 1920’s    smaller format was produced via multiple camera makers.
• 1981    Sony unveils prototype of still video camera, the Sony Mavica.
• 1986    Nikon reveals prototype analog electronic still SLR camera, the Nikon SVC
• 1991    Kodak releases the 1st commercial DSLR: Kodak DCS-100, 1.3 megapixel, cost: $30,000.
• 1999    Nikon D1 is introduced, marking the beginning of the end of the 35mm film camera.
• 2003    the first digital Canon Rebel is released at $999.

I purchased my digital Canon Rebel in early 2004. A 500mb memory card cost $300.CDN  ($950.ec). The first digital Rebel was larger than the existing Rebels (more like the size of the Canon 5D or 60D). The first digital Rebel was much more robust, and a shiny silver. My first Rebel wheezes when it clicks but still takes photos today. While no one should bank their Rebel lasting 7+ years, but who knows?

CAMERA CHOICES

CANON has a slight lead in international market share over NIKON. other companies with DSLRs on the market are Sony, Olympus, Pentax with several others on a small scale. the world’s best selling DSLR is the CANON REBEL.

considerations when purchasing a DSLR body. whenever purchasing any body, max out on the warranty.

QUALITY 

durability has greatly improved with most models. cheaper DSLRs don’t have the rugged construct as professional cameras. the REBEL has been known to be solid, however the design has changed to offer a cheaper price point. this is a critical factor when purchasing a camera for the Caribbean. there is no question, the humidity level in the Caribbean is hard on all electronic gear and DSLRs is no exception. the difference between a camera and other electronic equipment is a camera can't remain in an air conditioned, climate controlled office.

FEATURES 

while many DSLR bodies have a standard set of features, different bodies boast different features which can be geared toward one kind of photography over another. example: sports photography requires a faster frame speed which tends to sacrifice file size (megapixels), whereas, cameras capable of very large files (megapixels) may not have such a fast frame speed. other features which should be considered is built-in flash, video capability and remote options.

SENSOR

the sensors used which determine whether the camera shoots full-frame or otherwise is something to consider. if obtaining the true range of your lenses is priority, then the more expensive DSLR cameras are your only option. typically the change in dimensions is a magnification of 1.5-1.6. this is known as the crop factor and the ratio is known as the focal length multiplier (FLM). the smaller sensors that magnify the image are cheaper and - these days - the quality is almost the same as the larger sensors which provide one-to-one ratio. but for a photographer who depends on accuracy of a lens, the magnification is too frustrating and undesirable.

PRICE

often price is the main factor for purchasing a DSLR, but should not be such a consideration, due to the need for accessories and lenses. a cheap body isn’t worth is if there isn’t a wide selection of compatible accessories and lenses. consideration should be given with available used equipment, since there can be lots of money saved by purchasing used gear. reputable camera stores in NA, often sell refurbished or used bodies and lenses. they typically inspect gear very closely so don't be shy about purchasing used; especially when warranties are available (which you should purchase).

LENSES 

lenses are arguably more important than the body itself, for image quality, flexibility and different photography styles. camera bodies come and go, but good lenses should last a lifetime, so the choice of a body should be based around the type of photography planned and handle the desired lenses that can fit the body.

AVAILABLE ACCESSORIES 

photography far exceeds the need for merely a body. in addition to requiring lenses, a camera has many accessories options which are specific to a body, including flash, memory, batteries, remote systems etc. when 3rd party manufacturers sell accessories for camera bodies, typically the brand accesories are less expensive. when only the brand manufacturer supplies accessories, they are typically more expensive and in shorter supply.  

Antigua is predominantly a Canon island with more Canon DSLRs in use than the next brand, the Nikon. this is good for Canon photographers. used gear can be swapped, borrowed and resold. the exchange of knowledge cannot be undervalued either. being able to ask questions of someone who has the same gear is very helpful.

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this is the end of part one. part two covers shutter, aperature, ISO, light filters, an extensive glossary and more.
the PDF notes for the above information can be downloaded by clicking:

• History
• Considerations prior to purchase

...until then, happy shooting.