What is a DSLR camera?
A DSLR camera combines digital imaging technology with the mechanics and optics of a single-lens reflex camera. "DSLR" stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex, allowing photographers to interchange lenses for different shooting needs. This versatility enables precise control over settings like focus and exposure, crucial for tasks such as creating short films.
Using a DSLR requires additional equipment such as a tripod, various lenses, a carrying bag, and an SD card for storage. While these accessories can be costly, utilizing school equipment mitigates financial concerns.
What are camera lenses?
Camera lenses are essential tools that manage light and focus during photography. They serve distinct purposes, aiding photographers in achieving specific visual effects:
Fisheye lens: Known for its ultra-wide angle (up to 180°), this lens creates unique, rounded images, ideal for expansive landscapes or artistic shots.
Telephoto lens: Designed for capturing distant subjects with clarity, it's perfect for wildlife photography. Stability is crucial when hand-held, requiring a short shutter speed to prevent blurring.
Wide-angle lens: Offers a broader field of view, typically 35mm or shorter, allowing photographers to capture expansive scenes.
Normal lens: The standard lens included with many cameras (like DSLRs), with a focal length between 35mm to 50mm, ideal for natural-looking images.
Techniques for DSLR cameras:
Focus pull: This technique shifts focus from one subject to another, altering viewer attention within a shot.
Dolly zoom: A cinematic effect where the background appears to move or zoom while the subject remains stationary, creating a unique visual impact.
In a recent classroom assignment, we practiced focus pulling to understand its application in filmmaking. In my attempt, featured in the video below, one friend gazes outside, initially in focus, before shifting to another friend shown below:
