Photography Equipment and Supplies Key Terms

Use photography equipment and supplies key terms to determine the tools you need

There are several reason to know photography equipment and supplies key terms. While the camera is the main tool of the photographer's trade, there are other important pieces of equipment and supplies necessary to take top-notch photos. In fact, a quality picture is only partially attributable to the camera; the lens, flashes and tripod each play pivotal rolls in the quality of photographs. Other key terms you may want to know include SLR and monopad.

 

Single-Lens Reflex Camera (SLR)

A single-lens reflex (SLR) camera refers to a camera that uses the lens for both composing a shot and taking the photograph. SLR cameras contain a mirror in the body that directs the image from the lens to the view finder and then flips up when you take a shot. The time the mirror is up refers to the shutter speed and typically ranges anywhere from a few seconds to several thousandths of a second.
Try: Photo.net provides a clear definition of what constitutes a SLR camera.

Camera bag

You can use a camera bag, also known as a gadget bag, to transport all of your photographic equipment. It is likely to be the most overlooked piece of photographic equipment, but it can make the difference in whether or not a shoot is successful. Camera bags come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes depending on your needs, but a common feature of most bags is compartmentalization. The compartments in camera bags allow photographers to store camera bodies and lens, as well as a host of other equipment, like filters and memory cards.
Try: Digital Photography Tricks offers information about camera bags, including factors that you should consider when purchasing.

Prime lens

The term prime lens, also called fixed lens, refers to lenses with a fixed focal length. With a prime lens, a photographer must adjust his or her position to enlarge or reduce the size of the subject. Prime lenses also focus faster and let in more light than a comparative zoom lens. Prime lenses are excellent for portrait and still shot photography.
Try: All Things Photography discusses the benefits of a prime lens.

Zoom lens

Zoom lenses have a range of focal lengths, which you can select by twisting a dial on the lens. A typical zoom lens will range from around 25mm to 80mm, but can vary greatly depending on your need. Zoom lenses are extremely convenient and allow the photographer to increase and decrease the size of his or her subject from one shooting location. These lenses are excellent for action photography and for portability as they reduce the need for multiple prime lenses.
Try: Digital Photography School reviews the zoom lens in detail.

Flash

An external flash is a detachable flash unit that can be connected to the camera. External flashes provide a variety of advantages over their built-in counterparts. For instance, you can adjust the direction of the flash, so light bounces off a wall or ceiling. External flashes are typically higher powered and provide a greater range than built-in flashes.
Try: PhotographyCourse.net talks about various flashes and their uses.

Monopod

A monopod is a one-legged support device for stabilizing a camera during the shooting process. Unlike the tripod, monopods are lightweight, less bulky, and allow the photographer to change positions quickly, making them very popular for action and sports photography.
Try: Nikonians offers detailed information about the value of the monopod.

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