Photography Camera, Lenses, and Gear 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a UV filter when used on a camera lens today?
- To significantly improve color saturation in digital images
- Primarily lens protection, as modern sensors are not sensitive to UV light (Correct answer)
- To reduce shutter speed for long exposures
- To increase contrast in black-and-white photography
Correct answer: Primarily lens protection, as modern sensors are not sensitive to UV light
Modern digital sensors have built-in UV filters, so UV lens filters primarily serve as physical protection for the front element of the lens.
Question 2: On a mirrorless camera, what replaces the optical viewfinder found on DSLRs?
- A rangefinder window
- An electronic viewfinder (EVF) (Correct answer)
- A periscope viewing system
- A rear LCD screen only
Correct answer: An electronic viewfinder (EVF)
Mirrorless cameras use an electronic viewfinder (EVF) that displays a digital feed from the sensor, allowing real-time preview of exposure and other settings.
Question 3: What does 'back-button focus' allow a photographer to do?
- Focus on subjects behind the main subject
- Separate autofocus activation from the shutter button (Correct answer)
- Lock focus at the back of the depth-of-field zone
- Enable focus stacking automatically
Correct answer: Separate autofocus activation from the shutter button
Back-button focus assigns autofocus to a dedicated button on the camera back, separating it from the shutter release for more control over focus and exposure independently.
Question 4: Which type of neutral density (ND) filter allows photographers to choose the amount of light reduction?
- Fixed ND filter
- Graduated ND filter
- Variable ND filter (Correct answer)
- Polarizing ND filter
Correct answer: Variable ND filter
A variable ND filter uses two rotating polarizing elements to provide adjustable light reduction across a range of stops without swapping filters.
Question 5: What is the minimum focus distance of a lens?
- The farthest distance at which the lens can still achieve sharp focus
- The closest distance from the subject at which the lens can achieve sharp focus (Correct answer)
- The distance at which hyperfocal focus is achieved
- The focal length expressed in centimeters
Correct answer: The closest distance from the subject at which the lens can achieve sharp focus
Minimum focus distance is the closest a subject can be to the camera while still being in sharp focus, which determines how large the subject can appear in the frame.
Question 6: What does 'TTL' stand for in the context of camera flash systems?
- Through The Lens (Correct answer)
- Total Transmitted Light
- Timed Trigger Level
- Transmitted Tungsten Light
Correct answer: Through The Lens
TTL (Through The Lens) metering uses the camera's sensor to measure flash exposure through the lens, automatically adjusting flash power for proper exposure.
Question 7: Which autofocus mode is best suited for tracking a moving subject?
- Single-shot AF (AF-S / One-Shot)
- Manual focus
- Continuous AF (AF-C / AI Servo) (Correct answer)
- Zone AF
Correct answer: Continuous AF (AF-C / AI Servo)
Continuous AF (called AF-C by Nikon or AI Servo by Canon) continuously adjusts focus as the subject moves, making it ideal for action and sports photography.
Photography Camera, Lenses, and Gear 3
What is the purpose of a UV filter when used on a camera lens today?