# Exposure & Camera Fundamentals A map of the core concepts behind how a camera works — from sensor to shot. --- ## The Exposure Triangle Everything in photography roots back to three variables working in balance: ![[exposure triangle]] | Variable | Controls | Trade-off | |---|---|---| | [[Aperture]] | Light & depth of field | Wider = more light, shallower DOF | | [[shutter speed]] | Motion blur | Faster = frozen motion, less light | | [[ISO]] | Sensor sensitivity | Higher = more light, more noise | See also: [[Camera infographics]] --- ## Rules of Thumb Once you understand the triangle, these rules let you dial in exposure quickly without metering: - [[Sunny 16 and friends]] — Sunny 16 and its variants (Overcast 8, Sunset 4, Snowy 22) --- ## Camera & Sensor - [[Camera sensor]] — Sensor size and what it means for your images - [[megapixel]] — What megapixels actually measure - [[mirrored cameras]] vs. [[mirrorless]] — The fundamental camera body distinction - [[full-frame crop table]] — Crop factor reference across sensor sizes - [[RAW images]] — Why to shoot RAW and what it gives you in post --- ## Optics & Composition - [[angle of view]] — How focal length affects what fits in the frame - [[wide angle lens]] — Characteristics and uses - [[rule of thirds]] — The foundational composition guideline - [[Camera lenses]] — Lens types overview --- ## Shooting Techniques - [[Back-Button Focus]] — Separating focus from the shutter release