Camera parts and controls
What the main camera parts, buttons, and settings do.
Find the main controls
A camera is easier to use when you know what its main controls do.
This page uses the Sony A7 IV as an example of a modern mirrorless camera. Most cameras have similar controls, but the names and positions may differ.
Start with the controls for exposure, focus, and reviewing photos. Then learn the body parts and menu settings.
Top controls
What the top controls do
The top of a camera holds the controls you change while shooting. One dial usually chooses the camera mode. One or two more dials change exposure settings. Other buttons start recording or open quick actions.
Switches between Auto, P, A, S, M, video, and custom modes. Read about these modes in Basics.
Usually changes aperture, shutter speed, or exposure compensation. The camera mode decides which one.
Usually changes a second exposure setting. In manual mode, it may control shutter speed. In aperture priority, it may control exposure compensation.
Some cameras add another dial for ISO, exposure compensation, or a setting you choose.
Holds a flash, trigger, microphone, or wireless transmitter. A shoe without electronic contacts is called a cold shoe.
Starts video. Some cameras let you give this button another job.
Rear controls
What the rear controls do
Use the back of the camera to frame photos, move the focus point, review images, and open menus. Start with the viewfinder, screen, joystick, playback button, and quick menu.
A small screen held to your eye. It is easy to see in bright light and blocks everything outside the frame.
Shows the live view, menus, and saved photos. It also helps with touch focus and low or high camera angles.
Starts autofocus. You can use it for back-button focus, which separates focusing from taking the photo.
Auto Exposure Lock keeps the metered exposure from changing while you reframe the photo.
Moves the autofocus point or moves through menus. Some cameras use the rear wheel or touchscreen instead.
The wheel moves through menus. Playback opens saved photos. Delete removes a photo and may work as a custom button while shooting.
Connects a strap to the camera. Use it to help prevent drops.
A simple setup
Start with aperture priority and Auto ISO
For portraits, events, travel, and daily photos, try Aperture Priority with Auto ISO. Set the aperture with the front dial. Use exposure compensation if the photo looks too bright or dark. Let the camera choose a safe shutter speed.
This controls depth of field and how much light enters the lens.
The camera raises ISO when the aperture and shutter cannot add enough light.
Tell the camera to make the photo brighter or darker than its meter suggests.
Body parts
Main parts of the camera body
These parts decide which lenses and accessories fit, how the camera records light, and where it saves files.
The mount holds the lens at the right distance from the sensor. Its electronic contacts control autofocus, aperture, and stabilization.
The sensor records the image. Larger sensors often give more room in low light and more control over depth of field. The lens and your technique still matter.
A mechanical or electronic shutter controls exposure time. This is the part behind the shutter speed explained in Basics.
Use it for a flash, trigger, microphone, or other accessory. Some brands also send digital audio or control data through it.
Fast cards help with photo bursts and video. After backing up the files, format the card in the camera.
Mirrorless cameras use power for the screen, viewfinder, autofocus, and stabilization while you shoot.
Finder and screen
Viewfinder or rear screen?
The viewfinder blocks everything outside the frame. It is often easier to see in bright daylight and can have a brighter, smoother display than the rear screen.
Many cameras put the viewfinder in the middle. Rangefinder-style cameras usually have a flat top and put it on the left.
The rear screen works well for low and high angles, video, menus, and touch focus. A fully articulating screen flips out and rotates, which helps when filming yourself.
Easy to see in bright light and steady against your face.
Useful for touch controls, video, tripods, and low or high viewpoints.
Important settings
Settings to find first
You do not need to learn every menu. Start with these settings.
Leave it on while shooting by hand. It reduces camera shake at slow shutter speeds, but it cannot freeze a moving subject.
Use single AF for still subjects. Use continuous AF for people, sports, wildlife, and anything moving toward or away from you.
If your camera detects eyes, faces, animals, vehicles, or birds, add the setting to a quick button or menu.
Choose Raw for more editing room. Choose JPEG for smaller files that look finished straight from the camera.
Set the camera to aperture priority. Photograph the same scene with several apertures and exposure-compensation values, then compare the results. To review exposure, return to Basics.