ABSTRACT
Cameras and lenses leave their fingerprints all over the basic
characteristics of the final photographic image, including field of view,
sharpness, tonal range, and noise. Because the camera plays such a
vital role in the formation of the final picture, photographers should
select a camera that supports their specific visual goals. No single
camera can be expected to produce acceptable results in every situa-
tion. The standard of what is acceptable depends on a variety of
factors, including the purpose for which the picture is being made,
the subject being photographed, the audience, and the desires of the
photographer. For this reason, photographers should learn about the
differences among cameras-both their strengths and limitations-in
order to make intelligent choices for achieving a desired outcome.
