Getting to grips with cameras
Exactly how we’d want to film insect behaviour depends hugely on the species, the behaviour, and the visual/ecological context. However, there are a few key things to consider when choosing equipment and setting it up.
Focal Length
Technical Description: The distance between the optical centre of the lens and the sensor of the camera
Practical Effects: How zoomed-in you are, and how limited your field of view is.
Aperture
Technical Description: The width of a lens, normally referenced as a ratio of its focal length.
Practical Effects: How much light you let into the camera and how de-focused the background is.
Shutter Speed
Technical Description: The amount of time light falls onto and is measured by the sensor. This cannot exceed the time between frames.
Practical Effects: How much light you let into the camera and the amount of motion-blur.
ISO Sensitivity
Technical Description: The responsiveness of the sensor to incoming light.
Practical Effects: How bright the image is and how much noise is recorded.