Camera parts and functions explained: try it yourself

This is a familiarisation exercise. You only need to find the controls that matter at this stage.

1. Take and review one photograph

Switch the camera on, take one photograph and find the playback control so you can review it. If you can do those three things comfortably, you already know the most important controls.

2. Find the working controls

Locate the shutter button, main menu, rear screen, viewfinder if fitted, mode control if fitted, battery door and card door. Do not worry about buttons whose purpose has not yet been taught.

3. Find the lens controls

If you have an interchangeable-lens camera, identify the lens release without pressing it unnecessarily and find any AF/MF or stabilisation switches on the lens. If you use a fixed-lens camera or phone, skip this.

4. Find one setting through the menu

Open the menu and find something harmless such as image quality or grid display. Do not change it unless you know what it does. The aim is simply to become comfortable navigating and backing out of the menu.

You are ready to move on when

You can take and review a photograph and find the controls you will use in the next lessons without feeling that every button needs to be learned at once.