aperture

[pete_clio]

ive just bought a nikon d40, can someone explain briefly what the aperture is? ive searched for it but couldnt find much

cheers

 

[McBunny]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aperture

size of hole in lense bigger the hole the more light gets in but the smaller the depth of field short exposure required

the smaller the hole the bigger the dof but less light gets in so longer exposure required

basically it is more complicated than that though

 

[unofficialPete]

In lamens terms, its like the iris of your eye, opens and closes to allow for more or less light and in photography gives the shooter control over depth of field..

http://www.photonhead.com/beginners/shutterandaperture.php

http://www.pbase.com/wlhuber/the_basics