Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

What camera feature primarily affects exposure in photography?

1. ISO setting

2. Focal length

3. Depth of field

4. Light meter

The correct answer is: ISO setting

The ISO setting is a crucial camera feature that directly impacts exposure in photography. ISO measures the sensitivity of the camera's sensor to light; a higher ISO setting allows the sensor to capture images in lower light conditions, resulting in a brighter image. Conversely, a lower ISO setting is ideal for well-lit environments, providing better image quality with less noise. While other features like focal length and depth of field can influence the composition and aesthetic quality of an image, they do not directly alter the exposure. Focal length primarily affects the field of view and perspective, while depth of field pertains to the amount of the image that appears in focus. The light meter, while a significant tool used for measuring the amount of light in a scene and determining the appropriate settings to achieve a desired exposure, is not a setting itself but rather a guide to help photographers adjust their ISO, aperture, and shutter speed accordingly. Therefore, the ISO setting stands out as the primary factor that modifies a camera's exposure in photography.