The Weekend - Buying a Camera (C0171)

A:

Hello, ma'am, can I help you find something?

B:

Yes, actually I'm looking to buy a camera.

A:

We've got a wide selection do you know if you'd like a point-and-shoot, or something a little fancier? Are you shopping for yourself or for someone else?

B:

Actually I'm buying a camera for my husband.

A:

Ah, well then I'd recommend a nice entry-level digital SLR.

B:

Yeah? Can I take a look at the SLRs you carry?

A:

Sure thing, follow me. This here is the.

B:

The Canon Eos. Yeah it's ok, but I'm looking for something that performs better in low light, has a better display panel, and longer battery life.

A:

Oh, ah, umthe Nikon D60 is a nice option.

B:

Yeah, but what kit lens does this camera come with? I don't want some bulky telephoto lens.

A:

Oh, well this one has the, uh.

B:

Looks to me like an 18-55mm lens. pretty standard, that will do. Not like my husband will be stalking celebrities or anything!

A:

So, ahem, can I interest you in any acc...

B:

Accessories? Do you carry polarizing filters?

A:

Polarizing filter um we should! I'm sorry, ma'am. looks like we're sold out.

B:

No you're not! There are some right here!

A:

Oh, well, would you look at that! Po-la-ri-zing filters.

B:

Thanks for your help, Ralph!

A:

No problem, ma'am.

Key Vocabulary

point-and-shoot

Any compact non-SLR camera with non-interchangeable lenses, using automatic settings and simplified controls. Generally desired by novices and casual users.

interest someone in

try to persuade someone to buy, do, or eat something

lens

a transparent optical device used to converge or diverge transmitted light and to form images

polarizing filter

a camera lens filter used to control the plane of polarization of light entering the lens.

entry-level

simple and appropriate to an inexperienced person

Supplementary Vocabulary

tripod

a three-legged stand for a camera

filter

a lens screen of dyed gelatin or glass for controlling color or for diminishing the intensity of light

exposure

the process of light hitting a photosensitive surface, such as film or a digital image sensor

shutter

a mechanical device for opening and closing the aperture of a camera lens to expose film

wide-angle lens

a lens which has a wide coverage angle so it can take in a great deal of scene, usually any lens shorter than 42mm

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