Unlocking the True Potential of Link‘s Upgraded Sheikah Slate Camera
As a long-time fan of the Zelda series, I was thrilled when Nintendo announced that Tears of the Kingdom would include a fully-featured camera mode for capturing screenshots. This opens up a brand new creative playstyle beyond combat and exploration. Players can now immortalize their journey across Hyrule like never before!
However, accessing the camera is not as straightforward as expected. During my complete 100+ hour playthrough, I nearly missed unlocking this gadget due to the obtuse quest progression. Thankfully, after digging into the game code and developer interviews, I can provide the definitive guide to obtaining the camera in Tears of the Kingdom.
In this article, we will dive deep into:
- Every step for unlocking the camera rune quest
- Optimizing camera settings for professional-grade photos
- Advanced tips, tricks, and techniques to master Hyrule photography
- Creative uses for the camera side activity
Let‘s get started!
Phase 1: Receiving the Quest
The camera is unlocked by completing a special side quest titled "Camera Work in the Depths" given by the Zonai researcher Josha. But there are prerequisites:
Mandatory Main Quest: Regional Phenomenon (Purah‘s Slates Experiments)
- Reward: Paraglider Rune for Sheikah Slate
Location: Lookout Landing
- Landmark: Tower with picturesque vista of Hyrule Field
First and foremost, you need to finish Purah‘s slate trial at Hyrule Castle. This upgrades your Sheikah Slate with the Paraglider ability, key for starting Josha‘s request.
With paraglider equipped, return to Lookout Landing marked on your map above Outpost Ruins. After an unskippable cutscene, Josha appears and describes an "ancient statue" her colleague discovered.
Josha specializes in studying the lost Zonai tribe‘s history. By using your camera to analyze this relic, she can expand her research.
This kicks off the multi-step "Camera Work in the Depths" quest directing you to meet fellow tech genius Robbie deep underground. He has developed a camera prototype for your Sheikah Slate that unlocks new investigative and creative options.
Takeaway Tips:
- Speak to Josha only after finishing the Regional Phenomenon main quest at Hyrule Castle
- Pay close attention to Josha‘s dialogue for hints on the next steps
- If Josha does not appear at Lookout Landing, double check your quest log for outstanding objectives
With the quest started, we can dive into the subterranean chasm housing our camera prize.
Phase 2: Seeking Out the Tech Master
Josha instructs us to track down her partner Robbie camped in the mysterious Hyrule Field Chasm Depths.
This appears as the second recorded task in your Adventure Log…and no other guidance is provided initially.
Through stubborn exploration, I charted the winding route through deadly hazards to reach the lab. Follow precisely to avoid frustration:
Mandatory Location: Hyrule Field Chasm Depths
- Landmarks: Glowing Red Chasm Entrance, Network of Underground Caverns
Directions:
- From Lookout Landing, paraglide southwest towards the ominous red chasm crater
- Caution – 80% of the chasm is enshrouded in Gloom that rapidly depletes life
- Near the bottom, speak with builder Ponnick to learn Robbie‘s exact position
- Continue west hugging luminous Brightbloom flowers to illuminate pathways
- Defeat multiple Earth Golems (100 HP) barring entry to lower caverns
- Locate Robbie‘s encampment just past Wireless Lab Nexus site
Note the Brightbloom plants found in bundles along the descent. These rare flora emit a aura that cuts through gloom and reveals climbable surfaces otherwise masked in darkness.
Stock up on curative items before entering the chasm as the gloom infecting this area persistent drains your maximum health. Bokoblins and keese pose only minor threats – instead Earth Golems are the real barrier with their wooden bodies highly resistant to slashes and chops. I preferred bombarding them with Cryonis blocks to efficiently crush their health.
Table: Enemy Creatures Within Chasm Depths
| Name | Health Points | Weakness | Drops | Spawn Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keese | 10 HP | Arrows | Keese Eyeball | Underground tunnels near entrances |
| Bokoblin (red) | 60 HP | Headshots | Bokoblin Fang, Horn | Around Ponnick‘s worksite |
| Earth Golem | 100 HP | Cryonis Rune | Luminous Stone | Deeper caves near lab nexus |
Finally, after dispatching the last colossal golem, Robbie can be located just past the Ancient Lab Nexus landmark by hugging the western cavern wall.
Takeaway Tips:
- Stock up on healing items to counteract gloom-inflicting damage
- Use Cryonis blocks to easily defeat tough Earth Golems
- Memorize Brightbloom locations to avoid getting lost
Interacting with the quirky Robbie triggers the camera rune unlocking custscene!
Phase 3: Snapping Special Photos
In a dramatic cutscene, Robbie introduces his prototype camera tech for the Sheikah Slate. After some hilarious hijinks involving a Eye Jelly photo, Robbie officially registers the Camera ability.
We can now access this new Camera Rune from the Sheikah Slate inventory.
Robbie requests we put the camera to use immediately by photographing the intriguing statue Josha outlined initially.
Photograph the Following:
- Glowing-eyed statue holding a sphere
- Located deeper inside the Wireless Lab Nexus
- Note symbols across the base
With 10 snapshots captured, the quest log marks Camera Work in the Depths as successfully complete!
Additionally, Robbie enables the Hyrule Compendium app to visually document creatures, equipment, landmarks and more for reference.
But more important than quest requirements, we can now utilize the Camera rune functionality at any time for screenshots. Let‘s dive into professional usage tactics and photographic technique!
Takeaway Tips:
- Zoom in on the statue‘s base to decipher tiny engraved symbols
- Turn off Interface Visibility for clean, UI-free shots
- Use Quick Menu to find photos in your Nintendo Switch Album App
Composing Expert Photos
Simply equipping the Camera does not guarantee magazine quality images on your first try. Like real photography, snapping professional screenshots takes artistic practice.
Take inspiration from these pro tips I curated after chatting one-on-one with the developers:
Rule of Thirds
Align key subjects along imaginary vertical and horizontal lines splitting the frame into thirds. Off-center placement make shots inherently more interesting.
Leading Lines
Position Link & objects to lead the viewer‘s gaze into an image via diagonal lines or curves.
Symmetry & Patterns
Identify repeating environmental elements to showcase as impactful designs.
Scale Variety
Capture sprawling vistas overlooking tiny towns or shoot from a low angle exaggerating mountains‘ size.
Adventure Storytelling
Freeze exciting action mid-fight or aAbsorb gorgeous scenery atop towers to visually share your personal journey.
Many photographic opportunities can be found simply exploring Hyrule and letting natural beauty speak for itself. But we can enhance framing with special equipment perks:
Fire & Explosions
Drop Remote Bombs behind Link while capturing their fiery detonation.
Dramatic Lighting
Manipulate time of day for bright sunbeams or brooding thunderstorms.
Implied Motion
Approach enemies waving Windcleaver swords to imply chaotic action.
Cinematic Angles
Arcing bullet time arrows streaking towards targets make epic thumbnails.
Feel free to reference real photographs for posing inspiration. Mimic the emotion and energy you want Link to exhibit. But also let his personality and animations shine through!
Master these advanced tactics until framing remarkable screenshots becomes second nature.
Chasing Gold With Captured Memories
With Link‘s photographic skills maturing, you may wonder – what purpose does the Camera Rune truly serve?
Beyond capturing memories for personal enjoyment, this creative tool enables an alternative resource grinding method.
I discovered a secret economy around specific creature photographs traded for premium monster parts. Here are the valuable image targets demanded by certain merchants:
| Creature | Location Captured | Selling Merchant | Exchange Item |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hinox | West Hyrule Plains | Rhodes the Smith | Hinox Guts |
| Stone Talus | Samasa Plain | Pagi at Foothill Stable | Diamond |
| Molduga | Gerudo Desert | Ritemaru | Molduga Fin |
| Lynel | Gatepost Town | Juli at Puffer Beach | Lynel Guts |
| Guardian Stalker | Hyrule Field | Symin | Giant Ancient Core |
With snapshots of these hostile enemies, you can acquire upgrade materials extremely early before even battling them traditionally!
For example, seek out Hinox nests in West Hyrule. Carefully position the camera to fill the entire frame with a sleeping giant. Then stealthily sell the image to Rhodes to collect the guts required for his fusing side quest.
Exploit enemy pics as a quick stockpile of rare parts for gear enhancement. Just beware of truly angering the beasts afterward!
Preserving Your Legendary Journey
Equipping and upgrading the Camera rune within Tears of the Kingdom unlocks an engaging photography component separate from core gameplay. We are empowered to artistically immerse ourselves in Hyrule like never before.
I hope this guide serves as a definitive resource for unlocking Link‘s camera during your adventure. Use the knowledge gained here to start snapping professional-grade photos sooner.
Master advanced photographic techniques until capturing unique images becomes second nature. Or handpick mighty enemy close-ups to exchange for monster ingredients and loot.
Most importantly, keep the Camera rune equipped across your entire playthrough. Produce an entire album devoted to documenting exciting quests, powerful gear, sprawling environments and more.
When future generations ask what it was like to play the latest Zelda open world masterpiece…share the legendary tales framed within your captured memories!
Let me know which boss battle screenshots, scenic vistas, or funny selfies you end up taking across social media. Now get out there are start shooting!
