Monday, 7 May 2012

Using a DSLR Camera – 5 Tips



Do you have a DSLR and want the most from your pictures? These tips will help you do just that. With DSLR cameras are increasingly affordable, many people are upgrading their cameras to take advantage of the increased flexibility and performance that these cameras offer. The 5 tips below will help you get the most from your digital SLR camera.

1. Use the hood when taking pictures




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DSLR cameras have interchangeable lenses. Most of these lenses have a matching hood that fits on the front of the lens. The hood blocks light from coming on a corner and causing a reflection on the front lens element. Shooting through this reflection will reduce your sharpness and contrast. Consistent use of your hood, your pictures sharper. It will also help protect the front of the lens damage.

2. Take the camera in automatic mode when necessary

Camera meters are calibrated to achieve good results when you give a picture of an average scene. If the scene is not average, you need to adjust exposure to compensate. If the scene is very bright (like snow), you need the camera to expose a bit more to make things clearer. If the scene is very dark, you need to darken the exposure reduction. If the subject is backlit, you need the exposure so the subject is not underexposed to increase. You can set the exposure using the exposure compensation controls or by switching to manual exposure mode.

3. Using continuous autofocus mode when the subject is moving

DSLR cameras usually have a continuous autofocus mode, which will follow a moving subject and continuously adjust the focus until you press the shutter button to shoot. Make sure you use this mode when photographing things that move. This mode would be perfect for taking pictures of children or pets walking around.

4. Use an external flash, so you can bounce the light from a ceiling or wall

Most DSLR cameras have a built-in flash. Unfortunately, the flash does not deliver very good overall results. The pop-up flash has no power and can not be returned. For natural-looking pictures with a flash, you really need the light from a ceiling or wall to make the light more diffuse bounce. Direct flash would be fine for snapshots, but for more critical work, you must use an external flash with a bounce capability.

5. Set the ISO speed based on the shooting conditions

The ISO speed determines how sensitive the image sensor is light. A higher ISO setting requires less exposure, but increases the noise in the picture. For best results when taking pictures, you should use the lowest ISO setting you can. In taking action or in low-light shots, you may increase the ISO setting accordingly.

If these 5 tips in mind, you will be well on your way to making the most of your DSLR.