How To Use A Digital SLR Camera
Camera users are normally classified as hobbyists, novice, and professionals. Whichever category you belong I suggest that you read the following basic information about digital cameras:
1. Categories of a camera
Cameras can be grouped into:
a. Ultra compact no flash mode
b. Prosumer or compact for hobbyists
c. Digital SLR cameras have lenses, tripod, and external flashes
b. Prosumer or compact for hobbyists
c. Digital SLR cameras have lenses, tripod, and external flashes
If you want to master the art of photography, it's generally recommended that you use the third category - digital SLR cameras. Models that fall under this category are priced among other things, for their resolution.
2. Mega pixels
Mega pixels can be classified into:
a. 3 mega pixels for basic snapshots
b. between 3 and 5 mega pixels images have good print quality
c. between 5 and 7 mega pixels images can be easily manipulated; larger print sizes can be made.
b. between 3 and 5 mega pixels images have good print quality
c. between 5 and 7 mega pixels images can be easily manipulated; larger print sizes can be made.
3. Zoom
A cameras zoom is normally categorized into:
a. Optical zoom factor what is distant appears closer by magnifying the light entering through the main lens
b. Digital zoom factor magnifies the resulting image
b. Digital zoom factor magnifies the resulting image
Quality photographs depend mostly on the optical zoom factor.
4. Storage media
These are the some common storage formats:
a. Compact Flash (for compact and DSLRs)
b. Sony Memory Stick (compatible with other Sony appliances)
c. Smart Media
Storage sizes normally range from 64 K, which can store 3 dozen mega pixel images; 1G can store about 500 images with the same mega pixels.
5. Carrying case
You should keep the camera and its accessories in place.
6. Tripod
Tripod can be used when setting the timer mode on and keeping the focus stable.
7. Lenses and Filters
There are digital cameras that allow additional lenses to be attached to the main lens, or the lenses can be completely interchangeable.
Lenses can be categorized as follows:
a. Macro lens allows you to get closer to objects like insects and flowers
b. Wide-angle lens used for capturing landmarks, and large and wide sceneries
c. Telephoto lens allows longer zooms that let you get close to objects that are rather unsafe
Filters, on the other hand are used to:
a. Soften the effect of the image
b. Provide blurring on the edges for portraits that have sensitive moods
c. Add light flares for the image to be more dramatic
d. To reduce glare so that pictures appear more saturated, crisp, and vivid.
b. Provide blurring on the edges for portraits that have sensitive moods
c. Add light flares for the image to be more dramatic
d. To reduce glare so that pictures appear more saturated, crisp, and vivid.
Here are some basic strategies on how to capture an image:
1. Holding the camera
You should hold the camera steadily and keep your spare fingers from interfering with the lens. This skill usually takes a few practices.
2. Focusing
To keep the camera from shuddering, it is better to half-press the camera shutter button until you are able to lock your view on the focus before completely pressing the button of the shutter. You may also use a tripod for better focusing.
3. Previewing
Take and retake pictures if necessary after previewing them in your LCD screen.
4. Archiving
Keep an album of your best photographs so that you can refer to them as you keep on working your way to being great photographers. Once you have mastered using a simple compact or digital SLR camera, you can capture photos using other cameras with great ease and efficiency.