Start using your digital SLR camera
You've finally upgraded your one-click camera and invested in a high-quality Nikon or Canon digital SLR camera. DSLR (digital single lens reflex) cameras have become immensely popular because they provide stunning, high-resolution, professional-looking images that can vividly preserve your memories. Although your digital SLR camera can seem much more complicated than your previous point-and-shoot camera, it is actually quite easy to use. The only difference is that a digital SLR camera provides you with more tools and options.
Instructions
1. Decide what mode you want to take your photo in. Digital SLR cameras come with many different modes for shooting your photographs. Automatic mode relies upon your camera to make the best decision regarding focus, flash, aperture and many other factors. Types of automatic modes include portrait, landscape and night. Semiautomatic mode is where you can adjust one particular setting (either aperture or shutter speed) and your DSLR camera makes the rest of the decisions in conjunction with your settings. Semiautomatic mode is usually indicated by letters on your camera: P (program mode), S (shutter priority mode) or A (aperture priority mode). If you are a beginner, you should start out with automatic mode. If you would like to try semiautomatic modes, start out with program mode, which is a general setting that allows you to adjust flash, white balance, ISO and other options.
2. Go to your digital SLR camera's main menu and decide between RAW or JPEG format for your photos. RAW format is an uncompressed file that offers a high dynamic range in your photo. RAW format will have to be converted before it can be seen, edited, processed or printed on your computer. JPEG is a compressed format that is easily recognizable on your computer and on the Web. It takes up far less space than a RAW file, but is less dynamic and lower in quality. If high-quality photos are your main priority, shoot in RAW format. If you don't want to deal with converting your files later and have limited space, shoot in JPEG format.
3. Hold your digital SLR camera correctly. Blurriness in photos is often a result of camera shake. The best option for shooting with your digital SLR camera is to use a tripod. If you need to hold your camera, make sure to firmly grip the right side of the camera with your right hand. Your left hand supports the camera's weight by holding it from underneath or wrapping around the bottom of the lens. Although it may be tempting to pull away from your digital SLR camera and use its LCD screen to frame your subject, this often results in an instability that leads to camera shake. Make sure to hold the camera close to you and use the viewfinder to focus your photo. Lean against a solid object, like a wall, table or tree, to add extra stability.
4. Fill your frame and make sure your subject is in focus. Use your DSLR's lens to zoom in on your subject. Make sure the subject takes up your frame, and don't let too many background objects or people get into the shot. Carefully check in the viewfinder to make sure that the part of the image that you want to highlight is truly in focus. Don't just rely upon your camera to get it right.
5. Press the shutter button correctly. Not releasing the shutter button correctly can lead to many problems, including camera shake. Place the flat part of your forefinger against the shutter. Apply pressure firmly, but do not jab at the shutter. This will provide you with more control over your shutter and reduce the likelihood of your digital SLR camera jerking every time you take a shot.
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