How to focus to or on infinity with a digital SLR camera?
When reading manuals or photography magazines and books, you will come across the term, ‘focus your camera to infinity’. You may also notice the word or infinity symbol on one of your camera lenses. This can usually be found when you turn your camera lens to manual focus (MF) and rotate the focus ring either […]
How to manually change your camera’s exposure settings? Exposure tips to ensure your photographs are properly exposed every time.
Many beginners often find their photographs are either underexposed (too dark) or overexposed (too light or white). However, there is a way to manually change the exposure to compensate for them being darker or lighter. Getting the correct exposure balance isn’t as hard as it first seems, once you learn a few simple skills from […]
What is the difference between AV, A, DEP and A-DEP camera modes and how to use them
Depending on the brand of your digital SLR camera, you may have noticed 2 similar yet different modes on the dial, called DEP and A-DEP. DEP may also be symbolized by the letters AV (Canon) or A (Nikon). DEP (AV, A) and A-DEP modes, basically do the same thing, in that they allow you to set an aperture so you can control the depth of […]
How to use aperture priority, AV (for Canon) or A (for Nikon) mode on your digital SLR camera
For photographers who use SLR cameras, AV or A mode determines whether all the photograph is in focus or part of. For example photographers can choose to have a sharp foreground and background, or they can blur the background. If you’re after more technical details, Wikipedia already has a great article on how aperture works in photography. On digital SLR […]
How to keep the LCD screen on the back display of your Nikon DSLR on for a longer time?
One of the most frustrating things for beginners who purchase a Nikon D40 SLR camera, is that the LCD display on the back is defaultly set to stay on for only a couple of seconds. In other words, the display turns itself off too quickly. As long as you keep pressing buttons, the display stays […]
What is the difference between AF-A, AF-S, AF-C and MF focus modes on Nikon camera’s. When should you use AF-A, AF-S, AF-C, MF.
When you set your camera lens to AF (auto focus), digital SLR cameras offer the photographer a choice between interchangeable modes. Auto focus modes can vary between different digital camera brands. In the past, Nikon’s two most popular modes were called Continuous Servo AF and single area AF. Nowadays, they are called AF-C (short for auto focus continuous) and AF-S (short for […]
How to stop the highlights from blinking in your LCD screen
Nikon cameras have a useful setting called the highlights mode. When your camera is in this mode and you preview a photograph you have taken, the brightest portions of the image, as well as area’s that are overexposed, are shown with a flashing border. This can be useful if you want to see how much […]
Difference between a zoom lens compared to a prime fixed focal length lens
Experienced photographers who have been around for a while, often prefer prime (fixed focal length) SLR camera lenses over zoom models. Photography magazines always suggest the sharpness of fixed focal length lenses far outweigh the flexibility of zoom lenses. Before looking at the advantages and disadvantages of both we first need to know ‘what is […]
When to use vibration reduction (VR for Nikon) and image stabalization (IS for Canon)
Many Nikon and Canon lenses now come with vibration reduction (Nikon) and image stabilization (Canon) options that you can either turn on or off. The advantages of VR and IS, is that you can achieve sharper photographs when hand holding your camera, especially in darker lighting. This is very useful for times when it’s not […]
Should you buy a generic third party camera lens. Advantages and disadvantages of third party lenses.
A third party camera lens, is one that has been developed by a different company than those who built your camera’s body. For example, if you own a Canon or Nikon DSLR camera, you might choose to purchase a generic Tamron or Sigma lens. Tamron and Sigma lenses are often much cheaper than the Canon […]
Tips for choosing a sports photography lens – What is the best lens for sports photography
One of the main challenges for sports photographers, is that they are photographing moving subjects. Anyone who has photographed their kids sporting event, will know how hard it was to get a sharply focused shot. Most beginners will attempt to shoot a sports event with their all purpose lens. However, unless you like the effect […]
What is considered a professional Canon DSLR lens
Professional Canon lenses always have the letter L within their name. For example, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM lens, is considered professional. The letter L stands for luxury. This is your guarantee that Canon themselves, considers the lens to be one of their best quality glass. The luxury (L) range always takes the […]