an extension of MCS classes
The links below take you to articles that have videos included in the content. Most videos are at the end of the article. Exposure 101 Exposure Value ISO & digital noise Aperture Shutter Speed Program Mode & Exposure Depth of Field (DOF) (two videos) F-Stops: How it all works Customizing the “Back Button” AF-ON button Custom…
Though camera manufacturers and camera models vary in their features and setting options, some standardization occurs between the most common models. Their terminology may be slightly different between models, but here is a general reference chart for which Exposure Setting is controlled by the Camera, or the User. Remember, in all cases, Exposure Compensation (Ev)…
The reference chart below depicts the various Canon camera light metering options. For Nikon Users, “MATRIX” is equivalent to “EVALUATIVE” for most camera.
The Reference Charts below illustrates the three exposure variables, benefits and trade-offs, common ranges of adjustments, and how to gain or reduce light to balance a good exposure.
Fine-tuning your camera settings often times helps to make an average photo great. By learning the capabilities of your camera and when to use certain settings and fine-tune adjustments, finding the right setting will become familiar and easy. Two essential things to do at some point are to refer to your camera’s user manual to…
Most DSLR cameras have three AUTO-FOCUS modes in which to function. Your choice of function will determine how the camera achieves focus on your subject. *TIP* To focus on your subject without taking an image, press the shutter button half way down. There might also be a button option on the back of the camera…
One of the least used but best features of your DSLR camera is the ability to select the point your camera uses to focus on a subject. This control allows for framing photographs creatively (e.g. using the rule of thirds) in the camera; thereby removing the need to crop later. The button, or menu…
Some cameras have an alternative method for focusing – other than holding the shutter button part-way down. On my Canon 40D this is done through a button labeled AF-ON. The AF-ON button on Canon and Nikon DSLRs can serve a few functions depending on the options in your camera’s custom settings. Refer to your manual…
Exposure Bracketing is a feature available on most digital cameras that allows you to take three images at three different exposure values (Ev) with just one click of the shutter button. One image uses the original setting, then a second image is created by changing the exposure value to underexpose the image (less light), and…
A useful feature on DSLR cameras is the button (or buttons) designated to lock the exposure, or lock the focal point. Refer to your user manual for the method/button of controlling these features as they vary extensively with camera models. Canon (pictued left) may use a button labeled with an asterisk (*) but on some…