Digital SLR Camera

“Learning how to use your new Digital SLR Camera can seem a little daunting! There are lots of settings and options to learn – but you can start taking pictures immediately using the auto mode”

Okay, so you’ve become the proud owner of a digital SLR camera and you probably want to start taking pictures – but STOP! Before you rush off and start clicking take the time to READ THE MANUAL! Familiarise yourself with the basic settings and controls. Oh - and don’t forget to charge the battery! (be sure to check the manufacturers charging instructions. Ni-Cd batteries should be fully discharged every so often before recharging to avoid the problem of “memory effect”)

Check that your digital SLR camera came with a memory card - this is where all of your images will be stored. If it didn’t come with a memory card you will have to buy one. I would suggest at least 2GB of memory – but the larger the memory the more pictures it will store. If funds allow, it is a good idea to buy two or three memory cards and always carry an empty one as a spare - then you should never lose a picture opportunity.

Remember: always turn your digital SLR camera off before inserting or removing a memory card!

Install the software that came with your digital SLR camera on to your computer. If you already have imaging software that you are comfortable with (e.g. Photoshop, Corel Paint Shop, Serif PhotoPlus, Gimp etc.), there is nothing to stop you from using that instead.

With the battery fully charged and the memory card inserted you are now ready to start using your new toy!

But just before you start clicking, you may want to make sure that the date and time on your digital SLR camera is set correctly. Check your manual to see how to do this. Having the right date and time on your image files can be useful when diarising your pictures.

Okay, now we are ready to start shooting, below are a few tips.

• You will get better pictures with the lens cap removed. (Don’t laugh we’ve all made this mistake!)
   
• Don’t forget to turn the digital SLR camera power switch on – you can lose a unique photo opportunity in the time it takes to remedy this simple mistake.
   
• Until you master the other options, unless you are experimenting, use the automatic mode. (Rotate the mode dial to the auto setting, usually indicated by the word “auto” or an icon.)
   
• Make sure that the lens is switched to auto focus (AF or A).
   
• Hold your digital SLR camera in your right hand and support it with your left. Remember not to block the lens or flash with your fingers or hand.
   
• Once you have framed your image, gently press the shutter button halfway down - your digital SLR camera will then auto focus and set the exposure.
   
• If you are happy with what you see, press the shutter-release button all the way down and hey presto the picture has been taken! (N.B. If the light is low when taking an image on “auto” the built-in flash on your digital SLR camera will pop up and automatically fire.)
   
• Once you have taken a few pictures turn off your digital SLR camera and download your photos to your computer.
   
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with all the settings and functions your digital SLR camera has to offer – it’s by far the best way to learn and, unlike older cameras that used film, IT’S FREE!
   
• If you are going to use your software to manipulate your images always save a copy of the original before you start – that way it won’t matter if you make an irreversible mistake.

There will be lots of different settings that you can play around with - explore them all - that’s the great thing about a digital SLR camera as opposed to film - it costs you nothing to experiment!






p.s. If any of your friends or family are interested in amateur photography please ask them to visit my site - all are welcome.