Advanced Digital Cameras: Beyond the Basics
Flash Exposure Compensation Tips
Flash exposure compensation is the ability to change the output level, or power level, of the flash unit on the DSLR camera without changing the exposure of the background of the photo. Read on for tips on how to control this aspect of your flash photos.
What Is Focal Length?
When shooting with any type of camera, but especially a DSLR camera, it's important to answer the question: What is focal length?
DSLR Buying Guide
If you're serious about your photography then, at some stage, you're going to want to upgrade to a DSLR camera. My handy guide will point you in the right direction, and help you chose the best DSLR camera for your needs.
Decipher the Viewfinder Data
DSLRs can display almost anything about the camera’s settings in the viewfinder, similar to what is displayed on the LCD. Read on to figure out how to decipher the viewfinder data.
Finding Compatible DSLR Lenses
Lenses can be expensive pieces of equipment, so it’s important to know which lenses will work with your DSLR camera. Use these tips to learn more about finding compatible lenses.
Photo Image Quality Settings
When it comes to adjusting the settings for your camera to achieve the best possible images, one aspect that many photographers forget about is setting the image quality and image size to the best possible levels. Use these tips to help you find the right settings for your varying photography needs.
Auto Focus Vs. Manual Focus
One aspect of a DSLR that can be difficult to understand for new photographers is choosing between auto focus and manual focus. Read more about the auto focus vs. manual focus debate!
Speedlight Tips
The most common and easiest way to add light to a scene when using a DSLR or DIL camera is a small flash unit, also called a speedlight, that attaches to the hot shoe of your camera.
Using Camera LCD Screens
LCD screens are improving with each generation of cameras, and they provide a quick and easy way to review images once they've been taken. LCD screens aren't renowned for their accuracy, however, but three steps can be taken to improve their performance.
Learn How to Use a Circular Polarizer Filter
Circular polarizing filters come with two rings, and you simply twist the front ring to activate polarization. You'll know when you've achieved polarization by reflections disappearing, or when the contrast between blue sky and clouds increases.
What Are Autofocus Points?
Modern DSLRs come with a number of focus points, which can usually be seen through the viewfinder. These are known as autofocus points, which are what the camera uses to focus on a subject. Use these tips to learn: What are autofocus points?
DSLR for HD Video
Over the last few years, DSLRs have suddenly acquired the ability to shoot not only still images, but also High Definition (HD) videos. To make the most out of this function, read this beginner's guide.
Anti-Shake Camera Mechanisms
Most DSLR manufacturers have systems in place to help prevent camera shake. The most sensible form of stabilization is obviously when manufacturers use an anti-shake camera system on actual DSLR camera bodies. This means that stabilization is in place, regardless of what type of lens you are using.
Tips for In-Camera Retouching of Photos
Some advanced cameras may give you some photo retouching options that you can operate using the camera’s menus. Learn how to make quick editing changes to your DSLR photos with these tips.
How to Hold Your DSLR Properly
How you handle your DSLR can make a big difference to the quality of your imagery. Read these tips for holding your DSLR camera to improve your photos dramatically.
Choosing Camera Lens Filters
With the advent of DSLRs, many camera filters have become obsolete. However, there are still some filters that are very useful in digital photography. Here are some of the best.
Best Full Frame DSLRs
The term "full frame" means that the digital sensor in the camera is the same size as an old strip of 35mm film. Find the best full frame, $2,000-plus cameras here.
What Is Aperture?
Aperture is the term used to describe the amount of light that passes through a camera lens. DSLR lenses have an iris within them, which will open and close to allow certain amounts of light to reach the camera's sensor. Aperture has two functions on a DSLR. As well as controlling the amount of light passing through the lens, it also controls...
Geotagging With Microsoft Pro Photo
Geotagging is a cool addition to the world of digital photography, allowing you to embed information into your digital photo that tells you where and when it was shot. You have a few different options for geotagging your photos, including the ability to add the data through Microsoft Pro Photo.
Camera Buffer
When you press the shutter button and record an image, a DSLR camera's sensor is exposed to light, and the sensor captures image data. This data is then processed in the camera, and written to the storage card. To help speed up this process, DSLRs contain a camera buffer.
Using Neutral Density Filters
If you've ever looked at a beautiful landscape photograph and wondered how it's been achieved, the answer probably lies with a neutral density filter. Landscape photographers often use long exposures in their work - particularly to make water and clouds look soft and silky.
Best Wide-Angle Lenses for APS-C DSLR Cameras
Manufacturers have started producing lenses specifically designed for APS-C cameras. These lenses are super-wide (to allow for focal length conversion), and they are designed in cheaper materials to keep costs down. Here is a list of some of the best wide-angle lenses for APS-C DSLR cameras.
Best Camera Setup Tips
Digital photography is a complex business, and DSLR cameras require a certain amount of technological know-how. Fortunately you can use some of our best camera tips to learn how to set your DSLR up and make shooting quicker and smoother.
Best Entry-Level DSLRs
The number of DSLR cameras currently on the market can make choosing one seem daunting, so here are the best entry-level DSLRs, listed in alphabetical order. All of these cameras should give beginners years of hassle-free photography ... and they won't break the bank!
Using Multiple Flashes
If you are ready to take your flash photography to a new level, the next step after using a high-end flash with your DSLR camera is using multiple flashes. By changing the angles of the flash units in relation to the subject, you can significantly change the look of your photographs.
Best Camera Lens Performance
The most expensive DSLR lenses won't guarantee perfect pictures if they're not used properly. Here are some simple tips to help you always get the best camera lens performance.
Troubleshoot Wide-Angle Conversion Lenses
With some cameras, usually fixed-lens or DSLR models, you have the option of adding conversion lenses to give your camera's lens additional wide-angle or telephoto capabilities. The conversion lens attaches over the top of the existing lens. Use these tips to troubleshoot any problems you may be having with wide-angle conversion lenses.
Best Consumer DSLR Cameras
Entry-level DSLRs are great but, as your photographic abilities improve, you may find them lacking in features. Most of the big camera manufacturers recognize this, and provide a more advanced range of cameras -- commonly known as "consumer" DSLRs. Here are the best consumer DSLR cameras.
Types of Camera Lenses
Camera lenses come in either fixed (prime) focal lengths, or zooms, which cover a range of focal lengths. The different focal lengths are grouped into categories for different types of camera lenses.
Common DSLR Photography Mistakes
One of the joys of digital photography is that you can take as many shots as you want, without worrying about the cost! Even so, it's frustrating to have to delete loads of shots. This article contains tips to help you to get the shot right the first time and avoid common DSLR photography mistakes.
Troubleshoot Wide-Angle Lenses
When attaching a lens with wide-angle capabilities to your DSLR camera, it's a pretty straightforward process. However, because wide-angle lenses provide such a different look than standard lenses, you may experience some problems when using them.
Best DIL Cameras
Here are some of the best DIL cameras on the market today. These cameras have interchangeable lenses and thin bodies.
FAQ: 10 Advanced Digital Camera Questions
For intermediate and advanced photographers, finding the right digital camera takes some work. Digital SLR cameras are more common today than a few years ago, which gives shoppers more choices, but which also can lead to more confusion. Sort out the confusion by reading answers to these 10 advanced digital camera questions.
Using Studio Lights
Studio lights are used by photographers to provide strong and natural light, with a minimum of shadows. The advantage of studio lights is that they are far more powerful than a flashgun, and don't cast harsh shadows over subjects, as speedlights tend to do. Learn about using studio lights with these tips.
Troubleshooting Zoom Lenses
Because telephoto lenses provide such a different look than standard lenses, you may experience some problems when using them. Use these tips to troubleshoot use of your telephoto DSLR lenses.
The DSLR Filmmaker's Handbook Review
For those who would like to make better use of their DSLR cameras to shoot movies, "The DSLR Filmmaker's Handbook" is a thorough book that provides some great tips
DSLR Cameras for Dummies Book Review
The latest DSLR Cameras for Dummies book contains quite a bit of updated information that will be helpful for those new to DSLR photography.
Photography Lighting Effects
Nothing makes or breaks a photo more than lighting. Dramatic photography lighting can turn a mundane snapshot into something quite breathtaking. To be able to fully use lighting, though, we need to learn about photography lighting effects.
Tips for Those New To Digital SLR
For those who want to learn the basics about digital SLR cameras, this site provides some interesting information, including diagrams of the components on sample SLR models.
Canon's Advanced Learning Center
Canon's Digital Learning Center gives dozens of multimedia tips aimed at intermediate and advanced digital photographers. Not surprisingly, the information at the site centers on Canon digital cameras, but most of the tips work with any model of digital camera.
Football Photos
Shooting photos at football games can be a real challenge, because of all of the movement and action.
Learn About Interchangeable Lenses
Through this portion of the Canon Web site, you can learn a lot about interchangeable lenses for digital SLR (single-lens reflex) cameras, which are aimed at intermediate and advanced photographers.