Tips for first time buy DSLR

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Moving up from a basic compact camera or smartphone to a DSLR creates a whole new range of photographic possibilities. Not only will a more advanced camera offer you increased control over the settings you use, but with easy know-how, you’ll be ready to achieve creative effects such as long exposures and blurry backgrounds. Of course, this added functionality means extra buttons and dials that may seem pretty alien to you when you first pick up the camera...

Start in auto mode

Our advice would be to start in full auto mode, which is usually marked by a green square on the main mode dial. In this mode, your camera will behave like a point-and-shoot compact and you won’t have to worry about settings. Next, move on to ‘P’ mode, which is similar except you’ll be able to change the balance between shutter speed and aperture and turn off the flash. Once you become more familiar with the camera, you can move on to the semi-automatic and manual modes. Let’s take a look at what some of the key buttons on the back of your camera actually do... 

Dioptre Settings

For short- and long-sighted photographers, dioptric adjustment gives a sharp viewfinder image without the need for glasses. When you first buy a camera, look through the viewfinder and fine-tune the dioptre for your eyes. 

Video Button

Most DSLRs now can shoot up to 30 minutes of continuous Full HD (1080p) video footage with a fast card. Use the menu to access video settings, and recording is started and stopped with this button.

Exposure Compensation

If the image is too bright or too dark, you can tweak exposure with this button – simply hold it in while turning the finger dial. Push plus figure (+) button to brighten the image and a minus figure (-) button will darken it. Not available in auto modes. 

Display Setting

Some beginner photographers like to have their settings permanently visible on the screen during shooting. The display button also brings up vital image information, such as a histogram, if pressed when reviewing images. 

ISO speed setting

The higher the ISO, the more sensitive the camera’s sensor. The advantage is, this gives you fast shutter speeds, which eliminates blur, but it introduces digital noise. Always use the lowest ISO setting you can. 

AF Operation selection

If you want your DSLR to focus once when you half-press the shutter, use ‘single shot’. For constant focusing, to keep a moving subject sharp, select ‘continuous’. Some models also have AF tracking. 

White Balance

This button function is to tell your camera what it should consider pure white in order to remove color casts. Although there is an auto white balance setting, you still need manual settings in tricky lighting conditions.

Drive mode

If you’re shooting sports or wildlife, you may wish to take several shots in quick succession. With this button, you can switch to burst mode, which is usually between 4-8fps. You can also set self-timer here.

Quick Menu

To save you trawling through the camera’s main menu system, the quick menu only displays the most frequently changed settings, including exposure comp, ISO, white balance and metering mode. 

Credit:  unsplash-logoCHOWSEP

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