Making the Most of Your DSLR Camera

Photo by Harrison Haines from Pexels

Making the Most of Your DSLR Camera

Whether you’ve just bought your first DSLR and you’re excited to get started, or you’ve had one for a while, but you’ve never really gotten into using it regularly, three are a few things you should know before you start using your camera.

A lot of people think that simply buying a DSLR camera is enough to turn them from an amateur into a pro, but that obviously isn’t the case. What is true, though, is that you can significantly step up your photography game if you have a DSLR and the knowledge to wield it effectively.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the key things you can do to make the most of your DSLR camera right now.

Read the manual

This is a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how many people simply do not read the user manual. Or only have a quick flick through if they do. They are missing out on so much! If you don’t read the manual, you can’t hope to understand all of the features that come with the device or how to use them as effectively as possible, so reading it from cover to cover should be the first thing you do. Don’t have the manual? Eosdoc.com is a great website collating camera manuals from around the world, so chances are you can find it there. Knowledge is power, and that applies just as much to photography as anything else.

Get to know the kit lens

Once you’ve read the manual. You should take some time to work out how to use the kit lends provided with your DSLR. Many photographers prefer to use additional lenses such as telephoto or microlenses because they think they are better, but when you’re new to the wonderful world of DSLR photography, it’s wise to use the kit lens. Why? Because it enables you to try out various different shooting modes so you can see what it’s all about and work out which lenses you may need to purchase. Lenses are expensive, so it makes sense to experiment before you choose one.

Check out the manual settings

Modern DSLRs are great because they come with various pre-set shooting modes that you can access at the touch of a button. But, if you’re serious about taking the best photographs you can possibly take, you shouldn’t rely on them too much. Take the time to learn more about making manual changes to the shutter speed, and aperture, for example, and you will be able to take photos that are clearer, of a higher quality, and or unique than other photographers who stick to the pre-set shooting modes.

Consider shooting RAW

Shooting RAW is great because it enables you to gather more information in your photos during the post-processing phase. This means you can edit with more ease, and get the perfect exposure and balance in each and every one of your shots.

Save your favorite settings

Many DSLR cameras enable you to save your most optimal camera settings so that they are ready to access any time you need them. This is a great time-saver and a good way to ensure that your camera is always optimized. Just remember that what is optimal for one shot is not necessarily so for another, so don’t rely on this setting too heavily if you want to grow as a photographer.

Upgrade your memory card

The faster your memory card is, the better your DSLR’s processing times will be, and the more effective the burst shooting mode will work. Faster memory cards tend to be labeled with a higher class, so look out for that when you’re at the camera store.

Buy an extra battery

If your camera doesn’t come with an extra battery, it’s probably a good idea to invest in one, so you can increase tour shooting time and increase the lifespan of your batteries by allowing them to have some time off, so to speak. Batteries might not be cheap, but having an extra one is better than missing that great shot because your camera died on you at the last moment. Trust me. 

Having a DSLR camera is really exciting, so it can be tempting to just jump right in and start shooting, but it is really a good idea to get to know your camera inside and out before you do any serious shooting because it will enable you to operate your camera more effectively, and therefore nail those shots more quickly.