How to Get More Out of a Photographer’s First Digital SLR Camera

It is tempting to rely on modern features that essentially turn DSLR cameras into very fancy point-and-shoot digital cameras. However, it sort of defeats the purpose of investing in digital DSLR cameras in the first place. Beginning DSLR photographers should not be too afraid of RAW image capture or manually adjusting the exposure modes.

It is important to remember that one of the best things about digital cameras is that photographers can take a lot of pictures. Photographers are not limited by concerns about wasting film or running out of film. After running out of space on a card, photographers can simply delete unsuccessful attempts directly from the camera. Take risks, and learn more about photography. No other person has to ever be aware of unsuccessful attempts when manually changing the F-stop.

Have More Opportunities by Enabling RAW Image Capture

Many beginning digital SLR photographers opt to use familiar JPEG images. RAW images can provide more options when processing images as well as uncompromised files. Even better, beginners can set cameras to RAW+JPEG mode. It often takes some time to learn how to master RAW processing, and JPEGs are generally easier to edit and share quickly.

Invest in an extra card to maximize the number of images that can be taken for each shoot. Like many other aspects of DSLR photography, RAW image processing has a bit of a learning curve. However, there is little point to investing in a digital SLR camera for photographers that only want to utilize features available on point-and-shoot digital cameras. Also, learning how to master DSLR is part of the fun.

Learn How to Use Manual Features

It is important to turn off auto mode. Photographers need to experiment to find out what new DSLR cameras can really do. Beginner photographers often can benefit from switching to different creative exposure modes. Switching to shutter priority, aperture priority, or full manual modes can help photographers start to think about the process involved in taking a photograph. Understanding the relationship between aperture and shutter speed can help beginning photographers capture more specific images and achieve new levels of creativity.

Autofocus is one automatic feature that is worth keeping on at all times. AF is an incredibly useful tool, even when the camera is on full manual mode. Use AF and switch between different exposure modes. Frustrated beginners or nervous beginners that have been recruited to take pictures at a special event can always go back to auto mode.

Find Out What a New DSLR Camera Cannot Do

Some cameras may not always perform well in low-light situations. A DSLR camera will be a world of difference from a simple camera on a smartphone. However, there are typically limitations and small glitches when shooting in low-light or otherwise unique situations. Test a new DSLR camera to find what it can and cannot do in certain settings. Make a note of limitations for future use, or find ways to compensate for subpar images.

Go Out and Go Shooting

Find out why so many photographers choose to use digital SLR cameras. Experiment, have fun, and find out what a new DSLR camera can do. Photographers do not have to get too nervous. It is always easy to turn JPEG image capture and autofocus on.