Camera tips for photography beginners
A friend of mine has been coaxed into buying DSLR as it has been all the rage nowadays. You bought unnecessary accessories for your DSLR as you have no idea what exactly you want. So he enthusiastically asked me for some DSLR buying guidelines for those enthusiastic newbies who are just starting to explore the world of DSLR cameras.
Here are some things to keep in mind when buying your first DSLR camera:
1. DSLR camera? To buy or not to buy?
Why do you want a DSLR camera? Is it to look “cool” or to take great pictures?
I honestly believe that a great photo is all about composition, regardless of the type of camera you use. I would advise that until you have exhausted all the knack you have for taking a great photo using just the typical camera, don’t buy a DSLR camera just yet.
I still remembered an important photo when I was in high school that was forever imprinted on my mind. It was a photo taken by a third-year student of her siblings and cousins standing near a window looking up at her from what appears to be her grandparents’ traditional home. Combined with the soft morning lights and the brightly colored clothing of her cousins, I can still imagine the photo framed by the pastel-colored window. It was a photo taken only by a BRAND-FREE SINGLE SHOT FILM CAMERA that didn’t even have a zoom lens. So far, I still can’t find the opportunity to take that kind of image with my DSLR camera.
If you’ve spent considerable time taking great photos with your current camera, and you think you could do a lot better in expressing yourself through photography, then by all means buy a DSLR / SLR camera.
2. What is the difference between a DSLR camera and an SLR camera?
Digital Single Lens Reflex or commonly known by its acronym DSLR is an improved form of the classic SLR camera. While the latter uses movies to store images, the former stores images via its memory card.
SLR users are for those photographers who “think first, shoot later”, while DSLRs are for those who continue to shoot before they think. With the DSLR camera we had the opportunity to take as many photos as we could, preview the shots and make adjustments to the subject before printing the images. We can only imagine what the photos look like until we send the film in for processing.
Imagine how many rolls of film you will have to use to produce beautiful images. If you can afford to buy more than a dozen films, develop and choose an SLR camera. SLR has a feature that many filmmakers love. It will always be a classic. There are still a lot of specialized cameras that I couldn’t include here.
These are widely used DSLR brands and my little point of view:
Sony:
If you like creative lighting, go for these Sony DSLRs. Sony’s alpha function made it easy to set up the wireless flash. However, don’t expect much from third-party or second-hand accessories.
Olympus:
Tried this camera before, small and light. I had no difficulty taking pictures at an outdoor event. The colors of the images taken were great and the little zoom lens has a wonderfully wide range.
Canon vs Nikon:
These brands have their own followers respectively. You can easily find third-party and second-hand accessories. I was able to use DSLRs with these brands, although I prefer Canon for its colors. But in terms of exposure / auto default settings, your photos (Canon) generally tend to be a bit darker than Nikon DSLRs.
3. I will buy a DSLR, what else do I need?
If you’ve already improved your photography skills with your existing camera, then you should already have a design plan for what you want to shoot. So, buy things that are related to your preferred topic. You can have the best-in-class telephoto lens or macro lens and ring flash if you like macro shots.
Stick to the lens of your kit if you’re still not sure what you want. Below are the things that MUST be considered:
1.screensaver
2.UV lens filter
3 tripod
4.cam bag
4. What format, RAW or JPEG?
To take quality photos, you can choose the image format found in most DSLRs. JPEG is a kind of compressed and processed raw data of the image. Being a compressed format, every time it is copied and saved it loses certain details. RAW, on the other hand, is the image in raw data. The file size tends to be larger, so you must have a large memory card. However with the latter you have to use a special application / program to view your files (different program / plugin for different camera brands).
5. I have all the gears I need, now what?
First things first, READ THE MANUAL. Learn the dos and don’ts of your camera, then try going out and shooting whatever you want. Try working with the options available on your DSLR camera. Try taking photos using Auto or Program, Manual, Aperture Priority, and Shutter Speed Priority.
Explore your world with your DSLR camera; there are still many photos to take. Go on vacation somewhere, take your DSLR camera anywhere, and then post your photos online. Try to post your best photos and ask for comments on the forums. If someone comments, be open and take it with a pinch of salt. If no one comments, don’t be dejected. Keep shooting and posting.
