How to Improve your Digital Slr Camera Pictures?

Digital Slr Cameras are amazing tools to expand your creativity and to document special moments. If your starting out and strive to improve your work master these five important tips. These tips deal with the relationship of shutter speed and focal length, achieving proper focus, stability, handling backlighting, and the effects of ISO and noise.

Understanding how the focal length of your lenses relates to the shutter speed you are shooting with.

If your shooting with a 50mm lenses the rule of thumb is that you can hand hold your camera with shutter speeds of 1/50th of a second and higher. With a 200mm lenses that it’s 1/200th of a second. With expensive image stabilization lenses you can hand hold a 200mmm at about 1/100th of a second maybe 1/60th of a second if you have steady hands. One trick I have used to squeeze an extra shutter speed stop while hand holding my camera is holding my breath and keeping my arm tight close to my chest. Knowing your lenses and remembering this simple tip should yield sharper results in your photos while hand holding your digital SLR camera.

Understanding the focus system in your camera

Practically every digital SLR camera focuses when you press the shutter button halfway down. Usually you will hear a beep and see a green or red square through the viewfinder. This is what the camera is focusing on. Then press the button the rest of the way down to take the picture. Understand that the computer inside the camera is looking at differences in image contrast and that difference is what is focusing the camera. Most digital SLR cameras also let you change the focus point manually to anywhere there is a predetermined point in the viewfinder. At a minimum you will get 9 points of focus up to 45 points of focus. It depends on the model and make of your digital SLR camera.

While executing my day-to-day shooting I always start with my focus point in the center of the viewfinder then I move it according to the subject I am shooting. It is easy to forget about where you set your focus point and then wonder why your photos are off focus or out of focus. So when you start a shoot the first place to check is where your focus point is and then center it, this should help you get more shots in focus.

Stability and when to use a tripod

If you are dealing with long exposures when shooting or if the shutter speed exceeds the focal length, then you need to use a tripod. All tripods are not the same. If in the studio a lightweight tripod can be used effectively if you weigh it down with sandbag or an alterative weighting device. When outdoors use a tripod on the heavier side is probably best, it also depending on weather condition. If there is a lot of wind you really need to secure the tripod with weight or some tripods even have a feature where you can spike them in the ground for more stability.

Any movement during a shot with a long exposure will almost always render that shot useless and that is why stability is so important. One of the newest advancements in camera technology is “image stabilization” in both lenses and camera bodies. This new technology is great and its best used if shooting with two hands on the camera and bracing your body against something. Still in some shooting situations there is still no replacement for a good weighted tripod.

How to handle strong backlighting

Backlighting subjects can be our enemy. Many people try to shoot a photo with a strong bright window light in the background, and then wonder why the shot didn’t come out. Why does this happen? The bright light from the window floods the lens, and your camera usually can’t compensate for it. One way to combat this is to use a fill flash on your subject or use a large white fill card. Another option is to diffuse the strong window light and fill the subject with a white fill card. Do not be afraid of backlighting use it to your advantage, just remember you need to counteract a strong backlight with a strong fill.

Understanding the effects of ISO in Digital SLR Cameras

Digital SLR cameras have some of the same characteristics as Film Slr Cameras like Interchangeable Lenses, viewfinders, matrix metering, etc, but they do not handle ISO the same way. They are similar in that the relative ISO setting handles the light sensitivity that reaches the sensor or film. Where they differ is in the look they achieve in the final product. High ISO speeds on film have a certain film grain look to them that can be pleasing, but high ISO speeds on a digital SLR camera creates noise on the files and the look is not the same as film grain. In most situations noise is your enemy. If you want that film grain look, shoot your digital photos with the lowest possible ISO and then use Alien Skins Exposure® 2 plug in for Photoshop to achieve that film grain look.

In closing mastering these five tips will make your photography stronger, sharper, in focus and properly lit.

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Pentax K-7 Digital SLR Camera $992.99 1 1 Year Limited 1.43 lb 1/8000 Second 11 1280 x 720 14.6 Megapixel 15.1 Megapixel 17811 2.90″ 3″ 3.80″ 30 Second 30 fps 4672 x 3104 5.10″ 921000 Pixel K-7 Digital SLR Camera Li-Ion Battery D-LI90 Software CD-ROM S-SW90 USB Cable I-USB7 AV Cable I-AVC7 Battery Charge Cradle D-BC90 AC Plug Cord Strap O-ST53 Hotshoe Cover FK Eyecup FR Body Mount Cover Finder Cap for ME Focusing Screen MF-60 Frame Matte Bottom Cap PC Socket Cap The K-7 features a rugged, yet compact body design, a 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor rebuilt from the ground up, and advanced features such as HD Movie Capture,100% Field of View, 5.2 fps, and a 3 inch LCD Screen with Live View. Still compatible with every PENTAX lens ever made, the K-7 offers an abundance of long- anticipated new and improved features that are exclusive to the camera and combine to make it a tremendous photography tool. Mode selection: Green Program (P) Sensitivity Priority (Sv) Shutter Priority (Tv) Aperture Priority (Av) Shutter and Aperture Priority (TAv) Metered Manual Bulb X-Speed USER Movie Continuous Shooting: 5.2 fps (40 JPG Continuous Hi, 15 RAW PEF, 14 RAW DNG) 3.3 fps (unlimited JPG Continuous Lo, 17 RAW PEF/DNG) Sensitivity: Auto: ISO 100-3200 Manual: ISO 100-3200 Language Support: English French German Spanish Portuguese Italian Dutch Danish Swedish Finnish Polish Czech Hungarian Turkish Greek Russian Korean Traditional/Simplified Chinese Japanese Auto Body Only Digital SLR Camera Flash ON JPEG K K-7 K-7 Digital SLR Camera LCD Mac Manual Motion JPEG (AVI) Not Applicable Not Included Optical PC PENTAX Imaging Company Pentax Proprietary RAW Red-eye Reduction SLR Secure Digital (SD) Card Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Card Yes www.pentaximaging.com

Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR Camera $1820.99 1 1 Year Limited 1.81 lb 1/8000 Second 1000 Shot 16 Elements in 12 Groups 18 Megapixel 19 19 Megapixel 19.69″ 1920 x 1080 2.90″ 28 mm to 135 mm 3″ 30 Second 3814B010 4.40″ 4.8x 5.80″ 5184 x 3456 60 fps 7D 920000 Pixel EOS 7D Digital SLR Camera EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens Eyecup Eg Wide Neck Strap EW-EOS7D Stereo AV Cable AVC-DC400ST USB Interface Cable IFC-200U Battery Pack LP-E6 Battery Charger LC-E6 Great Photography is Easy Booklet and Do More with Macro Booklet Software CD (Software Instruction Manual) With a host of brand new features designed to enhance every facet of the photographic process, from still images to video, the new EOS 7D represents a whole new class of camera. Made to be the tool of choice for serious photographers and semi-professionals, the EOS 7D features an all-new 18.0 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors, capturing tremendous images at up to ISO 12800 and speeds of up to 8 fps. The EOS 7D has a new all cross-type 19-point AF system with improved AI Servo AF subject tracking and user-selectable AF area selection modes for sharp focus no matter the situation. Sensitivity: Auto ISO 100-6400 Menu Languages: English German French Dutch Danish Portuguese Finnish Italian Norwegian Swedish Spanish Greek Russian Polish Czech Hungarian Romanian Ukraine Turkish Arabic Thai Simplified/Traditional Chinese Korean Japanese Shooting Modes: Standard Portrait Landscape Neutral Faithful Monochrome User Defined 1-3 EOS Digital Solution Disk Auto Auto Flash Body with Lens kit Canon Canon, Inc CompactFlash (CF) Card Digital SLR Camera EOS EOS 7D Digital SLR Camera JPEG LCD Mac Manual Optical PC Proprietary QuickTime MOV RAW SLR Yes f/3.5 to 5.6 www.usa.canon.com

Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera – Black $1281.99 1 1 Year Limited 1.61 lb 1/8000 Second 15.1 Megapixel 15.5 Megapixel 16 Elements in 12 Groups 2.89″ 28 mm to 135 mm 2807B005 3″ 30 Second 4.24″ 4.8x 4752 x 3168 5.73″ 50D 9 920000 Pixel EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens Eyecup Eb Wide Neck Strap EW-EOS 50D Video Cable VC-100 USB Interface Cable IFC-200U Battery Pack BP-511A Battery Charger CG-580 Great Photography is Easy” Booklet and “Do More with Macro” Booklet CD-ROM Software Instruction Manual Scene Modes: Standard Portrait Landscape Neutral Faithful Monochrome Continuous Shooting: High-speed: Max. 6.3 shots/sec Low-speed: Max. 3 shots/sec Sensitivity: Auto ISO (100-6400) Basic Zone modes (ISO 100-3200) High Tone Priority mode(ISO 200-1600) Extension mode (ISO 12800 with C.Fn.I-3-1) Canon’s new EOS 50D bridges the gap between the novice and the seasoned pro with a perfect combination of high-speed and quality. It features an APS-C sized 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor for tremendous images, new DIGIC 4 Image Processor for fine detail and superior color reproduction, and improved ISO capabilities up to 12800 for uncompromised shooting even in the dimmest situations. It features a refined 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots) monitor, supercharged Live View Function with Face Detection Live mode, plus a number of new automatic Image Correction settings and HDMI output for viewing images on an HDTV. Pick up the EOS 50D and you’ll experience true digital inspiration. Auto Auto Flash Black Body with Lens kit Canon Canon, Inc CompactFlash (CF) Card Digital SLR Camera EOS EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera EOS Digital Solution Flash OFF JPEG LCD Mac Manual Optical PC Proprietary RAW Red-eye Reduction SLR Yes f/3.5 to 5.6 www.usa.canon.com

Pentax K-7 Digital SLR Camera – Black $1118.99 1 1 Year Limited 1.43 lb 1/8000 Second 11 1280 x 720 14.6 Megapixel 15.1 Megapixel 17831 18 mm to 55 mm 2.90″ 3″ 3.1x 3.80″ 30 Second 30 fps 4672 x 3104 5.10″ 921000 Pixel 980 Shot/1.67 Hour K-7 Digital SLR Camera 18-55mm WR Lens USB Cable I-USB7 AV Cable I-AVC7 Li-Ion Battery D-LI90 Battery Charge Cradle D-BC90 AC Plug Cord Strap O-ST53 Hot Shoe Cover FK Eyecup FR Body Mount Cover Finder Cap for ME Focusing Screen MF-60 Frame Matte PC Socket Cap Software CD-ROM S-SW90 Scene Modes: Green Program (P) Sensitivity Priority (Sv) Shutter Priority (Tv) Aperture Priority (Av) Shutter and Aperture Priority (TAv) Metered Manual Bulb X-Speed USER Movie Continuous Shooting: 5.2 fps (40 JPEG Continuous Hi, 15 RAW PEF, 14 RAW DNG) 3.3 fps (unlimited JPEG Continuous Lo, 17 RAW PEF/DNG) Sensitivity: Auto: ISO 100-3200 expanded range available to ISO 6400 Manual: ISO 100-3200 expanded range available to ISO 6400 Menu Languages: English French German Spanish Portuguese Italian Dutch Danish Swedish Finnish Polish Czech Hungarian Turkish Greek Russian Korean Traditional/Simplified Chinese Japanese The Pentax K-7 features a rugged, yet compact, body design, a NEW 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor (rebuilt from the ground up) and advanced features such as HD Movie Capture, 100% Field of View, 5.2 FPS and a 3″ LCD Screen with Live View. Still compatible with every Pentax lens ever made, the K-7 offers an abundance of long-anticipated new and improved features that are exclusive to the camera and combine to make it a tremendous photography tool. Auto Black Body with Lens kit Digital SLR Camera Flash ON JPEG K K-7 K-7 Digital SLR Camera LCD Mac Manual Motion JPEG (AVI) Optical PC PENTAX Imaging Company Pentax Proprietary RAW Red-eye Reduction SLR Secure Digital (SD) Card Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Card Yes f/3.5 to 5.6 www.pentaximaging.com

EOS Rebel T2i SLR Digital Camera Body – Black $569 The new flagship of the EOS Rebel line, Canon EOS Rebel T2i brings professional EOS features into an easy to use, lightweight digital SLR that’s a joy to use. Featuring a class-leading 18.0 Megapixel CMOS Image Sensor and increased light sensitivity for low light photography, the EOS Rebel T2i also has an advanced HD Movie mode for gorgeous Full HD movies. Able to capture up to 3.7 frames per second, it’s ready to go the minute it’s picked up. Advanced Live View, a new wide-area screen, plus features like Canon’s brilliant Auto Lighting Optimizer and Highlight Tone features ensure brilliant photos and movies, easily. With some of the most advanced features of any digital SLR, it’s simply the best Rebel Canon has ever created.

EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm IS Lens $699 The new flagship of the EOS Rebel line, Canon EOS Rebel T2i brings professional EOS features into an easy to use, lightweight digital SLR that’s a joy to use. Featuring a class-leading 18.0 Megapixel CMOS Image Sensor and increased light sensitivity for low light photography, the EOS Rebel T2i also has an advanced HD Movie mode for gorgeous Full HD movies. Able to capture up to 3.7 frames per second, it’s ready to go the minute it’s picked up. Advanced Live View, a new wide-area screen, plus features like Canon’s brilliant Auto Lighting Optimizer and Highlight Tone features ensure brilliant photos and movies, easily. With some of the most advanced features of any digital SLR, it’s simply the best Rebel Canon has ever created.

D7000 DX-Format Digital SLR Camera Body $1196.95 Power to Astonish. Features to Inspire. Nikon’s D7000 features a 16.2 MP DX-format CMOS sensor, 6 fps continuous shooting and breathtaking Full 1080p HD Movies with full time autofocus

D5100 Digital SLR Camera – Body Only $596.95 Nikon’s D5100 Digital SLR Camera delivers a galaxy of professional features in a consumer digital camera. A high-resolution 16.2MP DX format CMOS sensor and an EXPEED 2 image processing engine guarantee superb quality and high performance. The 3″ vari-angle tilting LCD monitor allows you full freedom in composition, with sparkling 921,000-dot resolution. Full 1920 x 1080p video with full-time autofocus (for tracking subjects in motion) and stereo sound (using optional microphone) is always available, with in-camera editing and creative controls to bring out your inner director. The Effects mode provides a dazzling array of special effects for putting your own individual stamp on all of your images-still photos or video. Selective Color, for instance, isolates any color within a scene, and Night Vision captures details in places too dark for your own eyes. High Key effect will create bright, glowing images filled with atmosphere and mystery, or you can emphasize the mood of a scene using Low Key, or Miniature Effect-which produces a scene that looks like a miniature scale model. With sensitivity ranging from 100 to 6400 ISO, you’ll be able to make photos and videos that are amazingly rich, even in low light. In-camera HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode will tame high contrast situations by automatically capturing multiple exposures of the scene and combining them for vastly improved contrast and low noise. A blazing fast 11-point autofocus system and split-second shutter response mean that you won’t miss photo opportunities waiting for your camera to catch up. The built-in speedlight has i-TTL for accurate, well-balanced flash every time. With the Scene Recognition system, 420-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering II, 16 automatic exposure scene modes, and Active D-Lighting, your control over your photos and movies will be more precise and simple to carry out than ever. The automatic image sensor cleaning prevents dust from ruining any of your images.

EOS Rebel T3 Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm IS Lens $499 Perfect for photographers ready to make the move to digital SLR photography, the new EOS Rebel T3 delivers beautiful photos and video, speed, simplicity and fun. It features a 12.2 Megapixel CMOS Image Sensor and Canon DIGIC 4 Image Processor for richly detailed images and quick camera response. It has Canon’s amazing 63-zone, Dual-layer metering for accurate exposures and features Canon’s Basic+ function, HD video recording and Live View shooting, plus a convenient in-camera Feature Guide. Available in a number of gorgeous colors, the EOS Rebel T3 is as beautiful as the pictures it takes.