Getting started with a new camera

10 tips before you begin

Digital cameras are ready to go straight out of the box. Almost......

These settings and image guides are for Canon Cameras. All dslr cameras have similar settings but the menus vary.
You'll need to refer to your manual to locate them.

DofE students can use our resouces page to locate their camera manual. Let us know which camera you are using if it's not there already.

#1 Read the Quick Set-up guide in your camera manual

It will help you to find the menus for basic set-up and perform the adjustments described below. No-one reads the whole manual but keep it safe and use it to find out specific information as you develop your skills.

DofE students can use our resouces page to locate their camera manual. Let us know which camera you are using if it's not there already.

#2 Attach the strap. As soon as you start handling your camera it needs to be safe. Don't walk around shooting test pictures and playing with the settings until the lens strap is attached and adjusted to a comfortable length. Always put the strap around your neck. If the camera is on a desk or table while you are setting up - make sure the strap is not dangling over the edge.

#3 Press the Menu button and find the Shoot Menu

Nikon

Canon

#4 Set Image Quality

Most Cameras default to the highest quality jpeg setting. Find the Image Quality menu and make sure this is set. Shoot L jpeg
to start with - and when you are ready you may want to set Raw

#5 Turn off "Release shutter without card"

This means that the camera will not work without an SD card. You'll find the enable/disable setting in the shooting menu. It's really important to set this up correctly on day 1 or risk going on holiday and shooting 100s of pictures which are not recorded. Your camera should remind you about this each time you shoot a picture without a card..

#6 Set Auto ISO.

Auto ISO Find the ISO setting and make sure it's set to Auto. Leave it on Auto to start with. When you understand how and why it should be changed you can start experimenting.

Auto ISO range Set this to a maximum of 800. Image quality drops significantly with entry level cameras as the ISO increases. Setting a maximum of 800 ISO will ensure quality remains high.

#7 Set the shooting Mode

according to your experience & expertise. Beginners should start with P (Program) or A (Auto) Let the camera make the decisions for you at first. You can also try different modes to suit the situation - ie Landscape mode if you are going to the park or Sport mode if you are shooting action. Modern cameras are very clever and each specialised mode will alter a range of settings to give you the best picture

Look at our Camera Modes page for a more detailed explanation of Dslr & Bridge camera modes

#8 Change the diopter ?

Modern Dslrs and Bridge cameras have adjustable eyepiece diopters. If you wear glasses but find it uncomfortable to shoot with them on - you can adjust the diopter for your eye. You might need to remove the rubber protector to make the change but it's easy to do. You should use the viewfinder whenever possible - it will help you to compose images.

#9 Add a UV filter

A UV filter will protect your lens and reduce haze on bright day's. They cost around £10 and are essential. Find the diameter you need on the lens barrel ( 18-55 zooms on Canon and Nikon use 58mm )

#10 And get snapping !!

Go to the park or just get out into the garden to shoot some practice pictures. Stand still when you are shooting and try to use the viewfinder if your camera has one. Use the Review button to look at your pictures and decide if your picture worked or if you need to shoot another one.
If you have time make a trip somewhere interesting. Great pictures are made in great locations.

REMEMBER

YOUR IMAGINATION IS MUCH MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOUR CAMERA
&
GREAT LIGHT WILL HELP YOU MAKE GREAT PICTURES
&
REMOVE THE LENS CAP : )

DSLR & Bridge Camera Set-up

10 tips before you begin​