The document provides an overview of using a DSLR camera, including: 1) A DSLR uses a mirror system to direct light from the lens to an optical viewfinder, allowing for interchangeable lenses. 2) Key features of DSLRs include manual exposure controls, interchangeable lenses, and the ability to capture RAW formats. 3) Proper hand positioning is important to avoid camera shake, and accessories like external flashes and tripods can enhance photos. 4) Different lens types like kit lenses, primes, and telephotos suit different subjects and shooting styles.

1. presents: DSLR Basics

2. Your New DSLR! Congratulations on the purchase of the most versatile camera you can buy!

3. You'll never need a better camera for portraits and everyday use. You have the best already!

4. Definition: DSLR = “Digital Single Lens Reflex” A digital single-lens reflex camera (digital SLR or DSLR) is a digital camera that uses a mechanical mirror system and pentaprism to direct light from the lens to an optical viewfinder on the back of the camera.

5. A digital camera in which the subject is viewed through the same lens as the picture is taken with. A mirror is raised when the shutter button is pressed, allowing light to reach the image sensor.

6. Features / advantages of owning a DSLR: Instant shutter firing when shutter release button pushed

7. quick access to manual exposure triangle elements with knobs and buttons

8. interchangeable lenses for telescoping or wide angle and better low light (up to f/1.8)

9. quick readouts on LCDs inside and out

10. quick access to manual and auto focus better quality CCD sensor

11. more versatile WB, ISO, Shutter and aperture settings

12. able to add accessories and hot shoe external flash

13. in camera processing and special effects (layering, panoramas)

14. RAW format, Quick change of JPG quality (Fine, Large, etc.)

15. Holding your DSLR Use your right hand to grip the right hand end of the camera. Your forefinger should sit lightly above the shutter release, your other three fingers curling around the front of the camera. Your right thumb grips onto the back of the camera.

16. Most cameras have some sort of grip and even impressions for where fingers should go so this should feel natural. Use a strong grip with your right hand but don’t grip it so tightly that you end up shaking the camera.

17. Holding your DSLR The positioning of your left hand should support the weight of the camera and will either sit underneath the camera or under/around a lens.

18. Holding your DSLR Add extra stability by leaning against a solid object like a wall or a tree or by sitting or kneeling down.

19. If you have to stand and don’t have anything to lean on for extra support put your feet shoulder width apart to give yourself a steady stance. The stiller you can keep your body the stiller the camera will be.

20. Holding your DSLR Before you take your shot take a gentle but deep breath, hold it, then take the shot (don't stab, hold down halfway and gently depress all the way when in focus) and exhale.

21. The other method people use is the exact opposite – exhale and before inhaling again take the shot. It’s amazing how much a body rises and falls simply by breathing – being conscious of it can give you an edge.

22. DSLR Accessories: External Hotshoe Flash

23. Many options available

24. More versatile and better lighting than built in flash

25. DSLR Accessories: External Flash Flash can be your friend or enemy.

26. The small, pop up flashes are usually very harsh and will either blow out highlights if too close, or not be powerful enough in low / no light situations to fill the background with light.

27. Be sure to read your manual and find out the optimum distance you should be shooting to the subject

28. DSLR Accessories: External Flash Trick! - “de-harsh” your on-camera flash by taping a cross with Scotch tape over your flash, or taping a piece of semi clear or white plastic (like a plastic milk carton) over your flash. You can also buy pop up diffusers for on camera flash that fit over your flash and diffuse the light for a more even tone.

29. Flash diffusers (Gary Fong, Stofen, Lumiquest) Flash diffusers both “deharsh” and diffuse the light from your flash, bouncing it around the sides and into dark corners and crevasses.

30. Flash diffusers (Gary Fong, Stofen, Lumiquest)

31. DSLR Accessories: Tripods Tripod with ball or grip head

32. Don't skimp on a cheap wobbly tripod!

33. Better ones are made of metal and have interchangable heads

34. DSLR Accessories: Other battery grip / extra batteries

35. lens hood

36. Camera bags

37. Filters (UV, Polarizer, haze)

38. Lenses

39. DSLR Lenses DSLRs allow interchangeable lenses