Camera Usage Tips
Summary
This post provides tips on camera usage, focusing on essential aspects such as focusing techniques, depth of field control, shutter speed management, and creative tools for photography. It also covers auto exposure modes and strategies for capturing sharp photos, addressing common issues like blur caused by poor focus or camera shake.
Overview
The following mind map provides an overview of the key camera usage concepts covered in this article:
mindmap
root((Camera Tips))
Focus
Focus Scale
Focus Lock
Manual Focus
DOF
Aperture
Focal Length
Hyperfocal
Shutter
T/B Modes
Types
Speed
Panning
Creative
Aperture
Shutter
Exposure
Auto
High Speed
Low Speed
Sharp Photos
Blur
Solutions
Focus
- Lens Focus Scale: From minimum focusing distance to infinity (∞)
- Focus Lock: Lock focus then recompose
- Manual Focus: For precise control
Focus Tips:
- Precise focus is more critical at closer distances
- With SLR, focus then move slightly to find the sharpest point
- Use split-image focusing in low light
- Pre-focus on a spot for moving subjects
- Set distance scale to hyperfocal for distant scenes
Depth of Field (DOF)
The distance range in front and behind the focus plane that appears sharp. DOF behind the focus point is typically twice that in front.
Aperture Control
| Aperture | f-number | DOF |
|---|---|---|
| Larger | Smaller (e.g., f/1.8) | Shallower |
| Smaller | Larger (e.g., f/16) | Greater |
Focal Length Control
- Shorter focal length → Greater DOF
- Longer focal length → Shallower DOF
Hyperfocal Distance
Set the smallest possible aperture to maximize DOF from foreground to infinity.
Shutter Speed
Controls light exposure duration.
Shutter Modes
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| T Mode | Press once to open, again to close |
| B Mode (Bulb) | Stays open while pressed |
Shutter Types
- Leaf shutter: Thin metal blades inside lens
- Focal plane shutter: Allows faster exposure speeds
Choosing Speed
Factors to consider:
- Subject motion speed: Match shutter to freeze motion
- Direction: Crossing view requires faster shutter than approaching
- Distance: Larger image size = faster screen crossing
- Lens focal length: Longer focal length magnifies motion
Panning
Follow subject motion to create a sharp subject with blurred background.
Creative Tools
| Tool | Control |
|---|---|
| Aperture | Depth of field |
| Shutter speed | Motion blur/freeze |
Auto Exposure Modes
| Mode | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Standard/Auto | Balanced aperture/shutter for most scenes |
| High Speed (Sports) | Fast shutter, large aperture |
| Low Speed (Landscape) | Small aperture, large DOF |
Getting Sharp Photos
Blur Causes
- Poor focus → Some elements sharp, others blurry
- Camera shake → Nothing sharp
Solutions
Rules of thumb for handheld shooting:
- Standard lens: minimum 1/125 or 1/250
- Shutter speed denominator should equal focal length in mm (e.g., 200mm lens → 1/200s)
To prevent camera shake:
- Use fast enough shutter speed
- Use a tripod
- Press the release button gradually and hold after the shot