Camera Usage Tips

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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.
  • Focus
    • Lens Focus Scale
      • Minimum focusing distance
        • Everything beyond this distance is sharp
      • Extends to infinity (∞)
    • Focus Lock
      • Lock focus then recompose
    • Manual Focus
    • Tips
        1. Precise focus more critical at closer distances
        1. With SLR, focus then move slightly to find sharpest point
        1. Use split-image focusing in low light
        1. Pre-focus on a spot for moving subjects
        1. Set distance scale to hyperfocal for distant scenes
  • Depth of Field (DOF)
    • Distance range in front and behind focus plane
      • Large DOF: everything sharp front to back
    • Provides margin for focus error
    • DOF behind focus point is twice that in front
    • Aperture Control
      • Larger aperture (smaller f-number) = shallower DOF
        • Maximum aperture gives minimum DOF
      • Smaller aperture (larger f-number) = greater DOF
    • Focal Length Control
      • Shorter focal length = greater DOF
        • Further focus point = greater DOF
      • Longer focal length = shallower DOF
    • Sharpness
      • Points on subject appear as points in photo
    • Hyperfocal Distance
      • Set smallest possible aperture
    • DOF in Auto Cameras
      • Aperture priority
      • Shutter priority
  • Shutter Speed
    • Controls light exposure duration
    • 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
        • Faster exposure speeds
    • Choosing Speed
      • Subject motion speed
        • For freezing, match subject speed
      • Direction
        • Crossing view faster than approaching
      • Distance
        • Larger image = faster screen crossing
      • Lens focal length
        • Longer focal length = larger image = faster motion
    • Panning
      • Follow subject motion for blurred background
  • Creative Tools
    • Aperture for DOF control
    • Shutter speed for motion control
  • Auto Exposure Modes
    • Standard/Auto
      • Balanced aperture/shutter for most scenes
    • High Speed
      • Sports mode, fast shutter, large aperture
    • Low Speed
      • Small aperture, large DOF
        • Landscape mode
  • Getting Sharp Photos
    • Blur Causes
      • Poor focus
      • Camera shake
        • Use fast enough shutter
        • Use tripod
        • Press release button gradually, hold after shot
        • Rules of thumb
          • Standard lens: minimum 1/125 or 1/250
          • Denominator should equal focal length in mm
    • Some elements sharp: focus issue
    • Nothing sharp: camera movement issue