Today's digital cameras aren't much different than the film cameras of yesterday.
They're the same because we basically do the same thing with 'em.
We meter, focus, set ISO, use
aperture and shutter speed to control exposure/tonality and depth of field and blur, and press the shutter release button to make an exposure.
They're not the same because digital cameras are computers that process images.
They use processors and operating and memory systems to record, process, and store images.
While they're not computers for general purposes, digital cameras perform complex computations to convert light into digital photographs.
We can also appreciate the variety of metering patterns, focus modes, areas, and exposure modes.
But, some of the digital camera's processes and algorithms manipulate our pictures in a way that takes away from
learning about photography.
This is why before I start working with photographers in my classes or private lessons, they automatically get instructions on preparing for our studies and practice.
Part of the instructions is to turn off or change some of the digital camera settings so we can make unprocessed and unmanipulated pictures.
We do that so we can see only the effect we have on the picture.
Whether you study or practice with
me or not, you'd be doing yourself a favor if you did the "pre-start homework" that I ask the photographers I work with to do with their cameras before studying and practicing with me.
"Some pre-start
homework:
- The pre-start homework will help prepare you for our meeting(s). Furthermore, we can get into the lessons instead of setting up the optimal camera functions during our valuable meeting time.
Below,
you'll discover which settings should be turned off or expressly set. What can be confusing is that camera manufacturers call the same functions differently. Also, I've listed only the manufacturers whose cameras I see students using most often in my classes. Additionally, you'll probably need to use your owner's manual to help you do this, which has the additional benefit of learning to use your owner's manual effectively.
- Canon= C
- Nikon = N
- Sony = S
TURN OFF - Contrast Reduction Controls
- C - Auto Lighting Optimizer
- N - Active D-lighting
- S - Dynamic Range Optimisation or DRO
TURN OFF - Noise Reduction
- High ISO noise reduction
- Slow shutter speed noise reduction
- Any other forms of noise reduction
TURN OFF - Vibration Reduction (IR)/Image Stabilization (IS)
Although controlling this feature is usually done on the lens, at times, setting this feature through the camera is the way.
SET - Picture Styles/Picture Controls/Creative Styles
Set all parameters
inside the chosen picture control to zero "0" or as close to zero "0 as possible
- C- (Picture Style)- Neutral or Faithful
- N- (Picture Control)- Neutral
- S - (Creative Style)- Standard
ADJUST - The diopter on the camera viewfinder
Adjusting the diopter ensures that the information presented in your viewfinder appears as sharp as possible, considering your eyesight. "
There's a lotta extra computer-generated stuff that digital cameras do that gets in the way of seeing what the picture looks like based only on what we do with the camera.
It's always best to make a picture with no digital aesthetic effects because we can be confident that only we made the created image through our understanding of camera operation, composition, and light.
And when we're confident that we're the only ones responsible for the outcome of the picture, we get to see our strengths and shortcomings in our understanding of photography.
The Photography Basics (Introduction To Photography) group classes starts soon.
If you'd like a personalized way to learn, there's always Private Photography Lessons made to fit your schedule and way of learning that'll cover the same material you'd get during the Introduction to Photography class.
Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need
guidance on choosing the right course.
And remember, we learn and improve by doing, so practice making at least one picture daily.
