Howdy!
My name is Joe Crimmings and I’m a photographer in Des Moines. I had the great honor of having Kristin ask me to share some knowledge of Digital SLR Cameras with you all!
To begin with, a digital SLR (or DSLR) is simply any digital camera that has an interchangeable lens through which the subject is viewed.
Due to the drop in cost and rise in quality for beginner-end DSLR cameras, many people are opting to buy them over traditional point and shoots. This is great because it offers users to be a little more creative with their photography. It can also be a new challenge for those who are unfamiliar with all the techno jargon that comes with DSLRs.
Well, I’m here to help break down some of the more common terms and hopefully help you create better photographs with your DSLR cameras.
I’m also peppering in some of my favorite photos from a variety of subject matter. If you have any specific questions or want further in-depth knowledge on a certain topic, feel free to email me at joe@joecrimmings.com. Now, without further ado I bring you…
DSLR for Dummies!!!
Number 1: You. Are. NOT. A. Dummy.
Say it with me! …”I…Am…NOT…A…Dummy!”
Please repeat until you are confident and ready to continue.
Ok, now that we are ready, let’s start with ISO.
ISO
The term “ISO” goes back to the days when film was used in cameras, and refers to how sensitive the film was to light.
Nowadays, the higher the ISO, the more sensitive your camera’s sensor (the DSLR’s “film”) is to light.
A higher ISO has its pros and cons. The pros are that you can create images in low light situations that you may not have thought possible without a flash. The cons are that you get a lot more grain, or noise, in your images.
(left: low ISO, right: high ISO)
![original[1]](http://iowagirleats.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/original1.jpg "original[1]")
Here’s an easier way to think about it:
ISO 100-400: best suited for outdoor daylight usage.
ISO 400-1000: best suited for overcast, or dark outdoor & indoor use.
ISO 1000+: very dark situations, might just want to use a flash at a lower ISO.
Most cameras now have AUTO ISO, which will adjust your camera according to the light it is receiving through the lens. This can be easier to use and be one less thing to think about when adjusting camera settings.
Aperture
The aperture (2.8, 3.5, 4.0, 5.6, 8.0 etc.) of a camera is basically a dial in the lens of your camera that allows more or less light in.
This is kind of confusing as the SMALLER the number, the MORE light is allowed in. Also, the smaller the aperture, the more the background or anything you aren’t specifically focusing will be out of focus.
The aperture and the shutter speed work together. The smaller the aperture, the faster your shutter speed can be – or the larger your aperture, the slower your shutter speed needs to be.
To make this easier for people, most DSLR cameras have an “A” option on the menu dial. This allows you to set the aperture, and the camera adjusts the shutter speed accordingly.
Shutter Speed
This is pretty easy. Your camera most likely goes from a 30 second shutter speed to a 1/4000 of a second shutter speed. The trick with shutter speed is if you are shooting in a low light situation and your camera, via it’s light meter, is telling you your shutter speed should be less than 1/60, I suggest getting a tripod or using a flash because you will get a lot of motion in your picture. You can also trying bumping up your ISO or lowering your aperture.
Again, this is a very simplified breakdown of the goings ons of a Digital SLR camera. If you have any questions you can contact me directly at joe@joecrimmings.com.
Thanks everyone, have a great week!
http://www.joecrimmings.com/blog
http://www.facebook.com/joecrimmingsphotography
@crumpings
Thank you for that breakdown! I am still trying to find my way around my Canon EOS. I would love a follow-up post about taking pictures indoors, especially at night under that unsightly indoor light.
This is great! Thanks so much. I’m definitely bookmarking it for future questions I may have.
Hi Joe! Thanks for the tutorial! I have a point and shoot now but I would love to get a Digital SLR. You took pictures of my sister’s family, Sarah and Jon Ramsey. I think you guys are neighbors?? They were great pictures!
Great tips! Thanks Joe!
What a great post. I was very sad tonight that when I went to register for the photography session at the Food buzz Festival it was sold out, then I saw this post!!! Thank you.. I have been working very hard on getting my pictures to come across better.. What do you think? http://ashandlewplus2.com
Ashlee
great tips! thanks for the explanations. i don’t have a DSLR but i want one. definitely bookmarking it for the future!
Love this!! Definitely bookmarking it
Thanks Joe! So much great information. I think I’ll make flashcards of your information to attach to my camera strap.
LOVE this! I have a D5000 and am still clueless on how to use it!
Joe – thank you for enlightening me/us! I do have a few questions for an experienced photographer such as yourself, so I’ll be sending those your way.
Again, thanks for the tidbits. I can remember many things, but for some reason anything dealing with technology is very difficult to remember for me.
Great post!
Nice guest post! Thanks, Joe!
Thanks joe!! Very helpful info!! Beats buying those “how to” books
Wow, this was really informative – and explained in a really clear, concise way!
This was wonderful! I just bought a new DSLR and really have no idea what I’m doing! Thanks Kristin & Joe!!!
What a great tutorial! I am looking into getting a DSLR soon, and this is going to help SO much!!
xo
Kris
Wow, this was a great guest blog. Thank you Kristin and Joe Crimmings. This has dissolved my picture taking fears. I am going to venture out of the comfort zone of point and shoot and take some real pictures. This was truly valuable information and I’m excited to go out and take some photographs.
I LOVE the Obama picture!!!! LOVE IT!!!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful pictures and lessons.
Thank you!! This was so helpful. I just got a DSLR but I’m totally confused by it…this really helps!
Your pictures are beautiful.
Picture perfect post! Pun intended
O.K….loving all the guest posts (not because I don’t love your posts, Kristin!!) but it just so happens that both blog starting and camera stuff are two things I have been pondering lately/for a while and both were really helpful! Thanks, Justin and Joe!
That first photo looks kind of familiar…
Love the tips, can highly recommend Joe as a photographer (he shot my wedding).
Wow, this was extremely helpful. Thank you!
I, too, LOVE the Obama picture! I’d almost hang it on my wall…even though it’s not my kid. I’m still learning the ropes of my Nikon D3000. I just got the upgraded lens…..I still need lots of practice. Thanks for the tips!!
This is an awesome break down. It is definitely in more layman’s terms than most places. Thanks for sharing this knowledge. I’m sure this is just the tip of the iceberg right??
Great! I dont have a DSLR yet–but I will in the future! I’m saving this post!
What an informative post! Thanks!
my first digital SLR camera was an EOS450D, now i have an EOS550D which also shoots high resolution video .,-
So. Stinkin.’ Helpful.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Finally! A post that explains aperture!