Digital single-lens reflex cameras or DSLRs are the ultimate tool for professional photography. Earlier, these cameras were the private properties of professional photographers. But today, the influence of DSLR cameras are very high that they even took over the entire digital camera market and even beginners have started to use them as a tool in order to try their photography skills. Always remember that these DSLR cameras are not like the ordinary digital cameras and it can earn you some money, if it is used in a proper manner. There are many things that you must learn before dealing with a DSLR camera. Few of them are listed below:
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Aperture: The opening at the lens diaphragm through which the light passes is referred as the aperture and is denoted as f/stops. If the f/stop value is small, the opening will be wide and large amount of light passes through the lens. Likewise, if the f/stop value is big, then the opening will be small and very small amount of light passes through the lens. Using smaller aperture will make your background more focused.
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Shutter Speed: Shutter speed determines the time taken for the camera shutter to open and close. If the shutter is opened for a long time, then the camera sensor will be exposed to more light. But if it is opened for a short period of time, then the sensor will absorb only very small amount of light. Slower shutter speed helps to create a motion blur and fast shutter speed helps to freeze the motion.
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ISO: ISO refers to your camera sensor’s ability to sense the intensity of light. ISO settings value ranges from 24 to 6,400 (or higher). If you use higher ISO settings during low light conditions, the image quality will be very low and it may contain grains.
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Av mode: The Av mode or the aperture priority mode enables you to choose the aperture and ISO values. Here the camera automatically sets the shutter speed for the user. Av mode ensures perfect exposure for your photographs and you can shift to this mode by adjusting the camera mode dial.
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Tv mode: The Tv mode or the shutter priority mode enables you to choose the shutter speed and ISO values. Here the camera automatically sets the aperture for the user. Tv mode helps to maintain good exposure level and you can shift to this mode by adjusting the camera mode dial.
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Automatic mode: You won’t be able to set any of the above mentioned functions when your camera is in automatic mode. All functions will be automatically adjusted by the camera and you only need to click the button, once everything is ready. This mode is basically meant for beginners or amateurs, who don’t have enough knowledge on camera functions. Make sure that you don’t adjust the lens manually while you are in automatic mode because it can damage your lens.
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Manual mode: Usually, all the professional photographers use manual mode while taking photographs. This mode enables the photographer to adjust the aperture, shutter speed, ISO etc. according to his wish.