Camera is on its way - first of many questions!

[WDWAtLast]

A Canon T2i is on its way to me my first SLR (unless you count the one I used in a HS class many years ago) and I have a lots of questions-but will start with just a few today.

I am reading Understanding Exposure and know that it will take lots of trial and error to be comfortable shooting in manual mode. But how do I start? Is there a cheat sheet that I can use to start with?

Example: if it is a sunny day try _____; for an inside shot try ________. Or do I walk around googling settings?

I understand the basics of what RAW is and why you would want to use it, but if I don't have any software to process RAW yet, do I start in RAW or jpeg? How many external hard drives will Santa need to bring me this year?
Should I watch tutorials on YouTube or just play? Thanks for your help!

 

[HPS3]

I shoot in RAW. When shot in RAW, the camera doesn't do any processing. You are responsible for finishing your file. RAW can be a lifesaver when first starting out. It can save some highlights or shadows. Just remember that out of camera shots will look flat and dull compared to Jpegs. With Jpegs, your just letting the camera do the processing work. Lightroom 4 is an awesome program for filing and processing RAW files.

 

[reimero]

A Canon T2i is on its way to me my first SLR (unless you count the one I used in a HS class many years ago) and I have a lots of questions-but will start with just a few today.

The T2i is an awesome camera. You'll love it! It's what I have.

I am reading Understanding Exposure and know that it will take lots of trial and error to be comfortable shooting in manual mode. But how do I start? Is there a cheat sheet that I can use to start with?

Example: if it is a sunny day try _____; for an inside shot try ________. Or do I walk around googling settings?

There's no magic formula, really. Over time, you'll learn to be able to evaluate a lighting situation and then come up with an approximate exposure/shutter speed/ISO balance. I tend to let the camera determine ISO automatically. In general, I tend to shoot either in Program or Av mode, and if I notice my exposures are off, I'll fine-tune + or -. I rarely shoot in manual mode unless there is a good reason not to use automatic settings.
If you shoot in one of the assisted modes, you should still be able to see the ISO, shutter speed and aperture through the viewfinder. That will give you a good baseline for what the camera wants to do in a given set of lighting circumstances. Just keep in mind that changing lenses, adding filters or adding a flash will alter that balance.

I understand the basics of what RAW is and why you would want to use it, but if I don't have any software to process RAW yet, do I start in RAW or jpeg? How many external hard drives will Santa need to bring me this year?
Should I watch tutorials on YouTube or just play? Thanks for your help!

Your camera should come with a CD that has RAW-processing software. Some people swear by shooting RAW, some primarily shoot jpg. There are advantages and arguments both ways. I primarily shoot in RAW because I have a hard time getting WB (white balance) set properly, and I like to be able to adjust. But if you are getting great pictures with your camera settings, there is really no reason not to shoot jpg. (And by that, I mean I'm inviting a flame war between the RAW fans and the .jpg fans. At the end of the day, it comes down to whether you're wanting to do post-processing, since Facebook can't read RAW.)

My biggest bit of advice is to get out there and use your camera, lots, in different lighting situations and using different modes. Play with manual, play with Program Mode, play with White Balance, play with your other presets. Experiment with auto-bracketing. But at the same time, pay attention to what is working for you, and you'll quickly get a feel for how you can best use your camera. I've been taking a lot of pictures of flowers and landscapes, in no small part so that I won't have to do much thinking when I'm taking pictures I really care about (like vacations or pictures of my new niece.)

My second biggest bit of advice is to make sure you keep your battery charged and your SD card somewhat empty so you can keep on shooting!

 

[HPS3]

I'm with Reimero! Make sure you have a memory card and charged battery. I was at WDW for Spring Break and one night I decided to go out to the MK after the kids fell asleep. It was open til 1am. It was about 10:45 and I rushed to the bridge towards Liberty Square. I set up my tripod for Spectro. About 2 shots into the parade and my memory was out. I looked in my bag and realized when I packed my bag at the hotel that I left my cards in my other bag. I then had to run all the way up front to the camera store and missed all of the parade. So make sure you always have memory on you. Also set your camera so that the shutter won't actuate without a memory card.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

My advice when starting out is to shoot both JPEG and RAW. That gives you the best of both worlds. Yes, it will take more memory, but in the long run it will serve you better. You have your JPEG's for instant gratification/review and the RAW's serve as your "negatives" (film vernacular). Until you are up to speed with post processing, just store them. Remember with JPEG's, everytime you copy the image a little data is lost, not so with the RAW's. With my 16mp camera I use 16gb cards. I'm from the camp that likes not to use giant cards for fear of losing the data. I get over 300 JPEG+(my cameras speak for JPEG/RAW) images on a card. Because of the type of shooting I do I need the JPEG's right away for download (for use on the internet) by my employer and then later I will process the images for my use. I only shoot in full manual when forced to. I will use whichever semi-automatic mode I need for what I am shooting. If shooting motion I will use Tv (shutter priority) to stop motion or pan. I set the ISO myself. If I'm working to shoot a subject that requires more precise Depth of Field (DOF), I will use Av (aperture priority). That is the beauty of the DSLR, everything is adjustable at your fingertips. By reading "Understanding Exposure" the photographic triangle of shutter speed, aperture and ISO should become perfectly clear. About a third of the way through the book (the first time), I had the "AHA!" moment. While the triangle is not the endall to photography, it is the basics that everthing else tends to feed off of.

Enjoy your camera and remember "shoot more, shoot more often!"

 

[photo_chick]

I say shoot RAW because even if you don't know how to process it now, you can use a deault processing setting. But down the road when you've got a better handle on the editing you'll be able to go back and do it over. But that's me, and I'm not you. Go with what works for you.

Settings... read the part of your manual that explains the meter. Then read the parts on aperture, ISO and shutter speed. You'll be amazed at what you learn and it will give you a good starting point. When in doubt use P or auto if you really need the shot and just can't figure it out on the spot. And don't feel like you need to shoot in M. It's not the pinnacle of photographic achievement. Seriously, you just paid for some fancy electronics, use them. Av and Tv mode are great for letting you take control of whichever variable you need at the moment and what I personally use most of the time.

 

[DisneyFreak06]

Congratulations! Good for you for upgrading your camera, but mostly for wanting to learn how to use it right away. My first (film) DSLR was on automatic for the first 6 years I had it. I knew about ISO (film speed) but I didn't know anything else about my camera. I've had my DSLR for 2 years (my second one) and I've been using the different settings since I've had them, but I'm still reading the manual. It's a great tool! Have fun!

 

[traylorc]

I'm a big believer in shooting in RAW, it gives me more flexibility.

Biggest piece of advice I can give you...take the time to thoroughly read your manual. Yeah the manual is not the most exciting thing to read, but it can help you get up to speed on your new purchase. Also, throw your manual in your bag when you go out to shoot. There are a number of folks that have basic questions about their camera that could easily be answered if they read their manuals.

Now if you read your manual and are still confused...then come on back to the Dis boards. There are plenty of knowledgeable folks here that are willing to help.

 

[bob100]

A Canon T2i is on its way to me my first SLR (unless you count the one I used in a HS class many years ago) and I have a lots of questions-but will start with just a few today.

I am reading Understanding Exposure and know that it will take lots of trial and error to be comfortable shooting in manual mode. But how do I start? Is there a cheat sheet that I can use to start with?

Example: if it is a sunny day try _____; for an inside shot try ________. Or do I walk around googling settings?

I understand the basics of what RAW is and why you would want to use it, but if I don't have any software to process RAW yet, do I start in RAW or jpeg? How many external hard drives will Santa need to bring me this year?
Should I watch tutorials on YouTube or just play? Thanks for your help!

look at the tutorials and read the books but don't try to memorize a "cheat sheet"! Learn to look at the viewfinder meter and experiment with the different modes - Av, shutter priority, etc. Use the free Canon software to process RAW images but later try editing programs like photoshop, lightroom, GIMP, etc.
and practice a lot!

 

[WDWAtLast]

I shoot in RAW. When shot in RAW, the camera doesn't do any processing. You are responsible for finishing your file. RAW can be a lifesaver when first starting out. It can save some highlights or shadows. Just remember that out of camera shots will look flat and dull compared to Jpegs. With Jpegs, your just letting the camera do the processing work. Lightroom 4 is an awesome program for filing and processing RAW files.

I have been trying to decide between Lightroom and Aperture, since we have a Mac computer and I am used to using iPhoto.

The T2i is an awesome camera. You'll love it! It's what I have.


There's no magic formula, really. Over time, you'll learn to be able to evaluate a lighting situation and then come up with an approximate exposure/shutter speed/ISO balance. I tend to let the camera determine ISO automatically. In general, I tend to shoot either in Program or Av mode, and if I notice my exposures are off, I'll fine-tune + or -. I rarely shoot in manual mode unless there is a good reason not to use automatic settings.
If you shoot in one of the assisted modes, you should still be able to see the ISO, shutter speed and aperture through the viewfinder. That will give you a good baseline for what the camera wants to do in a given set of lighting circumstances. Just keep in mind that changing lenses, adding filters or adding a flash will alter that balance.

Good to know that I can use Program or Av and still have some control without being set completely manual! I am also excited to have a larger viewfinder so I can actually SEE the settings (I am in my mid forties and am still in denial that I need bifocals to read tiny print!)

Your camera should come with a CD that has RAW-processing software. Some people swear by shooting RAW, some primarily shoot jpg. There are advantages and arguments both ways. I primarily shoot in RAW because I have a hard time getting WB (white balance) set properly, and I like to be able to adjust. But if you are getting great pictures with your camera settings, there is really no reason not to shoot jpg. (And by that, I mean I'm inviting a flame war between the RAW fans and the .jpg fans. At the end of the day, it comes down to whether you're wanting to do post-processing, since Facebook can't read RAW.)

Yay! At least I can process my RAW pictures now until I decide which software to buy!

My biggest bit of advice is to get out there and use your camera, lots, in different lighting situations and using different modes. Play with manual, play with Program Mode, play with White Balance, play with your other presets. Experiment with auto-bracketing. But at the same time, pay attention to what is working for you, and you'll quickly get a feel for how you can best use your camera. I've been taking a lot of pictures of flowers and landscapes, in no small part so that I won't have to do much thinking when I'm taking pictures I really care about (like vacations or pictures of my new niece.)

My second biggest bit of advice is to make sure you keep your battery charged and your SD card somewhat empty so you can keep on shooting!

I can't wait to play - Thanks for the advice!

I'm with Reimero! Make sure you have a memory card and charged battery. I was at WDW for Spring Break and one night I decided to go out to the MK after the kids fell asleep. It was open til 1am. It was about 10:45 and I rushed to the bridge towards Liberty Square. I set up my tripod for Spectro. About 2 shots into the parade and my memory was out. I looked in my bag and realized when I packed my bag at the hotel that I left my cards in my other bag. I then had to run all the way up front to the camera store and missed all of the parade. So make sure you always have memory on you. Also set your camera so that the shutter won't actuate without a memory card.

I am looking at getting an extra battery - does it matter if it is a generic brand? I am used to carrying extra memory cards - but they were much smaller (4 GB or less) and cheaper. And thanks for the tip about the shutter setting!

My advice when starting out is to shoot both JPEG and RAW. That gives you the best of both worlds. Yes, it will take more memory, but in the long run it will serve you better. You have your JPEG's for instant gratification/review and the RAW's serve as your "negatives" (film vernacular). Until you are up to speed with post processing, just store them. Remember with JPEG's, everytime you copy the image a little data is lost, not so with the RAW's. With my 16mp camera I use 16gb cards. I'm from the camp that likes not to use giant cards for fear of losing the data. I get over 300 JPEG+(my cameras speak for JPEG/RAW) images on a card. Because of the type of shooting I do I need the JPEG's right away for download (for use on the internet) by my employer and then later I will process the images for my use. I only shoot in full manual when forced to. I will use whichever semi-automatic mode I need for what I am shooting. If shooting motion I will use Tv (shutter priority) to stop motion or pan. I set the ISO myself. If I'm working to shoot a subject that requires more precise Depth of Field (DOF), I will use Av (aperture priority). That is the beauty of the DSLR, everything is adjustable at your fingertips. By reading "Understanding Exposure" the photographic triangle of shutter speed, aperture and ISO should become perfectly clear. About a third of the way through the book (the first time), I had the "AHA!" moment. While the triangle is not the endall to photography, it is the basics that everthing else tends to feed off of.

Enjoy your camera and remember "shoot more, shoot more often!"

I didn't realize that I can set the camera to capture both RAW and jpeg - that will be a great starting point! I have had several "ah" moments while reading Understanding Exposure - hoping to have the full "aha" moment once the camera arrives and I can try out all of the information I have been learning.

 

[WDWAtLast]

I say shoot RAW because even if you don't know how to process it now, you can use a deault processing setting. But down the road when you've got a better handle on the editing you'll be able to go back and do it over. But that's me, and I'm not you. Go with what works for you.

Settings... read the part of your manual that explains the meter. Then read the parts on aperture, ISO and shutter speed. You'll be amazed at what you learn and it will give you a good starting point. When in doubt use P or auto if you really need the shot and just can't figure it out on the spot. And don't feel like you need to shoot in M. It's not the pinnacle of photographic achievement. Seriously, you just paid for some fancy electronics, use them. Av and Tv mode are great for letting you take control of whichever variable you need at the moment and what I personally use most of the time.

This is why I want to start out NOT using automatic so I can learn to use the camera! I am sure I will chose auto some - especially for birthdays or events where I don't want to miss a shot, but am not yet comfortable with the settings.I didn't realize that there are settings that allow control without being completely manual. Love how the Disboarders answer my dumb questions without making me feel dumb for asking them!!

Congratulations! Good for you for upgrading your camera, but mostly for wanting to learn how to use it right away. My first (film) DSLR was on automatic for the first 6 years I had it. I knew about ISO (film speed) but I didn't know anything else about my camera. I've had my DSLR for 2 years (my second one) and I've been using the different settings since I've had them, but I'm still reading the manual. It's a great tool! Have fun!

Thanks! I can't wait to get it and start learning how to use it! My Canon S3 IS that I am replacing also had some manual settings - that I never used!

I'm a big believer in shooting in RAW, it gives me more flexibility.

Biggest piece of advice I can give you...take the time to thoroughly read your manual. Yeah the manual is not the most exciting thing to read, but it can help you get up to speed on your new purchase. Also, throw your manual in your bag when you go out to shoot. There are a number of folks that have basic questions about their camera that could easily be answered if they read their manuals.

Now if you read your manual and are still confused...then come on back to the Dis boards. There are plenty of knowledgeable folks here that are willing to help.

Thanks for the advice! I am glad to know that I can start out using RAW and jpeg. And I promise to read the manual! Camera is suppose to be delivered on Tuesday!

look at the tutorials and read the books but don't try to memorize a "cheat sheet"! Learn to look at the viewfinder meter and experiment with the different modes - Av, shutter priority, etc. Use the free Canon software to process RAW images but later try editing programs like photoshop, lightroom, GIMP, etc.
and practice a lot!

Thanks! I will definitely start with the Canon software so I can get familiar with the camera before I start trying to learning how to use editing software.


Also - I asked about generic batteries in a reply above - what about generic less hoods? Some of the Vello (sp?) were $10-$20 less than the Canon brand. Are they just as good?

 

[nbaresejr]

This is why I want to start out NOT using automatic so I can learn to use the camera! I am sure I will chose auto some - especially for birthdays or events where I don't want to miss a shot, but am not yet comfortable with the settings.I didn't realize that there are settings that allow control without being completely manual. Love how the Disboarders answer my dumb questions without making me feel dumb for asking them!!

I have the same camera and started less then a year ago. While i agree with shooting in other program modes there is nothing wrong with shooting in full auto. Full auto is not the best to shoot in when going for a certain look but dont think you cant get great pics in full auto.

Thanks for the advice! I am glad to know that I can start out using RAW and jpeg. And I promise to read the manual! Camera is suppose to be delivered on Tuesday!

I shoot in the same mode. Takes up more space but not every pic needs processing. I only process the raw images on the shots i feel are worth processing. Not every picture is a keeper.

As for software: Lightroom is fantastic. I use Lightroom, Photoshop Elements 10, Nik Efex4 and Photomatix for HDR stuff.
This hobby is very addictive and very expensive the more you get into it. Enjoy!!

 

[Donald Duck888]

I want to start by saying congrats on the new T2i. I actually just upgraded to this camera myself about 3 weeks ago and am loving learning all about how to best use it.

I have a question to those responding on here that know much more than I do on post processing (just got photoshop elements 10).

Do I need to first process RAW files with the Canon software or can I import them into elements and work with them there?

This hobby is very addictive and very expensive the more you get into it. Enjoy!!

This is sooo true, at least for me so far it is.

 

[nbaresejr]

I have a question to those responding on here that know much more than I do on post processing (just got photoshop elements 10).

Do I need to first process RAW files with the Canon software or can I import them into elements and work with them there?

When you open a RAW file in Elements, Adobe Bridge should open and thats is how you start to process the RAW file. I myself dont like using Elements to process RAW files. I find Lightroom much easier.

As for my earlier statement about it being addictive and expensive. I will add purchase the correct stuff the 1st time. Example. I purchased cheaper 58mm filters (ND and CPL). I wish i read Tom Brickers blog (before purchase) about purchasing filters big enough from all lenses and just get step rings to fit them. I recently purchased a 77mm 2.7ND filter and a 77mm Hoya HD CPL and now im set for now and the future for those type of filters.

 

[reimero]

I opted for 58mm filters because I honestly don't anticipate purchasing much in the way of lenses any time in the near future. At least, not until I can find that tree that money grows on...

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

The T2i is an awesome camera. You'll love it! It's what I have.


There's no magic formula, really. Over time, you'll learn to be able to evaluate a lighting situation and then come up with an approximate exposure/shutter speed/ISO balance. I tend to let the camera determine ISO automatically. In general, I tend to shoot either in Program or Av mode, and if I notice my exposures are off, I'll fine-tune + or -. I rarely shoot in manual mode unless there is a good reason not to use automatic settings.
If you shoot in one of the assisted modes, you should still be able to see the ISO, shutter speed and aperture through the viewfinder. That will give you a good baseline for what the camera wants to do in a given set of lighting circumstances. Just keep in mind that changing lenses, adding filters or adding a flash will alter that balance.


Your camera should come with a CD that has RAW-processing software. Some people swear by shooting RAW, some primarily shoot jpg. There are advantages and arguments both ways. I primarily shoot in RAW because I have a hard time getting WB (white balance) set properly, and I like to be able to adjust. But if you are getting great pictures with your camera settings, there is really no reason not to shoot jpg. (And by that, I mean I'm inviting a flame war between the RAW fans and the .jpg fans. At the end of the day, it comes down to whether you're wanting to do post-processing, since Facebook can't read RAW.)

My biggest bit of advice is to get out there and use your camera, lots, in different lighting situations and using different modes. Play with manual, play with Program Mode, play with White Balance, play with your other presets. Experiment with auto-bracketing. But at the same time, pay attention to what is working for you, and you'll quickly get a feel for how you can best use your camera. I've been taking a lot of pictures of flowers and landscapes, in no small part so that I won't have to do much thinking when I'm taking pictures I really care about (like vacations or pictures of my new niece.)

My second biggest bit of advice is to make sure you keep your battery charged and your SD card somewhat empty so you can keep on shooting!

There is the Sunny 16 Rule. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunny_16_rule

This is a starting point.

 

[bob100]

Thanks for the advice! I am glad to know that I can start out using RAW and jpeg. And I promise to read the manual! Camera is suppose to be delivered on Tuesday!



Thanks! I will definitely start with the Canon software so I can get familiar with the camera before I start trying to learning how to use editing software.

Also - I asked about generic batteries in a reply above - what about generic less hoods? Some of the Vello (sp?) were $10-$20 less than the Canon brand. Are they just as good?

I've been using generic batteries for years without problems, big savings over the Canon brand! In fact, there are now generic battery brands - do a search for "sterlingtek"
Generic hoods are also fine but make sure you lens model is included in the description

 

[reimero]

There is the Sunny 16 Rule. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunny_16_rule

This is a starting point.

I hadn't heard that one, thanks!

Keep in mind that if you start using filters or other lens types (especially zoom lenses), you do have to add a stop or 2.