Engage Rapid Fire
By this, we mean immediately put your camera into continuous or burst mode. Depending on the model, you’ll shoot anywhere from three or more frames per second. You can capture kids on the run, birds on the wing – anything that moves – at full resolution, something few point-and-shoots can claim or do well. Burst mode is one of the best features of a DSLR. Use it.
Burst mode is a must when shooting moving objects
Going Glass Crazy
Interchangeable lenses are another outstanding benefit of DSLRs. Kit lenses supplied with most models are 3x zooms ranging from around 28-88mm (in 35mm terms). If you like super wide-angles, or outlandish telephotos (600mm) you can purchase additional glass for your collection. Or you can buy a high-quality fast “prime” lens for portraits. Wherever your mind or credit limit goes, this is one of the simplest ways to make the most of your DSLR. Consider a 70-200mm or a 10-22mm as your second zoom, depending on your preference.
Interchangeable lenses are a great way to get the most out of your DSLR
Shooting RAW
All DSLRs capture camera RAW files, but few point-and-shoots do. JPEGs are compressed to some degree, so image detail is lost. But with RAW, you save as close to an unprocessed image as possible. Think of a RAW file as a blank canvas, since you have to process it with the supplied software. It’s an additional step, but once you “develop” them, you’ll have a much better grasp of what color parameters make up a good photo. Once done, you’ll have a great file for making prints. Remember RAW files are huge, so purchase a high-speed, high-capacity card for your DSLR – at least 4GB or 8GB.
The RAW format gives the best possible image quality
Accessories Make the Camera
It’s easy to bust the budget with DSLR add-ons. Don’t do it until you extensively use your camera. At that point, you’ll know what you really need, whether it’s a tripod, flash, polarizing filter… the list goes on. If you take a lot of indoor shots, a more powerful and adjustable flash makes a good investment, and will give your photos a professional appearance.
There are a ton of useful accessories for DSLRs
Take the Leap
Not off a cliff, but by turning the mode dial to M for manual. Here you can make f/stop (aperture) and shutter-speed adjustments at your command. You can also manually adjust focus for razor-sharp results. Just make sure you read the manual so you can make the most of your new toy’s capabilities.
Manual mode gives users full control over all their DSLRs adjustments
