Intro to DSLR Cameras for Absolute Beginners

Beginner Photography  •  Photography Tips

Today, if someone’s getting into photography, it’s almost definitely going to be digital. It’s a great place to start, since you can afford to take as many photos as you like until you get the shot you like. And, it’s not as hard as you may think. If you are a first time camera user, check out this video in which Mark Silber takes us back to basics with his introduction to DSLRs:

What Does DSLR Mean?

DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex. It basically means a camera with one lens and a mirror which reflects the light, where pictures are recorded on a digital card instead of film.

Where Do I Start?

To get started, it’s best to use the automatic settings to get accustomed to the camera.

• Set the dial to the green automatic mode.
• Make sure the lens is set to AF (autofocus) and not MF (manual focus).

• Grip the camera well, make sure it’s sturdy.
• Push the shutter button down halfway—the camera will automatically focus on the subject. Push the button down the rest of the way to take the picture.

After you get comfortable with using your DSLR in autofocus mode, you can start experimenting with manual settings. But there’s no rush. Take your time and take lots of photos!