Tips for Canon EOS (SLR) Photography

Digital SLRs like the EOS Rebel XSi, the EOS 50D, and the EOS 5D Mark II are ideal for all kinds of photography. Canon EOS Digital SLRs have the features and performance to perfectly capture the spirit of the season. Want to freeze the action of a snowboarder speeding downhill? Hoping to photograph a cozy family portrait in front of a roaring fire? Looking forward to taking pictures of twinkling holiday lights? Here are a few tips that will help you make the most of your subject, and your camera:

Take advantage of your camera’s continuous shooting capabilities. All EOS Digital SLRs are equipped with built-in motor drives and AI Servo autofocus to track moving subjects for sharp photos. Chances are good that you’ll never need to shoot that many photos in a row, but the internal memory that makes this feature possible also keeps the camera ready to shoot shorter bursts virtually all the time.

To capture the best image, use an appropriate lens. The standard zoom lens that may have come with your digital SLR is a good all-around performer for basic snapshots, but for action photos you’ll be better off with a telephoto lens so you can zoom in for a close-up. For a group photo, choose a wide angle lens to get everyone in your shot.

If you are sitting by the fireplace, you can increase your ISO setting to capture the ambient light. It is not necessary to use the flash because you want to capture natural light. Try using a tripod to steady the camera, and set the ISO to a higher setting than normal, like 800, 1600 or even 3200. This will help to create a more natural balance of exposure between your subject and the background.

Even though flash can ruin the natural lighting of an indoor scene, it’s equally true that creative use of flash illumination can enhance almost any indoor photo. You can get more natural looking indoor flash photos by using the Slow-Sync setting on the camera’s mode dial. This may require a slow shutter speed, so be sure to keep both the camera and the subject steady until the exposure has been completed. For even more creative effects, consider using the camera’s flash exposure compensation setting to cut back on flash illumination in order to make the lighting look more natural.

Take your home movies to a whole new level with Full HD Video Capture! The Canon EOS 5D Mark II is the world's first digital SLR capable of shooting full HD video (1080p) at 30 fps in LiveView mode. Part of the camera's Live View Mode, this new feature offers limitless options for shooting broadcast-quality family videos. You can use any Canon EF lens, and view the clips straight from the camera on either standard or high definition televisions. The video footage is easily edited with most common nonlinear programs such as iMovie.


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