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DSLR Guide News - An Intro to Shutter Speed
March 24, 2013

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DSLR News - March 2013

In This Issue
Thanks to everyone who spared a few minutes of precious time to answer the questionnaire in last month's newsletter!
I gained some valuable insight from that - most importantly that a LOT of you already own a DSLR camera and are seeking ways to maximize your use of it.
With that in mind, you'll find that future issues of this newsletter are more devoted to HOW to use your camera rather than WHICH camera to buy.
I'm not abandoning new camera reviews and information completely - even if you have a camera today, it's always interesting to find out which new cameras (and technologies) are right around the corner.
But I am shifting focus in an attempt to provide you with a comprehensive series of articles that answer a variety of questions: from "why are my photos turning out blurry?" to "how can I get the best results using off-camera flash?"
My hope is that pretty soon you'll have a "pocket guide" that answers your most pressing DSLR questions no matter where you happen to be.
In this newsletter, you'll find two brand new "how to" articles along with my impression of the new Nikon D7100 and Canon 100D SL1.
  • A Tour of Your DSLR Mode Dial
  • Intro to Shutter Speed
  • New Camera: Nikon D7100
  • New Camera: Canon 100D SL1

Latest Review

The Canon EOS 6D certainly isn't for everyone (its price ensures that) but it can capture some remarkable images provided you can leverage all of its features. What's really remarkable is how small and light the 6D is even with its full-frame sensor.

A Tour of Your DSLR Mode Dial
mode dial

Your DSLR mode dial provides you with quick access to a world of camera controls just waiting to be used.
However, many people just leave their cameras in full AUTO mode, expecting the computer inside to do all the thinking for them.
Yes, AUTO mode works fine in most well-lit situations.
However, when there isn't as much light or the shooting conditions become more challenging, AUTO mode has a tough time getting a decent image.
This makes perfect sense: while the computer "brain" inside your DSLR is very sophisticated, it is not match for your cognitive ability. You are well aware that you're taking a landscape photo, but your DSLR has to do a LOT of processing to figure this out.
Instead of relying on the camera to do all the thinking for you, get out of AUTO mode and explore some of the other settings on your mode dial. You may be surprised by what you discover.

Beginner Digital SLR Lessons
  • Dramatically improve the photos you take
  • Take manual control of aperture, shutter speed and ISO
  • Get exposure right, even in challenging light
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Download lessons as PDF files
  • Ask me questions
Learn More >>

An Introduction to Shutter Speed
fast shutter speed

One setting that's definitely worth exploring is shutter speed.
If you've always wondered how people get sharp, crystal-clear shots of fast-moving subjects, wonder no more: they are manually controlling shutter speed to get the results they want.
In some sense, shutter speed is the constant companion of any action photographer. However, you can still get blurry shots of non-moving subjects if you don't pay attention to it.
The nuances of shutter speed cannot be explained in a single article - unless you have an hour to read it. Since that's the case, I'm breaking the topic up into several smaller articles so that I can explain one concept at a time.
The first article answers the most important questions: "why should I bother with shutter speed?" and "what impact does shutter speed have on my photos?"

Intermediate Digital SLR Lessons
  • Discover the best types of light
  • Learn to see and manipulate natural light
  • Find out what all the settings on your flash mean
  • Improve the quality of light from your flash
  • Blend natural light with flash
  • Use off-camera flash for professional-looking portraits
Learn More >>

New Camera: Nikon D7100
nikon d7100

I'll admit that I'm slightly disappointed by the new Nikon D7100 (released this month).
Nikon had an opportunity with this new camera to include built-in wireless capability so that you could connect to a network and also send photos instantly to a cell phone or tablet.
Instead, the wireless feature on the D7100 is an add-on accessory that plugs into one of the camera's ports.
The first issue that I have is that once you're spending over $1,000 USD on a camera body it seems a shame to have to spend more to get the wireless functionality.
The second issue is that if you do want wireless, then you always have to shoot with the accessory device sticking out from your camera.
No, it's certainly not the end of the world and yes, the D7100 does have a lot of other features to make up for it. It just seems like Nikon missed a chance to make the D7100 "do it all".

New Camera: Canon 100D SL1
Canon 100D SL1

If you're looking for a DSLR that's small and light, look no further than the Canon 100D SL1.
The new 100D SL1 - available next month for a list price (with lens) of $800 USD - weighs in at less than a pound (407g) and it's a mere 4.6 inches (117 mm) wide.
Its size and weight are difficult to judge until you hold one in your hands, but a quick comparison with another small and light DSLR - the Nikon D3200 - is helpful.
The D3200 is a quarter of an inch (8 mm) taller and weighs 3.45 ounces (98 g) more.

In Conclusion
I'm writing new articles as quickly as I can to provide you with the answers to your questions about how to use your DSLR.
However, don't let that stop you from contacting me if you have a pressing issue (upcoming event, vacation, etc.) and would like some input.
You can reach me on Twitter and I can answer your questions there (but only in less than 140 characters) and you can also reach me on the Digital SLR Guide Facebook page.
I'm always happy to hear from you and remember: there's no such thing as a silly question!
Thanks for reading...until next time.
--Chris Roberts, Your Digital SLR Guide

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