Congratulations on the purchase of the most versatile camera you can buy! You'll never need a better camera for portraits and everyday use. You have the best already!

1. Cam Caddie
DSLR Basics

2. Your New DSLR!
Congratulations on the
purchase of the most
versatile camera you can
buy!
You'll never need a better
camera for portraits and
everyday use. You have
the best already!

3. Definition: DSLR = “Digital Single
Lens Reflex”
A digital single-lens reflex camera
(digital SLR or DSLR) is a
digital camera that uses a
mechanical mirror system and
pentaprism to direct light from
the lens to an optical viewfinder
on the back of the camera.
A digital camera in which the
subject is viewed through the
same lens as the picture is
taken with. A mirror is raised
when the shutter button is
pressed, allowing light to reach
the image sensor.

4. Features /Advantages of owning a
DSLR:
Instant shutter firing when shutter
release button pushed
quick access to manual exposure
triangle elements with knobs
and buttons
interchangeable lenses for
telescoping or wide angle and
better low light (up to f/1.8)
quick readouts on LCDs inside
and out
quick access to manual and auto
focus
better quality CCD sensor
more versatile WB, ISO, Shutter
and aperture settings
able to add accessories and hot
shoe external flash
in camera processing and special
effects (layering, panoramas)
RAW format, Quick change of JPG
quality (Fine, Large, etc.)

5. Holding your DSLR
Use your right hand to grip the right
hand end of the camera. Your
forefinger should sit lightly above
the shutter release, your other
three fingers curling around the
front of the camera. Your right
thumb grips onto the back of the
camera.
Most cameras have some sort of grip
and even impressions for where
fingers should go so this should
feel natural. Use a strong grip with
your right hand but don’t grip it so
tightly that you end up shaking the
camera.

6. DSLR Accessories:
External Hotshoe Flash
Many options available
More versatile and
better lighting than
built in flash

7. DSLR Accessories: External Flash
Flash can be your friend or
enemy.
The small, pop up flashes are
usually very harsh and will
either blow out highlights if too
close, or not be powerful
enough in low / no light
situations to fill the background
with light.
Be sure to read your manual and
find out the optimum distance
you should be shooting to the
subject

8. DSLR Accessories: Tripods
Tripod with ball or grip
head
Don't skimp on a cheap
wobbly tripod!
Better ones are made
of metal and have
interchangable heads

9. Photo Resolution/ Quality
The Megapixel size of your sensor per picture
determines the size print or digital file you can
get.
Pixels are simply the total number of dots of color
in a photo. The more dots, the more detailed
and sharp a photo will be.
“Mega” = 1,000,000
DPI (or PPI) = Dots (Pixels) per inch

10. Photo Resolution / Quality
You always want to use
the biggest and
highest resolution
photo when you print
them out on a printer
for maximum quality.

11. Thank You!
We appreciate you
coming!
Tell your friends!
Find some of the items
mentioned in our
Digital Imaging
department!