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half-press the Shutter button

What happens when you half-press the Shutter button?

Although this is the most basic of basics, a lot of people do not adhere to this rule and press the shutter button completely right in the first go itself and that is when a lot of things go wrong. However, here’s what happens when you half-press the shutter button:

In order to avoid camera shake, follow these basic steps:

It locks AF. When using the face-detection AF mode, it fixes on a specific face and allows you to rearrange the frame
It sets exposure i.e. it decides the required shutter speed and aperture for accurately reproducing the image, as well as readies all selected images effects such as saturation,
The lens stabilizes the image – i.e. if you’re using Image Stabilization (IS)
It activates modes such as Self-timer and flash. And if the flash is not charged, it will indicate the same and not allow you to click.
Finally, pressing the shutter button half-way also activates the DC charge going to the Compact Flash card in order for them to start recording the image.

camera shake

How do you avoid camera shake (Basics)?

Many-a-times we complain of the camera producing blurred or out of focus images. What we fail to realize is that most of these images are caused due to poor hand-holding or camera shake. In fact, if you were to magnify the image, you would easily see 'flow lines'.

"The image here shows how a blurred image produced by poor hand-holding or camera shake will appear. The follow lines are essentially caused due to multiple registration of the image on the sensor."

In order to avoid camera shake, follow these basic steps:

Ensure that you’re holding your camera correctly.
Now, carefully keep the shutter button pressed halfway
Check on the shutter speed – Note that the ideal shutter required for hand-holding is 1/focal length or higher - i.e. if you’re shooting at 50mm then your ideal shutter speed will 1/50 sec or higher. However, if you’re using a compact camera and are unable to change the shutter speed, then ensure that the ISO is increased such that the shutter speed comes closer or is higher than the ideal shutter speed.
Check if the Image Stabilizer (IS) is ON. This is because; some of the current models offer up to a 4-stop* advantage for better hand-holding. * This concept is applicable as long as subject is not moving with considerable light conditions.

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half-press the shutter

What happens to the advanced functions when you half-press the shutter release button?

After having understood the series of actions that half-pressing the shutter-release button can trigger, let’s see what happens to advance functions such as those mentioned below:

Face detection – Most of the new compact cameras as well as some new D-SLRs (in the Live View mode) offer the Face Detection capability. On half-pressing the shutter release button, the Face Detection mode gets activated and you will see a display mark on the face of your subject. * 2011 Models - Incorporates Advance Subject detection applicable even for Non human subjects.

When using Shutter (Tv) / Aperture Priority (Av) mode – Once you’ve selected Shutter / Aperture Priority mode with the required shutter / aperture value, half-pressing the shutter release button will respectively calculate the corresponding aperture / shutter speed based on the scene’s exposure requirements. Easy to change Shutter speed/Aperture to get desired result.

Exposure compensation (Advanced Amateur - Pro Tip) – When shooting in the Auto mode, half-pressing the shutter release button will give you an indication of the exposure values that the camera will set for capturing the scene. If however, you feel that suggested exposure values will not provide the required effect, then one can override them using the Exposure Compensation settings on the camera.

Auto Exposure Lock – Depending on the metering mode used, the camera attempts to average out all exposure to 18% gray. This obviously does not work in a situation with extreme contrast as you will not be able to provide specific emphasis to any particular tone. In such cases, it is ideal to check exposure values from various zones by pressing the shutter release button half-way. When you think, a particular reading would best suite the exposure, press the Auto Exposure Lock or AE Lock and return to original position to take the picture.

Continuous AF (Pro Tip) or Ai Servo AF – For sports and wildlife photography, Canon D-SLRs specifically offer an intelligent continuous AF mode called Ai Servo AF for tracking of moving objects. When using this mode, the camera starts forecasting the predicted position of the subject from the time you half-press the shutter release button, based on the subject’s speed and direction of motion. Apart from keeping the camera ready, the Ai Servo AF also tracks the best focus point when the shutter button is pressed half-way as doing so when the subject is in sight may be too late and you might miss the moment.

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batteries

How to select the right kind of batteries for your camera’s long life ?

This time we will talk about batteries. Battery plays an important role in a camera as there is no usage of the cameras without the battery. In the past mercury-cadmium batteries were used. However since they increase the toxicity levels of environment they have been stopped. Present day scenario the requirement is hi-power and capacity, therefore the industry comes up with better products which are environmental friendly as well.

There has been a major transition in using Alkaline batteries over Zinc Carbon batteries and Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) and Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) over Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries.

Canon uses Lithium Ion or AA batteries in all of their current cameras models
Lithium batteries are used mainly due to compact design ( Hi –power ) and are economical ( since they are rechargeable ) as well.
AA batteries are used due to easy accessibility.

The SX Series & A 800 series of Canon digital cameras are still using AA dry cell battery as they are easily accessible and can be bought from any where, i.e. a store, a kiosk etc.

AA Dry-cell battery

Batteries can be classified as either Primary or Secondary. Primary batteries are designed for a single cycle only, i.e. they’re non-rechargeable. Secondary batteries are designed to be recharged, typically, from 200 to 1000 times. Most commonly used Primary batteries are Zinc Carbon & Alkaline Battery.

The difference between Zinc Carbon and Alkaline battery batteries is the capacity. Alkaline battery is many fold over the capacity of Zinc carbon.

Therefore, I would recommend alkaline batteries for your camera usage.

Most commonly used secondary batteries are NiMH (nickel-metal hydride cell), NiCd (nickel-cadmium) and Lithium . However, NiCd (nickel-cadmium) are not in use anymore.
Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) batteries are the cadmium-free replacement option for NiCad. They have less memory effect than NiCd and thus require less maintenance and conditioning.

* My recommendation normally use the Secondary Battery and keep Primary Batteries in emergency case.

Lithium-ion battery

Lithium-ion battery is compact in design and has high energy density therefore readily used in portable devices.
In addition to this, Lithium-Ion batteries have no memory effect and do not use poisonous metals, such as lead, mercury or cadmium.
Lithium is sensitive material in nature, so Canon had introduced various safety features in their Lithium Ion batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries should be partially charged before storing in a cool and dry place.

Some useful Recommendations

Sometimes it becomes difficult to have an appropriate environment to store your camera batteries. Therefore, it is recommended to buy a new battery every three years.
Old batteries can be used for emergency purposes only.
It is recommended to carry an extra battery while you are out on shooting pictures.
It is recommended to return the battery to the camera dealer or manufacturer to dispose it off.
Do not put the battery to fire easily, it might explode.
Very dangerous so not recommended for self disposal.
Lithium is rare metal which can be recycled.

2-5 Counterfeit Battery

The increasing growth of portable handheld devices has spawned a healthy selection of aftermarket battery pack suppliers. Both the 3rd party and end users pay a price when counterfeit battery replacements are chosen. You are requested to contact Canon if any counterfeit.

Canon does not hold any responsibility for the after effects of using any counterfeit battery. Therefore the user is using it on his own risk.
Visit the URL to read more information about counterfeit battery
http://support-in.canon-asia.com/index.jsp?fuseaction=support&prod_type=...

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Memory Card

Memory Card

There are different kinds of flash memories available in the market, like:

CF (Compact Flash)
SD (Secure Digital)
SM (Smart Media) (Toshiba, Fuji, Olympus)
XD-Picture Card (Fuji, Olympus )
Memory Stick (Sony)
MMC (Multi Media Card)

Canon uses 2 types of Memory cards

CF Compact flash
SD Secure Digital or Super Density Card

CF Compact Flash Card

Compact Flash (CF) is a mass storage device format used in portable electronic devices. The format was first specified and produced by SanDisk in 1994.
Currently the maximum memory size and Speed of the CF card is:

> 64G- 90Mbp

High Reliability

They have a 50 pin interface and 16-bit data transfer bus of CF cards.
SD card have a 9 pin interface rather than a 50 pin interface in the CF cards. Therefore, they are more secure and also delicate. Thus calls for careful handling of the CF card while connecting it to the portable device
Canon uses CF cards only in its high end professional cameras.
Professional Digital Video: XF Series

SD: Super Density Disc to Secure Digital

SD cards have their Monopoly in the Flash memory market due to usage in large gamut of electronic gadgets.
This means that SD are easy accessible and with time, the prices will also be very attractive. Therefore, Canon choose SD cards in most of their cameras except the high end DSLR’s and professional Video cameras.

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Canon FREE bundled software?

Bought a new Canon Camera! Have you yet used your Canon FREE bundled software?

The tip for this month will be the Software bundled with your Canon camera.
If you have purchased a Canon product, you get the privilege to use the free software bundled with your camera . Generally people will spend quite a bit to buy the editing software for their images. However Canon gives you the privilege to use the software free and the specific software gets bundled with the camera.
Yes! Other manufactures also supply bundled software. However the expensive ones are on a trail basis and then the customer have to buy it for further use.
I am sure for extensive professional use people may want to use expensive software's with various functions. However, for amateur these extensive features may not come in use in their day to day life. Therefore, why spend so much when the free software is giving you the convenience of storing and editing your picture.
In addition, all Canon software are in sync with all Canon products.

Some exciting functions are:

In case of your D-SLR connect to the PC and you can see your LCD effect on your PC screen. Thus gives you the freedom of controlling all the camera setting through your PC.
Incase of Compact digital Camera connect to the PC and go creative. You can personalize your start-up screen, sound effects (Power on, shutter, self timer).

Name of software Purpose Link

ALL (D-SLR, Digital Compact, Digital Video Camera( only Photo image))

ZoomBrowser File Managing, Simple Editing for Windows http://support-in.canon-asia.com/contents/IN/EN/8200895300.html

ImageBrowser File Managing, Simple Editing for Macintosh http://support-in.canon-asia.com/contents/IN/EN/8201073500.html

Photo Stitch Merge multiple Image

Map Utility Images location on Google Map http://support-in.canon-asia.com/contents/IN/EN/8201108300.html

For Compact Digital Camera, Digital Video Camera(Photo Image)

Camerawindow File transfer, Camera Setting http://support-in.canon-asia.com/contents/IN/EN/8200895300.html

For D-SLR

EOS Utility File transfer, Camera Setting, Remote shooting,

*Picture Style Editor, WFT Utility etc. http://support-in.canon-asia.com/contents/IN/EN/8200875900.html

Digital Photo Professional RAW & Picture , Editing/Adjusting Image http://support-in.canon-asia.com/contents/IN/EN/8200895900.html

For Digital Video Camera

Transfer Utility File transfer, Camera Setting, Web (YouTube) http://support-in.canon-asia.com/contents/IN/EN/8201046400.html

Video Browser File transfer, Camera Setting, Web (YouTube) by PIXELA

Editing, Writing to Disc, Play Back http://www.pixela.co.jp/oem/canon/e/videobrowser/index.html

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Right eye effect

Right eye effect

Right eye effect
• Have you ever thought of, from which eye do you look through the view finder?
• What an interesting question!!!!. It really depends on which eye is your dominant eye
• We all have a preferred or dominant eye just as we all have a preferred or dominant hand.
• You can find out which is your dominant eye by doing this simple test.

Instructions

Stretch out both hands with the palms facing away from you.
Overlap the fingers and outstretched thumbs of both hands to make a coin size opening as shown.
With both eyes open, look at a distant object such as a wall clock through the opening formed. Keeping your hands and head very still, look at the object one eye at a time.

YOUR DOMINANT EYE WILL BE THE EYE THAT SEES THE OBJECT

Statistically, depending on the survey , between 57% to 68% of people are right-eye dominant.
Most DSLR cameras, are designed to facilitate operation of the right hand.
When using a viewfinder equipped camera if you do not use your right eye your face may come in front of the button placed on the back of the camera.
Viewfinder see throughout right eye
Keeping both eyes open might require some practice before you start clicking images with both eyes open. If you keep both eyes open it helps compose the shot, as well as look around in case something is about to happen outside of the frame (sports, wildlife etc)

Keeping both eyes open also slows the strain on your eye and you don’t feel much tired after long shoots.

If you see the 2011 year model , EOS1100D , all the operation keys are being placed on the right side of Camera
This will help you to do the adjustment of the lens using your left hand and the right hand can be used to operate the operational keys while clicking images .Therefore, you can continue clicking without loosing any photo opportunities.
Since the evolution of the EOS system, its Canon's ongoing philosophy that all the buttons used , while shooting , are placed on the right hand side and buttons on the left side are generally used either before or after clicking the picture.
In the high-end models, you will see that there are two electric dials on the camera. One on the top next to the shutter which is called as main electric dial and it controls all main functions like Av, Tv, ISO etc. However, the second electric dial which is placed on the right side of the LCD screen will be used to set secondary functions like exposure compensation etc.
Thus both dials could be used simultaneously which makes shooting easy for the user once his hands get accustomed to the dial functions.
To conclude , the Canon EOS technology is designed to make shooting easy and enjoyable.

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make Beautiful & Sharp picture Pose Say

3P to make Beautiful & Sharp picture Pose Say [ Paneer ] Pause
Introduction

After coming to India I wondered that people look stiff on the picture, Also when shooting picture there is no communication to prepare best shot. Usually one must say “Cheese", "1.2.3", "Whisky," “Pause“ with teeth showing. It is common to look happy in Photo but photographer does not follow such a preparation hence the more serious faced photos.
In addition, the camera does not focus on the person, the subject motion blur can cause a person in photo blurry. New products such as [ IS ] [HS] cameras with Image stabilization function. However, you may see that part of the picture is blurred in group photo, portraits etc. Mainly due to subject shaking and not camera shaking.

Suggestion 1

Everyone should say "Panee ----- r".
Many English speaking country , before shooting Typically say "Cheese”. Cheese is eaten in India and it means "Panee ----- r“. It will also make people laugh or smile showing their teeth finally a happy photo.
New compact camera can shoot at 1/8s shutter speed with Image stabilizer function. Saying "Panee ----- r" can keep the smile with fun, then you can enjoy sharp pictures without the blur.

Suggestion 2

Pose & Pause
Indians are very shy compared to Chinese, Latin and many other countries people. They shoot in variety of poses like celebrities.
In digital cameras you can take many photos. The picture should be interesting. If you don’t like picture you can clear immediately.
Let’s take picture again until the picture we take seems to be good.
3P to make Beautiful & Sharp picture
“Pose” , Say "Panee ----r“ and “Pause” press half way shutter and then click.

Which photo do you like?

Dis one without pose or smile ?