Why is dSLR?
Four dSLR Advantages Unrelated to Single-Lens Reflexiveness
Higher sensitivity and reduced noise
Control over depth-of-field
Digital SLRs work like a camera, not a VCR
Faster operation
Four Major Advantages Unique to dSLRs
Better lenses
Easier upgrading
Better use of power
True “what you see is what you get” composition
Five dSLR Downsides
Lack of superwide lenses
No LCD preview or composing
Dirt and dust
Size, weight, and general clunkiness
Digital SLR Technology
Sensors and Sensibility
Sensor Overview
CCDs in Depth
CMOS in Depth
Noise and Sensitivity
Dynamic Range
Controlling Exposure Time
How We Get Color
Sony’s Four-Color CCD
The Non-Bayer Foveon Imager
Fuji’s SuperCCD
Infrared Sensitivity
Using Interchangeable Lenses
Lens Interchangeability
Not Much Backward Compatibility
Lots of Backward Compatibility
Nikon Compatibility
Viewfinders
Storage
Choosing the dSLR That’s Right for You
Questions to Ask Yourself
How Much Resolution Do You Need?
How Often Do You Want to Upgrade?
Is a Compact SLR Important to You?
Do You Want to Share Lenses and Accessories with a Conventional Film
Camera?
What Other Features Do You Need?
Mastering Your dSLR Controls
Exposure Controls
Tonal Range
Histogram Basics
Using the Histogram
Using Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual Exposure
Programmed Exposures
Exposure Metering
Metering Mode
Evaluation Mode
Focusing
Manual Focus
Autofocus
Autofocus Considerations
Autofocus Parameters
Quirks and Strengths
It’s Done with Mirrors
Mirror Bounce
Mirror Size and Design
Focus Screen
Pentaprism/Pentamirrors and so Forth
Eyepiece
Magnification
Coverage
Eyepoint
Oddity of dSLR Viewfinders
Protecting the Sensor from Dust
Whither Dust
Dust vs Dead Pixels
Protecting Your Sensor from Dust
Fixing Dusty Images
Cleaning the Sensor
Air Cleaning
Brush Cleaning
Liquid Cleaning
Secrets of dSLR Image Storage
Key Considerations
FAT Follies
Working RAW
Format Proliferation
Image Size, File Size, and File Compression
Image Compression Revealed
Moreover
About Those Formats
Formats Used for Image Editors/Display/Printing Only
GIF
JPEG
PDF
PICT
BMP
PNG
PCX
Formats Used in Digital Cameras
JPEG
TIFF
RAW
Use JPEG, TIFF, or RAW?
RAW Applications
Converters Offered by Camera Vendors
Kodak Professional DCS Photo Desk
Nikon Capture
Canon EOS File Viewer Utility/EOS Capture/Digital Photo Professional
Other Proprietary RAW Converters
Third-Party Solutions
IrfanView
Phase One Capture One Pro (C Pro)
Bibble Pro
BreezeBrowser
Photoshop CS
Working with Lenses
Lenses and dSLRs
Digital Differences
Some Sensors Are Smaller Than Film Frames
Extreme Angles
Reflections
Lens Designs
If It Ain’t Bokeh, Don’t Fix It
Understanding Lens Requirements
Image Quality
Lens Aperture
Zoom Lenses
Focusing
Add-On Attachments
Construction Quality
Close-Up Photography
Why dSLRs Are Better
Macro Terminology
Getting Practical
Lens Choice
Macro or General Purpose Lens?
Focal Length
Depth-of-Field
Perspective
Close-Up Gear
Close-Up Lenses
Extension Tubes and Bellows
Other Gear
Some Shooting Tips
Capturing Action
Sports in a Nutshell
The Importance of Position
Key Sports: Play by Play
Dealing with Shutter Lag
Burst Mode Basics
Selecting Your Burst Modes
Choosing Your Lenses
Zoom or Prime Lens?
Focal Lengths Needed
Action Exposure Concerns
Attaining Focus
Selecting an ISO Speed
Electronic Flash—or Not?
Which Flash to Use?
Power
Multiple Flash
Understanding Flash Synch
Choosing a Flash Exposure Mode
Using a Tripod or Monopod
Basics of Freezing Action
Motion and Direction
Some Interesting Anomalies
Action Stopping Techniques
Stopping Action with Panning
Freezing Action Head On
Freezing Action with Your Shutter
Freezing Action with Electronic Flash
Freezing Action at Its Peak
When Blur Is Better
Some Final Tips
Composition and dSLRs
The SLR View
Focus
Coverage and Magnification
Layout Aids
Aspect Ratios
Basics of Composition
Understanding Your Intent
Simplicity
Finding Your Center
Visual Orientation
Rule of Thirds
Linear Thinking
Balance
Framing
Fusion/Separation
Composing with People
Lighting
Posing
Landscape Photography
Architectural Photography
Shooting Outdoors
Shooting Indoors
Special Features
Image Stabilization
Causes of Camera Shake
Diagnosing Camera Shake
Preventing Camera Shake
Using Image Stabilization
How It Works
Night, Ultraviolet, and Infrared Photography
Night Photography
Camera Sensitivity and Noise
Exposure and Focus
Taking Your Best Night Shots
Ultraviolet Photography
Infrared Photography
What You Need
IR Considerations
Time-Lapse Photography |