Canon Photography Tips And Tricks For Beginners
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If you enjoy photography as a professional or a hobbyist, you’ll enjoy learning about some tips and hacks that can assist you in unlocking the full potential of your Canon camera. From custom settings to clever tricks for getting the most out of your gear, these tips and hacks will help you raise the bar in your photography. Most of these should apply to most of the different Canon cameras; however, they are specifically used on the Canon R5 mirrorless camera. Let’s look at some of the best Canon camera tips and hacks.
Key Takeaways:
Maximize Canon Camera Features: Understanding and utilizing your Canon camera's advanced features, such as custom settings and shooting modes, can significantly enhance your photography experience.
Leveraging Accessories: Adding the right accessories, like lenses and external flashes, can dramatically improve the quality and versatility of your photos.
Regular Maintenance and Updates: Keeping your camera clean and up-to-date with the latest firmware ensures optimal performance and longevity.
Change the file naming structure
If you’re a Canon shooter, you’ll recognize default files named 3Q4A2309. The first 4 characters are usually all the same, while the second 4 characters are unique to each photo or video. This is only a problem once you start having a memory card with a couple of different projects or using several other cameras on the same project. What simplified my life was changing the default file name from 3Q4A to MWR5. Now when I look at a list of files inside a project, I can easily see which files are from my Canon R5. This streamlines my editing process and allows me to eliminate time organizing files.
Step 1: Go to the Yellow (wrench) menu number 1
Step 2: – Scroll down to and select “File Name”
Step 3: You can customize your file name for 2 different users or projects. Select “Change User Setting 1
Step 4: – Enter 4 custom characters that will allow you to quickly identify files as per the project you’re doing or that will enable you to identify those files as coming from that specific Canon camera.
Now all your files will contain those custom four characters in front of each file number.
Use the shooting info displays to your advantage
The information on the Canon camera screen or inside the viewfinder can be customized to eliminate information you don’t use and add additional information that will help you significantly.
Step 1: Go to the Red (Camera) menu number 7
Step 2: Scroll to the last option and select “Shooting info. disp.”
Step 3: Select “Screen info. settings”
Step 4: The camera screen will display a series of numbers with check boxes next to them on the right side of the screen. These numbers represent a separate screen with customizable information. You can place or remove checkmarks to add or subtract the total number of screens you’ll have to use. I have 4 screens checked. I find too much information becomes more like clutter rather than shooting assistance.
Step 5: Underneath the example screen on the left, click the button “Info – Edit
Screen.” Now the right side of the screen will display some icons with checkboxes next to them. These icons represent the information you can add or subtract from each display when using that screen.
The first icon is basic shooting info and buttons. Information about the mode, memory card space, and the battery is at the top, while your shutter speed, f-stop, and exposure adjustment buttons are at the bottom.
The second icon fills the left and right sides of the shooting screen with all kinds of information you may or may not find value in. I keep this one off on all my shooting screens. This information is more cluttered than valuable for my purposes.
The third icon allows for your shutter speed, f-stop, exposure compensation, and iso settings from the first icon to be a button to adjust their values. It also adds the Q button at the top right for additional setting adjustments.
The fourth icon is your histogram. A histogram is a unique tool that lets you quickly see if you have the correct exposure. It is essential in producing great photography and/or videography.
The fifth and final icon is the level. The level allows you to line the camera up with the horizon so that everything is even. This is another essential tool for many styles of photography.
Everyone’s shooting style is different, so the value of each of these pieces of information change from shooter to shooter. The goal is to eliminate the information you don’t need while highlighting the information that will allow for more efficient and better-quality shots.
Now you can cycle through the screens by pressing the info button to get to the screen you think will be most helpful during the current shot.
Learn to use your viewfinder and make sure to keep it sharp
Some people prefer to use the LCD screen on the back of the camera, while others prefer the viewfinder. When shooting video, I think the LCD screen is more efficient. However, the viewfinder allows for a more controlled image when shooting photos. The image in the viewfinder on the newer cameras is a reproduction of what you see on the LCD screen; however, it’s incredibly vivid. This allows you to fine-tune the composition of the shot. In step 5, we’ll discuss how to customize your dials to allow easier shooting from the viewfinder. A viewfinder is an essential tool when shooting moving objects. If you have yet to become comfortable using the viewfinder, you should force yourself to get used to it. It will elevate the quality of your work.
There’s a little wheel on the right side of the viewfinder. If you’re looking through the viewfinder, use this wheel to adjust the sharpness of the view. Since everyone has a different vision, this adjustment wheel allows you to change the viewfinder to match your vision.
Reprogram the Multi-Function button to switch between photo and video
This may not seem a big deal, but it saves time and frustration. The M-Fn button is on the camera’s top right next to the shutter button. If you reprogram it to switch from photo to video or vice versa, you can quickly switch from one mode to the other with a single touch of that button. The camera will switch to the last used mode within each style. If you were shooting photos in manual mode, that is the mode the Canon camera will recall.
Step 1: Go to the orange menu 3 and select “Customize Buttons”
Step 2: You’ll see photography on the left and video on the right. Scroll down until you see the M-Fn button. There should be one located under both the photo and the video sides. Click the button and scroll to the photo > video change button as shown.
Step 3: Do the same thing for the video side.
Now your M-Fn button will save a couple of steps every time you want to switch between photo and video.
Customize your dials for manual setting adjustments
Canon designed the mirrorless cameras brilliantly; however, a slight adjustment of the functions of the different dials may allow for a more efficient workflow, especially when using the viewfinder.
Step 1: Go to the orange menu 3 and select “Customize dials”
The top option is the dial closest to the shutter button. I have this programmed to be my shutter speed.
I have the dial around the mode button programmed to be my aperture settings.
I have the dial around the set button on the back of the camera set as my iso adjustment.
I have the programable dial on the RF lens as my exposure compensation.
Step 2: Program these dials to allow for effortless adjustment of your exposure settings. This will allow you to adjust the settings quickly without looking at the camera screen. This is imperative to shoot through the viewfinder efficiently.
Program the AF-On button to control Servo AF in video mode
Sometimes when I’m recording video, I want the camera to stay focused on the subject I select, even if a different subject is going through the frame. An excellent example of this is when I’m recording my hiking videos. Sometimes I set the camera up to focus on a plant while I walk by in the background. If the movie SERVO AF is on, the camera will usually automatically switch the focus to me as I’m walking by rather than holding the focus on the plant. I like turning this feature on and off immediately with one button click.
Step 1: Select the Customize buttons option in the Orange menu 3
Step 2: Scroll down to the AF-On button on the video side. Select it and assign the SERVO AF button to it.
Now, anytime you hit the AF-On button while in video mode, it will turn SERVO AF on or off.
Final Thought
With these 6 tips and hacks in mind, you will be able to use your Canon camera more efficiently and take better photos and videos! Whether you’re just starting or looking for ways to improve your photography skill set, understanding how best to use every feature available on your equipment is critical for getting great results every time you pick up your camera! Who knows what kind of stunning shots await!
FAQ:
What custom settings should I use on my Canon camera?
Custom settings vary depending on your shooting style, but commonly used ones include custom white balance, back-button focusing, and custom exposure settings.
How can I improve low-light photography with my Canon camera?
Use a fast lens with a wide aperture, increase the ISO setting, and consider using an external flash or tripod to reduce camera shake.
What accessories are essential for getting the most out of my Canon camera?
Essential accessories include a variety of lenses (e.g., prime, zoom), an external flash, a sturdy tripod, and extra batteries.
How often should I update my Canon camera’s firmware?
Check for firmware updates every few months or whenever Canon releases new updates to ensure your camera operates with the latest features and fixes.
What is the best way to clean and maintain my Canon camera?
Use a blower to remove dust, a soft brush for delicate areas, and a microfiber cloth for lens glass. Regular maintenance ensures longevity and optimal performance.