Active Digital Cameras Posts
How To: Optimize exported video for Vimeo in iMovie
Export your video to share on Vimeo with iMovie. This video shows the different steps involved in exporting video, including setting the video width & height, bit rate, frame rate, audio settings, and saving to a file ready for upload.
How To: Add transitions and effects when editing video in Windows
Add transitions and effects with iMovie. Effects and transitions can really influence the mood of your video. This informative and lighthearted tutorial shows the overall procedure, including the editing environment, effect preview, and suggested basic transitions to use.
How To: Shoot great-looking video with a DSLR
In this video tutorial from renowned DSLR cinematographer Philip Bloom and the staff of Vimeo, we receive some tips on how to get the most out of a DSLR like the Canon 7D, T2i (550D) or 5D Mark II when shooting video.
How To: Work with different lens types when using a DSLR
New to shooting video with a DSLR? In this video tutorial from renowned DSLR cinematographer Philip Bloom and the staff of Vimeo, we receive some tips on how to work with different lenses when using a DSLR like the a Canon 7D, T2i (550D) or 5D Mark II.
How To: Set up a DSLR camera for the best possible looking video footage
Buy a DSLR just for the video? You're not alone. In this video tutorial from renowned DSLR cinematographer Philip Bloom and the staff of Vimeo, we receive some tips on how to set up a DSLR like the Canon 7D, T2i (550D) or 5D Mark II for shooting video.
How To: Shoot at night when using a DSLR camera
One task to which DSLRs are particularly well suited is nighttime shooting. Fast, wide-aperture lenses make the most out of available light. In this video tutorial from renowned DSLR cinematographer Philip Bloom and the staff of Vimeo, we receive some tips on how to film at night using, for example, a Canon 7D, T2i (550D) or 5D Mark II.
How To: Record sound when shooting video with a DSLR camera
DSLRs are great for shooting stunning, high-definition video. What they're not great for is recording (or monitoring) sound. This video from Philip Bloom and the staff of Vimeo will teach you how to tackle sound recording when shooting a movie with a DSLR like the Canon T2i, 7D or 5D Mark II.
News: The Camera of the Future (According To Lady Gaga)
Lady Gaga made an appearance at this year's CES to present what she claims to be "the camera of the future": a pair of photo and video capturing sunglasses, designed by Gaga for Polaroid. Though more of a novelty gadget than a useful camera, the GL20 camera glasses could potentially turn your face into a real life facebook feed.
How To: Set shutter priority settings on a Canon EOS Rebel XS (1000D)
Looking for a video guide on how to adjust shutter priority settings on a Canon EOS Rebel XS (otherwise known as the 1000D)? You've come to the right place. This video guide offers a detailed, step-by-step guide to the tying process. For complete instructions, take a look!
How To: Reverse the G" lens on your camera for macro photography
If you want to engage in macro photography and can't afford a close-up lens, you may be in luck. By using a "G" lens (that is, a lens that does not have a built-in aperture ring) it is possible to reverse the lens and take close-up shots with your camera, without having to buy any additional equipment.
How To: Replace the LCD screen on a Nikon Coolpix L18 or I20
LCD screens are great to have on your digital cameras or other devices until they break. DOH! Don't pay tons of money to fix it when you can do it yourself after watching this video. It will show you how to replace the LCD screen on a Nikon Coolpix L18 or I20, getting your camera back up and running on the cheap.
How To: Repair and clean a Nikon Coolpix S200 with a blocked lens
If you like to use your Nikon Coolpix S200 outdoors or in dirty places, you may have encountered this problem. If dirt, sand, or other particles get in your lens they can prevent it from opening, and thus prevent you from taking pictures. Watch this video for a guide to cleaning the lens and repairing the problem.
How To: Set up a Steadicam Merlin with the Canon 5D Mark II
Using specific measurements and settings, this video details how to use a Canon 5D Mark II with a Steadicam Merlin. The Steadicam Merlin is a great, low-budget alternative to larger, more cumbersome Steadicam rigs, but it still gives you a steady, smooth image. Paired with the 5D and you've got a slick, professional looking video.
How To: Use spot AF mode on the Canon EOS 7D
You can gain even greater precision on the Canon EOS 7D digital SLR camera by using Spot AF or AF Point Expansion. When you manually choose one AF point, you also have the option of changing its size. You focus point will be exactly what you want. Very specific.
How To: Use the Mirror Lock Up on the Canon 40D
In this video we learn how to use the Mirror Lock Up on the Canon 40D. First, press the shutter and lock up the mirror. Second, press down on the exposure. Do this with a remote if you have one or use the timer mode. To do this, turn it out of focus then turn it on two or ten second focus. Then your single press will open it up and then take the exposure so you don't have to press it twice. This should make your exposure turn out correctly, use this whenever you would like and enjoy taking pi...
How To: Set camera exposure by yourself by using an 18% gray card
If the exposure for your camera is just a tiny bit off, the skin tone for your shots will be terribly off. You can use an 18% grey card to determine correct exposure, which is useful for setups when you are doing self-portraits or similar projects.
How To: Uninstall the DVFilm Epic 1 plugin for Sony Vegas 9 Pro
The DVFilm plugin for Sony Vegas 9 Pro called 'Epic 1' is sometimes not quite what you want for your progam, but it can be difficult to make go away entirely if you decide you don't want it. This tutorial shows you how to permanently get rid of it.
How To: Increase the ISO above 6400 on your T2i 550D digital camera
If you want high noise and lots of light for an extremely washed out look for your photographs, you can increase the ISO on your digital SLR camera by going into manual mode and adjusting the settings on your camera from there.
How To: Use a checklist to maximize your shots when using a digital SLR camera
Go through a six-step checklist to cover shutter settings, white balance, setting your ISO (depending on indoors or outdoors), choosing a good picture style, picking an appropriate shutter speed and lastly, check your focus! Now that you've gone through this checklist, you are ready to start shooting!
How To: Get the film look for your digital video SLR recording projects
Turn your digital footage into something that looks more like film! Set your frame rate to 24 and shoot with a low depth of field to mimic the look of a film camera. Also make sure you pick the right aspect ratio, resolution and use a tripod!
How To: Use existing light to take better pictures
Watch this photography tutorial to learn how to use the existing light to keep your subject from being overpowered by the flash. Taking better pictures using existing light instead of flash is easy with the tips in this how-to video.
How To: Customize a Canon PowerShot SD600 digital camera
Watch this photography tutorial video to learn how to change the settings—say, for your background image—in your Canon PowerShot SD600. Customizing your SD600 digital camera is easy using the tips in this how-to video.
How To: Distinguish between optical and digital zoom when camera shopping
In this video tutorial, we learn how to tell the difference between optical and digital zoom when shopping for a digital camera. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this how-to from the folks at CNET TV.
How To: Troubleshoot a crippled digital SLR camera and lens
For some digital photographers, there is a noted compatibility issue when trying to use a lens which lacks a built-in or internal auto focusing motor. This tutorial shows you a few easy fixes you can use to alleviate this probem for your onw DSLR.
How To: Take proper care of your digital camera battery
Extend the life of your camera battery and keep yourself safe from a damaged battery by following these tips. Check the condition directly through your camera, monitor how long it will be until your battery needs replacement, and always charge your battery before it runs completely down.
How To: Solve a light leak issue with your digital SLR camera
Some models of Nikon camera may experience an issue where light leaks through a distance panel and onto the images during a long exposure in extremely bright environments. This short tutorial explains how to tell if you might have a camera susceptible to light leak, and how to fix it if you do.
How To: Set up non-CPU lens data for your SLR camera
A non-CPU lens is one which does not have contacts on the rear mount, meaning it communicates with the rest of the camera solely through the aperture. This tutorial shows you how to set up the lens data for your camera, so you can get the most out of your non-CPU lens.
How To: Clean a camera lens with cellulose tape (Scotch or Sellotape)
A camera's lens can be plagued with dust particles over time, and without a proper cleaning, your photographs will need a digital manicure before they'll please the eye. If you don't want to turn to Photoshop, then a little lens maintenance will do your photos good. Cleaning a camera lens is as easy as using a a few strips of Scotch or Sellotape, which are cellulose-based, translucent tapes.
News: Man Builds Camera as Big as His Dog
Gil Adam, a student of Industrial Design in Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem, Israel, has created a 3:1 scale model of his favorite plastic camera, the Holga. While the camera is just a model (non-operational), it's pretty fun to see the oversized object next to Adam's face, and his dog.
How To: Use the Canon 500D dslr
Rick Bradbury shows you the basics of using the Canon 500D. He goes through the menu settings, lens mounts, and standard operation. This video also explains every button.
News: The World's First Digital Camera
Born in 1975, the world's first digital camera used a standard cassette tape to record images, rather than today's standard data cards.
How To: Use graduated neutral density glass filters with digital and film SLR cameras
In this amazingly in-depth tutorial video they go into great detail on all of the methods of using GND glass filters, along with it's general purpose is and what it can do for you! For those not in the know, GND filters are glass lens attachments that come in graduated varying tints of grays and colors!
How To: Process and finalize RAW files in Nikon's Capture NX2
In these great, in depth videos, you'll learn how to process and finalize your RAW files in Nikon's picture capture program: Capture NX2. Over 40 minutes worth of material ranging from how to set up the process all the way down to the actually finalization. Definitely worth a watch for any camera nut!
How To: Use your viewfinder cover to avoid "spray light" with the Nikon D3
If you've ever been taking pictures and have suddenly noticed an odd white line in your pictures, it's called "Spray Light" and it happens when light enters into the viewfinder while the picture is developing. This video teaches you why it's important to use the viewfinder cover or curtain to avoid this serious problem!
How To: Use gray cards to find white balance, exposures & more on a digital SLR camera
This fantastic, in-depth video dives into the gray card in probably every imaginable way that you could think using the Nikon D3 . Going over various different lighting it can be used for, custom white balance for preset manual, gray source point for white balance correction, accurate exposure in spot metering mode, and adjusting the camera's LCD display brightness, on top of a ton of information!
How To: Use the mode dial on a Canon EOS DSLR camera
In this clip, you'll learn how to use the mode dial to switch between the various shooting modes available on your Canon EOS DSLR. This brief video tutorial from the folks at Butterscotch will teach you everything you need to know. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started using the mode dial on your own digital SLR camera, take a look.
How To: Use rectilinear & curvilinear wide-angle lenses on a Canon DSLR camera
Learn how to use rectilinear and curvilinear wide-angle lenses on your Canon EOS 7D, 5D, 550D or Rebel T2i DSLR camera. This brief video tutorial from the folks at Butterscotch will teach you everything you need to know. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started using wide-angle lenses on your Canon DSLR yourself, take a look.
How To: Use zoom and telephoto lenses on a Canon DSLR camera
Need a primer on how to use zoom lenses with your Canon DSLR camera (a 7D, 5D, or Rebel T2i, for example)? This brief video tutorial from the folks at Butterscotch will teach you everything you need to know. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started using zoom and telephoto lenses on your own Canon digital camera, take a look.
How To: Take close-up macro shots with a Canon EOS DSLR camera
Want to know the best way to take close-up, highly-detailed pictures of small objects? This brief video tutorial from the folks at Butterscotch will teach you everything you need to know. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started taking macro shots on your own Canon 550D, Rebel T2i, 5D or 7D DSLR, take a look.
How To: Choose between different lenses when using a DSLR camera
New to the world of DSLR video and need a hand distinguishing between different lens types? This video offers some pointers for would-be shooters. For details, and to get started using different lenses with your own Canon or Nikon DSLR, watch this video guide.