Hot Digital Cameras How-Tos

How To: Clean the camera contacts on a DSLR

When the camera has trouble auto focusing the first step to take is to clean the contacts on the lens. If it continues then the contacts on the camera may need cleaning. When you clean the contacts in the camera you have to be extremely careful because they are inside the shutter chamber and there are a lot of small parts that can be easily broken in there. Face the camera down at all times during the cleaning procedure. Take the battery out of the camera and remove the lens. Put the rear cap...

How To: Enable auto focus in video mode on the Canon 5D

Many people have complained about the lack of autofocus in video mode on the Canon 5D Mark II. Fortunately, this video demonstrates a solution by utilizing the live mode, thus enabling the still camera's autofocus features.

How To: Solve the blinking "FEE" error message on a Nikon DSLR

In this video, it is demonstrated how to get rid of a "FEE" error message on a Nikon DSLR camera. The solution is fairly simple and quick to do. First you will want to turn your camera on to where you see the "FEE" error message on the LCD screen. Next, you will set the camera's aperture ring to the highest number available. After this, the last step is to lock the aperture ring by using the switch. After doing this step, your camera should return back to normal working order and the "FEE" er...

How To: Use a digital camera as a webcam for Skype

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to use a digital camera as a webcam on Skype. Users will need the AV cable and a USB capture device. Begin by connecting the AV cable to the USB capture device. Plug the cable to your computer and your digital camera. Users will need to download and install the Debut Video Recording software. Open the program and click on Device. Users may have to go to Options and configure the settings. On Skype, right-click the person you want to call and select Sh...

How To: Select the AF points with the Canon 40D

Watching this video will teach you a couple different ways to use the auto-focus function on your Canon 40D camera. You can set the auto-focus to the same for every shot, or you to change it for every shot very easily. Whichever one you choose, this video makes it easy to understand.

How To: Use the menu system on the Nikon D3100 DSLR

The Nikon D3100 is not the simplest camera in the world, and being able to use it's menu system effectively will help you use your photography time much more efficiently. This video will show you how the menu system works and how you can use it as well as possible.

How To: Use the timer function on a Panasonic G1 or GH1 camera

Learn how to set the timer function when using aPanasonic G1 or GH1 digital camera. Learn how to set the auto mode on a Panasonic G1 or GH1 digital camera. Whether you're the proud owner of a Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 or DMC-GH1 micro four thirds digital camera or perhaps just considering picking one up, you're sure to like this free video tutorial, which presents a complete overview of how to take timed photographs with a G1 or GH1 camera. For more information, including detailed instructions, ...

How To: Use the SD-8A battery pack for the Nikon SB-800

This video demonstrates how to use a Nikon SD-80 Battery Pack with a Nikon SB-800 Speedlight. The first step is to identify the different power adaptors on the ends of the cable leading to the battery pack. This pack is powered with AA batteries. Remove the outlet plate on the SD-80 and insert the power cable into the SB-800 Speedlight. Then attach the communication cord to the Speedlight. Now place the Speedlight in the hotshoe of the Nikon camera and let the battery pack dangle or attach it...

How To: Use exposure compensation and a flash on the Canon 5D

Should I blow out the background and expose for the shadows or should I shoot them in silhouette against a properly exposed background?

How To: Print pictures from your Kodak EasyShare camera

This interactive Kodak EasyShare camera tutorial takes you through every step necessary to print pictures. If you have a Kodak EasyShare digital camera, you're going to need to know how to do this important step in maintaining and using your camera. Let Kodak teach you how. It's easy to print beautiful photographs from your camera for sharing, and is basically the same on all Kodak EasyShare digital cameras. You cannot print videos though, but who doesn't know that. Print pictures from your K...

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: 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: Use your laptop as a monitor with the Canon 5D or 7D

Tony Reale from Creative Edge Productions shows you how to use your laptop as an on-set monitor using the Canon EOS Utility software. Not only can you monitor your shots, but you can change focus, f-stop, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance. The feed is a little choppy, but it's a great and inexpensive fix in a pinch.

How To: Transmit files wirelessly on the Canon EOS 7D

You can easily share and transport your photo and videos on the Canon EOS 7D by using the wireless file transmission option. See exactly how sharing and downloading your files to computers and other devices works in this video. When the digital SLR camera is combined with the WFT-E5A Wireless File Transmitter, transmitting is easy.

How To: Use the Nikon SU-800 Commander

This video tutorial is going to show you how to use the Nikon SU-800 Commander speed light. It requires only one 123A 3V Lithium Battery. A tiny switch allows you to switch between close-up. Another flash can be connected to it by a long cord. SEL button allows you to select. With the left and right arrow buttons increase or decrease the flash power. You will use the MODE button to program the speed light. TTL is for through the lens, AA for auto aperture, M for manual and so on. Watch the fu...

How To: Use the movie mode on the Canon EOS 7D

You can use the Canon EOS 7D to shoot digital video at a variety of frame rates and resolutions up to full HD. In this video, see the basics of movie mode and how to use it. This is the best digital SLR camera to film video with.

How To: Select AF points manually on the Canon EOS 7D

If you're not one to trust you digital SLR camera's automatic focus options, then the only thing you have to do is go to manual mode. With the Canon EOS 7D, select the Manual AF Point Selection and take control. It allows you to pick the area you want to focus on.

How To: Use external Speedlite controls on the Canon 5D

Bruce Dorn from Canon breaks down the exposure and Speedlite controls on the Canon 5D Mark II. His explanations are especially helpful as he gives certain shooting scenarios in which tweaking these settings will improve your overall image quality.

How To: Make a wide angle and fisheye photo lens for cameras

Get wide-angle and fish-eye effect for about $5 with this DIY lens attachment. Expands your camera's viewing angle up to 200 degrees. Great for tight-quarters indoor shots, stunning landscapes, and funny fish-eye photos. Amazing results. For use on photo and video cameras.

How To: Set up a Canon digital camera as a webcam for digital chat

If you already own a Canon High-def digital SLR, you can set it up as a virtual webcam. This will allow you to record video podcasts or chat on Skype. You'll also need the CamTwist software and the Canon EOS utility (available from your install CD).

How To: Increase the dynamic range of the Canon 5D and 7D

This is an excellent video showing you how to open up the dynamic range of your Canon DSLR camera in order to see into the highlights and shadows better. By giving you a flatter image, you have more ability to manipulate the image in post-production, having lost less available information.

How To: Get started with the Nikon D40 & Nikon D40x

It is a tutorial that explains the basic guidelines of Nikon D40 and D40x cameras. This enables everyone to take photographs successfully and prepare the camera for use. Attach the lens of the camera by rotating towards the right; make sure that no dust gets into the camera. Then remove the protective cap from lens and align the white dot on the lens with the white dot on the camera's body. Turn to the left until it clicks in to place. First, we must charge the camera's battery; when the LED ...

How To: Use a wireless remote control with a Canon 5D Mark II

Family photos, concert pics, and general events. All valid reasons for a wireless remote control for your Canon 5D Mark II. This tutorial details great, cheap options for use with your DSLR so you can mount your camera wherever you want and control it from wherever you want.

How To: Operate the Kodak EasyShare-One digital camera

This interactive Kodak digital camera tutorial takes you through every step necessary to fully familiarize yourself with the Kodak EasyShare-One digital camera. If you just purchased a Kodak EasyShare-One digital camera, take this instructional tour and learn how to set camera date & time, review pictures & videos, delete pictures & videos, protect pictures & videos, share pictures & videos, set picture quality, and set camera modes. Soon you will be an expert at operating your new Kodak Easy...

How To: Use all the functions of a Canon 60D camera

The Canon 60D is a very popular, powerful, and cheap camera for those looking to get into high-end digital photography. If you've got one and need some help on using it's many functions, check out this video for a tutorial on the many buttons and tools in your camera.

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: Control shutter speed and aperture settings on a Canon EOS DSLR camera

Looking for a quick guide on how to use the manual mode on your Canon t2i, 5D or 7D? It's easier than you'd think! So easy, in fact, that this free video tutorial can present a complete overview of the process in just over three minutes' time. For specifics, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.

How To: Change viewfinder options on the Canon EOS 7D

There's a new LCD viewfinder on the Canon EOS 7D, and in this video, you get to see all about it. See how you can change your viewfinder options on this digital SLR camera with ease. You can display almost any information you want.

How To: Use the electronic level display on the Canon EOS 7D

The EOS 7D has an accurate level display, which you can activate on either the read LCD monitor or in the viewfinder. See how to work the electronic display on the Canon digital SLR camera. This is great for getting a steady shot wherever you need it.

How To: Change image quality options on the Canon EOS 7D

You want the best quality photos you can get, and the Canon EOS 7D digital SLR camera makes perfecting your pictures easy. There is a range of technologies to enhance image quality. This video shows you the many options you can use.

How To: Set image quality & resolution on a Panasonic G1/GH1

Learn how to tweak image quality and resolution settings when using a Panasonic G1 or GH1 digital camera. Learn how to set the auto mode on a Panasonic G1 or GH1 digital camera. Whether you're the proud owner of a Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 or DMC-GH1 micro four thirds digital camera or perhaps just considering picking one up, you're sure to like this free video tutorial, which presents a complete overview of how to adjust image size settings when using a G1 or GH1 camera. For more information, i...

How To: Format a memory card with a Panasonic G1 or GH1 camera

Learn how to format a SD memory card using a Panasonic G1 or GH1 digital camera. Whether you're the proud owner of a Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 or DMC-GH1 micro four thirds digital camera or perhaps just considering picking one up, you're sure to like this free video tutorial, which presents a complete overview of how to format a memory card when it's in a G1 or GH1 camera. For more information, including detailed instructions, watch this digital camera user's guide.

How To: Fine Tune Your AF on a Nikon DSLR

You can manipulate the AF fine-tune on your Nikon DSLR in order to optimize the sharpness and resolution of your lenses. This is a great tool for achieving the highest picture quality possible.

How To: Clean the rear LCD on a DSLR

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to clean the rear LCD on a camera. Begin by dry cleaning using Giottos Rocket Blower and nylon fine brush. Users will also need a isopropyl rubbing alcohol and microfiber cloth. Users may also need gloves to protect their hands from the alcohol. Begin by blowing off any dust and brush it with the brush. Now users will be wet cleaning using the isopropyl alcohol and microfiber cloth. Users are advised to clean weekly. This video will benefit those view...

How To: Do high key video lighting for product photography

This video shows you how to do video lighting for product shots. In order to do this the presenter begins by putting the product on a plate. He has three lights that are placed around the product. 650 watt shooting onto the background. The second light is 1000 watts, with an open face shooting into a soft box. It has a flag to protect the light. The third light has an umbrella giving fill on the background. He then shuts off all the lights except for the background light giving a shot of the ...

How To: Use Vibration Reduction or VR on a Nikon DSLR lens

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to use Vibration Reduction (VR). Vibration Reduction is the name if an image stabilizer engine that helps estimating unwanted blurriness when using slow shutter speeds or panning shots. VR has two modes: Normal and Active. Normal mode is designed for hand holding or panning shots where it estimates camera shakes when holding at a slow shutter speed. Active mode is designed for using on rapid moving surfaces. This video is very descriptive and gives gr...

How To: Use live view on the Canon EOS 7D

Live View wit the EOS 7D camera from Canon, lets you compose and view your subjects with the LCD monitor as your viewfinder. This is great for a multiple of reasons. See how to use live view on this digital SLR camera.

How To: Change movie mode settings on the Canon EOS 7D

In video shooting, it's always best to select manual focusing on the Canon OES 7D digital SLR camera. If you need to adjust focus during filming, then you can manually refocus when needed, but there are also powerful autofocus options available. Watch this to see how to change the movie mode settings for your needs.

How To: Update the firmware on the Canon 5D Mark II

Canon recently released a firmware update to fix a lot of the v.1 bugs. This tutorial explains the process of updated the firmware from downloading on the Canon site to easily installing it on your camera.

How To: Set a custom white balance on the Canon 5D Mark II

Most DSLR's like the Canon 5D Mark II come with pre-programmed white balance settings: daylight, cloudy, tungsten, fluorescent. But what do you do when you're in a mixed lighting situation and you want to balance between exterior daylight and interior tungsten light? If you set it to daylight, your tungsten light will be too orange. If you set it to tungsten, your exterior light will be too blue. The solution: set a custom white balance to balance the disparate lighting situations.