Everything Else
How To: Take museum pictures with a Panasonic G1 or GH1 camera
Learn how to optimize a G1 or GH1 digital camera for museum shooting. 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 great pictures with a G1 or GH1 camera when shooting photographs in a museum. For more information, including detailed instructions, watch this digital camera user's guide.
How To: Shoot close-up pictures with a Panasonic G1 or GH1
Learn how to optimize a G1 or GH1 camera for macro shooting. 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 set up a G1 or GH1 camera for close-up shots. For more information, including detailed instructions, watch this digital camera user's guide.
How To: Shoot HD video on a Canon EOS 7D DSLR camera
Eager to make a foray into the world of high-quality HD video with a Canon EOS 7D or Rebel T2i DSLR camera but don't know one end of the kit lens from the other? Never fear: This nine-part video tutorial offers a number of useful pointers for would-be shooters, discussing everything from basic camera handling and lens selection to exposure and white balancing options. For more information, and to get started shooting cinematic, high-definition digital video on your own Canon 7D or T2i (550D),...
How To: Mod a mirror onto your camera for great self portraits
If you are out with friends and don't have anyone to take your photo for you, you will need to take a self portrait. Instead of fumbling with a self timer, most people hold the camera themselves and take a snap. Unfortunately, these photos are hard to center and you often cut people off and lose what could have been a great shot.
How To: Properly clean an SLR camera lens
You will get the best images possible if you learn to maintain your camera and keep the lens clean. In this tutorial, learn how to clean the lens of an SLR camera like a professional. With a clean lens you will be able to take crystal clear photos and avoid any blur or unwanted blemishes. So, follow this step by step and keep your camera in top shape. You will save yourself tons of editing time if you just keep a tidy lens.
How To: Use an Expodisk to white balance your DSLR
White balance is an important aspect of photography. Balance your camera correctly and you will take impressive pictures, balance it poorly and your photos will appear washed out or blurry.
How To: Use the Nikon SB-900
Now that you've got your Nikon SB-900 professional-grade speedlight, make sure that you get the most out of it with this free photographer's guide, which will walk you through the flash unit's basic features and functionalities.
How To: Take basic photos in daylight
While achieve beautiful images shooting with ample amounts of natural daylight can be done with little work, if you're willing to invest a just a small amount of additional effort, you can achieve shots to rival those of any professional photographer. This free video photography lesson, which discusses concepts like exposure balancing, will walk you through how to take beautiful daytime shots.
How To: Set up the D80 pop-up flash as commander for Nikon CLS
These are the steps required to set your D80's pop-up flash. First, go to the "Custom Shooting Menu." Then you choose #22 on the screen: "Built in Flash." Choose the "Commander Mode" option. The modes that are available for the pop-up flash include TTL, AA (Auto Aperture) M (Manual) and Off (no flash). If you are using an external flash unit, you use either group A or B. The light frequencies and proper settings are related to how much light compensation is needed. +3. 0 is high power, 1. 1 i...
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: 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: Use Auto-FP high speed sync for Nikon SB speedlights
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to use Auto-FP high speed flash on the Nikon SB camera. Begin by attaching the SB speed light onto the camera and turn on the speed light. This video will be setting up vie the camera menu. In he menu, set it at 1/250s and exit out the menu. The "FP" icon will now appear on the LCD panel. Increase it to 1/8000s or stop up to F/2. 8. This video will benefit those viewers who are interested in photography and would like to learn how to use Auto-FP on a ...
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 the Nikon DSLR Autofocus system
Nikon DSLR's have different Autofocus settings depending on your shooting situation. You can manipulate the multi-point settings as well as continues focus settings.
How To: Use various shooting modes on a Nikon DSLR
Most DSLR's have shooting modes that enable you to optimize your shooting settings depending on your shooting environment. This simple tutorial demonstrates the practical uses and purposes of each so you can take appropriate action shots, portrait shots, and landscape shots.
How To: Use EV Compensation on a Nikon DSLR
Understanding the EV Compensation feature on Nikon DSLR's is extremely valuable when shooting with a flash. Adjustments enable you to fine-tune exposure, flash settings, as well as more general settings.
How To: Solve the overheating problem on the Nikon SB-900
Many have complained about overheating on the Nikon SB-900 flash. Fortunately this series of videos demonstrates what you can do to prevent this from happening.
How To: Do time lapse with a Nikon DSLR
Time lapse is a great, transcendent storytelling device that can be used for transitions in narrative, documentary, and corporate work. Watch as this series of videos help you set up and execute a proper time lapse sequence.
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: 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: Set autofucus for action photography on a Nikon DSLR
This video shows Nikon Autofocus setting for action. Getting started on setting up the AF for action.
How To: Simply use a flash on a Nikon DSLR
There are a lot of things that a flash can do for you when you are taking pictures. It can be used to fill shadows, light up subjects, and much more. The video demonstrates the various tilt and pan settings that the flash can be used in for bouncing light in various circumstances. Ceiling bounce tends to add unwanted shadows under the chin and eye brows when doing portraits. The side bounce from a pan adds light from a specific direction. Flashes have different modes to offer including pre-fl...
How To: Set up the Pocketwizard with a Nikon SB-800 and SB-900
In this Electronics video you will see how to set up the Pocketwizard with a Nikon SB-800 and SB-900. When you use Pocketwizard as a master to trigger the flash, the remote flashes for a working distance of 1600 feet as against 33 feet. First attach a Pocketwizard unit to the flash by using the Velcro stickers. Plug in the cable supplied with the Pocketwizard in the ‘Flash’ slot. Open the rubber door on SB-800 and plug in the other end of the cord into ‘sync’. Turn it ON. When the connection ...
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 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 Nikon SB-400
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how learn about the Nikon SB-400. The Nikon SB-400 is consumer grade speedlight that is designed for a consumer DSLR (D40/D60). It also has a lot of limitations that prevent you from having the full control of the speedlight such as, no ability to rotate the flash head for better bouncing performance and no rear controls with a big LCD. It only has a rear on/off switch, flash ready lamp and lock switch. This video will benefit those viewers who are intere...
How To: Manually adjust the zoom position on the Nikon SB-900
This is an Electronics video tutorial where you will learn how to manually adjust the zoom position on the Nikon SB-900 with the diffuse dome attached. This is called the dome trick. It is not documented in the SB-900 user’s manual. The manual states when the diffuse dome is attached to the flash head, it gives a fixed zoom position of 14mm. However, if you attach the diffuse dome upside down, you can adjust the zoom position manually. The video then demonstrates changing of zoom position aft...
How To: Use the RPT mode on a Nikon SB-800 and SB-900
This is an Electronics video tutorial where you will learn how to use the RPT mode on a Nikon SB-800 and SB-900. Repeat mode gives a flashing strobe effect with which you can take multiple shots in one single long exposure. In Nikon SB-800, switch on the flash and select the RPT mode. The video then demonstrates the various selections available in the RPT mode. In Nikon SB-900, again switch on the flash and select the RPT mode by pressing on ‘mode’ button. The video then goes on to demonstrat...
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: Get started with the Canon PowerShot SD940 IS
Here are a few tips and setting suggestions when getting started with your Canon PowerShot. This is a very portable and user friendly, point and shoot digital camera that has a few neat tricks up it’s sleeve so experiment and have fun.
How To: Levitate in a photo
In this video from Dom Bower Photography, he demonstrates how to make it look like a person is levitating in a photo. He sets the timer on the camera and takes the picture of himself. It takes a few tries to get a picture where he is airborne when the picture is taken. The trick is to try to pose while jumping so that it doesn't look like you're jumping. It might take a few tries, but if you use some of the tricks shown in this video, you'll be able to take a picture that makes it look like a...
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: Shoot lightening in the daytime
This video shows you how to photograph lightning in the daytime. Set the ISO to 100.The aperture set at f32 and set for half of a second. Meter should be showing averaged. Photograph in the manual mode so that the setting won't change between photographs. Manually focus lens to infinity so you won't have to wait for the focus to lock on. A remote shutter to just hit the button. Be safe and keep camera safe when taking lightning photographs. Don’t get under trees. When lightning starts strikin...
How To: Use your back button focus & why
Do you have a SLR and yet you feel that you are missing out on some features? Let's check out the back button focus. When you press the shutter button half way, it moves the focus to the back button. One can activate their camera's focus while the taking the picture which pretty much becomes a manual mode but gives you a lot of independence while taking pictures and it helps keep your subject in focus. This will benefit in taking pictures of high contrast.
How To: Set a custom white balance with a Canon 40D
This video shows how to set a custom white balance with a Canon 40D camera. Whether you have fluorescent, yellow tungsten, or camera white light, you will still get a good picture with the custom white balance. The video shows pictures taken with the different lighting and different vibrant colors without the custom white balance that come out pretty good. Then a picture is taken of a white paper towel or something pure white. Then the custom white balance is set by going to the menu, white b...
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: Edit your digital photos easily
In this video Dionne from the Gadget show explains how to improve your digital photos easily using widely available free software. The first thing she instructs us to do is to download and install Google's free photo editing software Picasa. Next, once Picasa is installed you can use it's one click settings to easily remove red eyes from photographs or increase the brightness of a photo. The next thing we learn to do is to adjust the white balance of a photograph. This makes the photo appear ...
How To: Understand histograms on digital cameras
A video from Graham River Productions, presented by Shannon Smith, explains how to interpret Histograms on modern Digital Cameras. Just because a captured image looks nice on the camera screen does not mean that it is really good. One of the better checks for quality of a photograph is the histogram display that is available on many modern cameras. Histograms accurately tell whether the full potential of the the camera's optical sensor has been utilized or not; and are the tools of choice for...
How To: Use AV mode & high ISO to brighten your images
In this video brought to us by No Mac No Cheese, by Shannon Smith, he teaches you how to use AV mode and a higher ISO to bring more light into your pictures, especially when you are taking pictures indoors. He says you will need to go into the AV mode and raise the number of the ISO. What that does is make the shutter speed a lot slower so you get as much ambient light as you can.