Why You Should Read your Camera Manual

A few nights ago I attended my daughter's very first band performance held on the stage in the school cafeteria. As with any event where lots of parents are gathered, cameras are clicking everywhere. I can't help but notice more and more of these parents are buying DSLR's. They also only use one setting: AUTO. 

The whole purpose of a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) is control. You get far more control then you would a standard point & shoot camera. Although many of the point & shoot cameras will allow you to make some slight adjustments to aperture, shutter speed and even ISO, generally these won't come close to what you can do with a DSLR.

So, as I'm sitting there watching the band perform "Hot Cross Buns," (they're all beginners), I’m seeing flashes go off behind me followed by the disgruntled look on a persons face as they try to understand why their camera's tiny built-in flash produced a nearly completely black image. What they don't understand is that that tiny flash is only useful if your subject is no more than maybe 20 or so feet away, not 100 feet. An larger external flash is what they really need (or to get closer to the subject). If they'd read their manual, they would know this. They might also know that adjusting the aperture, ISO and shutter speed would also help, but you can't control those settings in the AUTO mode.

Put simply, the AUTO mode on any camera gives all control to the camera. All of the settings are chosen by the camera based on what it sees, so you don’t have to worry about adjusting settings like aperture and shutter speed. Unfortunately, the camera rarely gets it perfect. If you want the camera to make these decisions for you, why spend $600+ on a DSLR? I think people believe that buying an expensive camera will allow them to take beautiful shots of their kids. What’s important to remember is that your camera is only a tool. What counts is what you do with it.

This is why it’s important to read your camera manual cover to cover. Your manual will tell you how to get the most out of your investment. AND don’t read it just once! Read it several times and then go out and PRACTICE. If there’s something you don’t understand, there are plenty of tutorials and forums on line. Chances are good someone else has the same questions as you.

Keep practicing and by the time of your child’s next big event you’ll be ready!