So, you’ve either just bought your first DSLR camera or maybe you’ve had your camera sitting on a shelf for months or years, slowly collecting dust. But, now you’ve finally decided to pick it up and get in the game! Finding the motivation to get started, or even refreshing your knowledge of the basics can be a drag sometimes. To help with that, we’ve done the legwork for you and compiled six comprehensive guides that cover the essentials of DSLR cameras. These guides will help you lay the groundwork for getting started with your camera and taking awesome photos.

1. 10 Camera Controls Every Photographer Should Know

This isn’t a guide to replace your camera manual – but a list of 10 basic camera functions that you should know, and can be found on just about every digital camera. I’m sure you’re familiar with the quote, “The gear doesn’t make a picture, the photographer does.” This guide by David Veldman will show you what you need to focus on first to improve your photography. Download now →

2. DSLR vs Mirrorless

A common question comes up for photographers – and that is whether to go for a DSLR or a mirrorless camera. It’s totally understandable given how big an investment a camera can be, and you don’t want to make the wrong choice. Either type of camera has its own pros and cons – and in this guide, author Jason Little weighs in on the topic covering differences in lenses, quality, and accessories. Download now →

3. DSLR Auto-Focus Modes Explained

It’s easy to get lost in the world of DSLR Auto-focus modes and it’s even easier still to just leave your camera in one setting. After all, if it works most of the time for your photography, why change it up? But what if you’re dealing with low light or moving subjects? If you don’t wnat to wind up with a bunch of messy, blurry photos, you need to learn about the different autofocus modes, and how to use them in different situations. Download now →

4. Six Tips and Techniques for Manually Focusing a Lens

Despite today’s advanced auto-focus technology, there are still moments where you’ll need to manually focus your lens to get a good shot. Whether it be low contrast scenes or busy backgrounds, there will be a time where you’ll find autofocus doesn’t cut it or if you simply just prefer to do it yourself as you compose your photo. In this guide, Aaron Seefeld covers familiarizing yourself with your gear, how to tell when your subject is in focus, zone focusing and more basic but crucial tips! Download now →

5. Aperture Priority versus Shutter Priority

Confused about when to use aperture priority or shutter priority? There seems to be a distinct rivalry between those that use Aperture Priority mode and those that prefer to use Shutter Priority mode. Failing to understand and apply the basic concepts of these two modes will leave your photographs either under or overexposed. This free guide, written by Robin Nichols, will explain which mode gives you greater creative control and which mode allows for better changes between fast to slow shutter speeds. Download now →

6. Understanding ISO

If you really want to “create” photographs, you need to know what the ISO setting is and be able to master it. To do so, you can get a better understanding of the ISO setting on your camera with this guide written by Kent DuFault. Learn about ISO’s role as a primary setting, what it means, how it affects image quality, what it measures, and its correlation with f/stop and shutter speed settings. Learn to avoid common mistakes like using auto-ISO and random settings. Download now →

Further Reading

Imagine what you could create, if you knew how to fully analyze a scene AND choose all the correct settings on your DSLR! There would be no stopping you and your photography!

For a better understanding and control of your camera, check out Photzy’s step-by-step exercises in The DSLR Crash Course guide and start experimenting intelligently with photography. Click here now to check it out.