Lecture Notes: Canon Camera Tips and Live View Functionality

Introduction

• Presenter: Paul from Photo Genius
• Aim: Share tips to improve photography with Canon digital cameras.
• Focus: Canon 1500d (T7, 2000d, Kiss X9) but applicable to other Canon DSLR cameras.
• Origin: Inspired by a question from a photography workshop.

Key Topics

Using the Camera's Live View Function

• Live View vs. Viewfinder
  • Live View uses the screen to compose shots, not the viewfinder.
• Changing Settings in Live View
  • Regular buttons used for settings (focus mode, white balance, drive mode, ISO) in non-Live View become focus area controls in Live View.
  • Use the Q button to change focus modes, drive mode, and white balance without exiting Live View.
  • ISO: Press the flash button on the top of the camera to adjust ISO in Live View.

Setting Up the Camera for ISO Adjustments

• Steps to Configure ISO Adjustment in Live View:
  1. Press the Menu button.
  2. Navigate to Tools Menu #3.
  3. Go to Custom Functions.
  4. Set Flash Button Function to ISO Speed (by default, it raises the built-in flash).

Changing Shutter Speed and Aperture

• Shutter Speed
  • Use the control dial on top of the camera to adjust.
  • Faster speed = darker image, slower speed = brighter image.
• Aperture
  • Hold down the AV button and turn the dial to change.
  • Larger number = smaller aperture = less light.

Understanding the Camera's Light Meter

• Light Meter Usage
  • Half-press the shutter button to activate.
  • Adjust shutter speed or aperture to balance exposure.
  • Balanced exposure is subjective; experiment with underexposure or overexposure.
• Additional Resource: Video on bracketing for exposure.

Focusing in Live View

• Focusing Mechanics
  • White box in Live View indicates focus area; adjusted with directional buttons.
  • Focus can be slow; better for stable subjects like landscapes.
• Manual Focus
  • Switch off auto focus on the lens.
  • Use Live View screen or viewfinder to manually adjust sharpness.
  • Popular with macro photographers.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to experiment and explore different settings.
• Suggestion to watch related videos for deeper understanding.
• Call to action: Subscribe and thumbs-up for channel support.

• Additional Notes: Manual focusing is especially useful for macro photography; links to other resources are provided in the video on these topics.