Comments on: Better Habits for Better Photography

By: Joe Decker

Joe Decker — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 03:41:56 +0000

Lars: In terms of reset-to-settings, the EOS 7D (and probably other models, but I have the 7D) has three “default settings”, still getting used to precisely how that works in practice but it looks like it actually addresses that point.

agree with you that my choice to use MLU may seem odd, but I’m used to it as a default–even when moving quickly I still usually use a tripod, etc. I don’t so much recommend it, though, as recommend that people figure out the defaults that work for *them*, and build habits around those defaults. What the right defaults are are going to depend a lot on what you shoot, and how you shoot it.

A remote might be a good idea, though, indeed. Good suggestion.

By: Lars Clausen

Lars Clausen — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:30:12 +0000

I love the idea, and really wish some of the otherwise useless buttons could be turned into a “reset” button that just goes back to your preferred settings.

I am surprised that you have mirror lockup in the default. Try to use that when you’ve just come around the corner, and by the time you’ve realized why the viewfinder stays black, Celine Dion is gone. Too bad Canon insists that MLU is not worth a button.

I’m surprised you use a double-press with cable for taking pictures with MLU. I use a 2-second delay, triggering with a cheap clips-on-to-the-strap remote if vibrations are particularly critical. The remote was the best $25 spent on my camera ever.

-Lars

By: Joe Decker

Joe Decker — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:28:39 +0000

Fernando: Thanks so much!

By: Fernando

Fernando — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:39:57 +0000

Thank you so much, Joe, for your excellent answer. You´re right. When I wrote my comment I was thinking about street photography, no landscapes.

And thank you again for the explanation and translation of “mirror lockup”.

A great blog!

By: Joe Decker

Joe Decker — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:20:31 +0000

Fernando: f/8 might be a better choice for some folks, it depends on what sort of work you do, since I usually am photographing landscapes that need a large depth of field, and I am usually working with a tripod. But if I were doing street photography, I might use f/8 indeed. And if I were doing wildlife photography, I might use f/2.8, or, shutter-priority at 1/1000s as my “defaults”.

Mirror lockup: Most DSLRs have a setting where you have to press the shutter button (or cable release) twice to take the shot. The first press flips up the SLR mirror inside the camera. The second press actually takes the picture. When you are photographing on a tripod and using a cable release this reduces the vibrations that can slightly blur your photo. I think the term in my camera book in Spanish for “mirror lockup” is “bloqueo del espejo”

By: Fernando

Fernando — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:18:41 +0000

Great post. I´ve found it very interesting.

Just one question. Youve said, ISO 100, RAW, Aperture priot¡rity set to f/16, autofocus, and mirror lockup enabled (I dont understand this, guess its due to my english but this is not my main doubt).

wouldnt be more versatile and useful something like f8 or so?

I love this place!

Thanks from Spain.