Canon® EOS Digital Photography Photo Workshop

9.4. GETTING AND KEEPING THE HIGHEST IMAGE QUALITY

A number of issues factor into getting the highest image quality, and they occur at both the pre-pixel and postpixel phases of your workflow. Some involve common sense, while others may require you to take some specific technical steps to preserve your images and present them in their best possible way.

9.4.1. CAMERA CARE

Whenever possible, it's always best to begin a photo shoot with a clean camera that's free from spots on the image sensor or dirty lens glass. And keeping your gear in good working condition means that you will be able to rely on it more to operate perfectly in any situation. Still, before the shoot you may want to take a test shot and download it to your computer for a quick check.

It's a good idea to clean your lenses and image sensor before any shoot, as well as just after you've finished.

NOTE

See Chapter 10 for a detailed look at camera care, including cleaning the image sensor.

Ensure that the outside of your camera is wiped free of oils and dust, as well. This ensures that when you change lenses, you don't accidentally get unwanted particles inside the camera. And when you change lenses, do it in a clean, dry, and nonwindy place if at all possible.

9.4.2. OPTIMIZING AND ADAPTING TO YOUR ENVIRONMENT

There are a few factors you need to consider before every shoot that will help you to control your image quality in any situation. You may not always be able to control the light, for example, but you can ...