Digital SLR Cameras and Photography For Dummies, 5th Edition

Chapter 8

Taking Control of Your dSLR

In This Chapter

Unveiling the secrets of foolproof exposure

Metering for fun and profit

Finding the advantages of self-exposure

Getting focused

In terms of buttons, dials, and controls, comparing a typical point-and-shoot camera with a digital SLR is like comparing a hang glider to a Boeing 787 cockpit. Certainly, the more sophisticated option has more controls, but most people find it easier to flip a switch and shift a control than to yank on a lever, lean to the right, and pray.

Because you can do so many different things with a dSLR, the learning curve is a bit steep. Fortunately, your digital 787 has an autopilot — programmed modes — that can fly your photographic aircraft for you until you can ease into navigating solo. But you may find all those controls daunting at first. You might have four or five exposure modes to choose from, a half-dozen different ways to focus, and the capability to fine-tune details, such as white balance, sharpness, ...