Novice photographers extensively use tripods, image stabilizers (built-in into zoom lens or camera) and to the extend of using photo editor software to sharpen the final image of their work, while professional rely only on their skills and wide knowledges on the correct settings of their DSLRs.

This article will summarize a few tips in using your Canon DSLR camera for getting sharper photos, this is a battle of sharp vs blurry images, please read on;

Getting Sharper Images with Canon DSLR

1. Learn how to correctly hold the camera
How you hold your Canon 60D will greatly influence on the stability or shakiness of the camera. Improve on this and you will improve the sharpness of produced images. For more information, google for phrases such as “how to hold a digital camera”.

2. Shutter Speed
If you speed up the shutter speed, then you will get a sharp photo. Remember the standard rules for sharp images when you are shooting a handheld; “use a shutter speed faster than your lens focal length.” Here are the basic rules:

If the length of your lens is 50mm, shoot with a shutter speed of 1/60 second or faster
If the length of your lens is 100mm, use a shutter speed of 1/125 second or faster
If the length of your lens is 200mm, use a shutter speed of 1/250 second or faster

3. Aperture
Aperture affects depth of field (focus area in your photo). Reducing the aperture (by increasing the number, for example you choose f/22) will add depth of field, meaning a sharp areas in the bigger picture will include objects near and far, so the sharpness of the picture as a whole actually decreased.
So do otherwise, choose a large aperture (small number, eg. f/4), then you will focus sharply only near the focal area. Choose a large aperture that lets you get a faster shutter speed.

4. ISO
Adding ISO will speed up the shutter speed and lets you choose a larger aperture. If you take pictures in a room, use larger ISO, but do not overdo it (i.e. select ISO 600 for shooting inside a building). Select the ISO too high (above 800) and it can cause noise (small black spots will start to appear) in the image.

5. Focus
Do not just just rely on the autofocus feature, select carefully for the best area where your focal point should be. When photographing a potrait of the face at close range, make sure the focal point fell on the eyes area. When photographing an object, make sure the focal is where you want the sharpest area to be. The autofocus feature does not comes with the ability to read your mind and it may drop the focal point of your object where you don’t want it to be.

6. Lens
If you happen to own a Canon DSLR camera, choose the best Zoom lens you can buy. Good quality lenses can drastically improve the sharpness of your photo. Kit lens that is usually offered for sale as a complete package with the camera is sometimes not up to the quality of this effort. My advice, if you are just going to buy a DSLR camera, buy it separately from the camera (body only) and then selecting the Canon Zoom lens that suits your need. Do not buy a package of kit UNLESS the package contains what you want. Canon 60D packages such that being sold at Amazon will provide you with few variety to choose from. Good quality Canon Zoom lens is usually characterized by a large aperture (eg f/2.8).

7. Sweet Spot of the Lens
Every photographers; amateurs and professional should know that Canon Zoom lens has its sweet spot respectively. Sweet spot is a certain setting where the lens aperture will produce the sharpest images. Sweet spot lens usually located at 2 stops at the highest or lowest maximum limit of the lens aperture. For example, if your lens has a range of aperture f/2.8-f/32, most likely the sweet spot is between f/5.6 and f/16.

8. Tripod
Tripod is impractical and inconvenient, but if you are “willing to” bring it, you’ll get sharper photos. Especially if you want to generate HDR or panoramic photos, just let it go and bring a tripod.

Almost all DSLR camera models produced after 2008, has anti-dust system that reduces the risk of dust. There are several approaches, such as Olympus use SSWF filtering system that triggers a supersonic vibration every time the camera is turned on. As a pioneer in anti-dust technology, SSWF is recognized as one of the most effective system. Sony is using other techniques that is to shake the sensor at low frequencies to remove dust that got stuck. Nikon placed low-pass filter located in front of the sensor to keep out dust.

Canon Dust Reduction Technology

All newer Canon DSLR cameras utilised the pattented Dust Reduction Technology. It was first introduced on the Canon Rebel XTi as Canon’s system-wide approach to reduce the impact of dust on the image sensor and is also included on the latest Canon 60D with a slight update to the anti-static coatings used.

Recent Canon DSLRs, the EOS 60D and 600D Rebel T3i includes Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System, that is the camera’s Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit uses a piezoelectric element to shake dust particles off of the low-pass filter in front of the sensor. The dust is then trapped by an adhesive strip along the base, preventing it from causing further nuisance. Cleaning is engaged each time the camera is powered up or shut down, or manually through the “clean now” function. The second part of the cleaning system involves post processing with a compatible personal computer and the supplied Digital Photo Professional software. Via a menu option, the camera maps any stubborn dust spots that remain on the sensor after cleaning, saving their locations as Dust Delete Data that can subsequently be used to subtract the spots during post-processing. A third option includes a manual sensor cleaning function which raises the mirror and allows users to clean dust that may have stuck to the low-pass filter.

Though your Canon DSLR camera has anti-dust system, this does not mean it is 100% immune from dust. There are good habits when using the equipment and when handling Canon Zoom Lens to minimize dust problem and effectively reduce the risk of dust blocking the sensor. Of course, dust can only enters during the changing of lenses.

Here are tips that we recommend to reduce the risk of dust penetrating your beloved DSLR.

• Do not change your Canon Zoom lenses in dusty conditions.
• Hang the DSLR camera strap around the neck and change the Canon Zoom lens in the sensor facing down. This way, the chances of dust falling directly onto the inside of your camera is greatly reduced.
• Change your Canon Zoom lens as quick as you can to minimize the time your DSLR image sensor being exposed. Make sure the lens cover has been loosened before you disconnect and install another lens.
• Hold breath while changing the lens and do not smoke cigarettes at all when changing lenses.
• If your Canon DSLR camera sensor has been contaminated with dust, you can wash it off with a a good-quality sensor cleaning kit from Copperhill that is available on the market or send it to a qualified service center.

You may perhaps wish to fully know about your camera, how it does what it does with that multitudes of buttons and dials that it has. With the way DSLR cameras have progressed throughout the years, you will find there’s a great number of combinations of diverse settings on the camera for the Canon Zoom lens that will allow you to unleash creative expression in photography, …or not.

The digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera is most people’s idea of a serious camera. Simply put, “SLR” means that the same lens is utilized for viewing and capturing photos. Digital single-lens reflex cameras are the standard tool for serious photographers. With Canon Zoom lens digital SLR camera you will have a clear idea of what picture you’re about to shoot by looking from the viewfinder, and when you push the shutter release, the camera will captures the picture instantly.

As it is, newbie of Digital SLR cameras focus on the body. Serious photographers, however, look at the system. A Canon digital SLR system includes a body, multiple lenses, flash units, and various other accessories. For most avid photographers the investment in Canon Zoom lenses will come to dwarf the cost of a body.

Learning to use your Canon DSLR camera and Zoom lens

Want Learn How To use your Canon DSLR properly? We have categorized 3 most common ways as a guide for you to learn using the Canon Zoom lens, DSLR camera and photography.

1. Self Learning.

We can surf the Internet. Go to Youtube and search on Google all the information that you want. Examples of words you can use the “Learn Canon DSLR camera“, “How to use Canon DLSR camera“, “Canon EOS (insert your model series here) DSLR tutorial” and many more.

You can read the text on the web or just learn by watching videos. This is indeed free, but it will take a little longer. Sometimes while researching, it can reach the level of fatigue and boredom. Because we find thing at our own pace and take the learning curve really slow. But there are also those that comfortable with this method.

This method is mostly applicable for beginners to familiarize themselves with basic use of the cameras. Specialized use of Canon Zoom lens however would requires deeper learning since this involves more skills and user experiences to get the best setting.

2. Learning with community, groups or friends of the same hobby.

This method is the most fun to do and many people prefer to do it this way. We learn from those whom already have experiences in the niche. The trick is simple, look for community that use the same DSLR model as ours. This is because each different type of DSLR, although looks similar, they are not the same. So, if you buy Canon and preferably you also learn from people who use Canon, they will share their skills and experiences with you.

But sometimes not all the information is accessable at the time we want them. So it’s important to always ‘keep in touch’ by joining group activities, experiments, outings, and so on. There is necessity to tag along with other members when such activity is available. This may be the opportunity to hone our skills as well.

On a broader sense, look also for photography community on the net. You can join the facebook online community, such as photography club. You can also join fan pages to subscribe to the photography bulletin for lessons, tips, informations, etc, sometimes in the form of free ebook that will be sent directly to your email. The lessons can also be read online at any time via any computer with an Internet connection. Ebooks are usually available as a PDF files that you can download and print to carry with you for reference.

Google for the term ‘Canon DSLR forum’ or look for similar group in Facebook. Keep in mind that forums are great place for beginners through to more advanced users to both learn about their cameras and also to show off the photos that they take with them.

3. Learn from expert instructors, photography classes or paid online courses.

This method is the fastest method to learn to use your Canon DSLR. We will be guided so that we learn what is most important to know. But usually there is little charges to be paid.

If you’re willing to pay, look for established instructors, usually they have been in this busines for many years. Read reviews on the courses by other participants, make sure you do a little research before making any payment.

This method is faster and more effective learning because if we do not understand the lesson, we can ask directly to the instructors. This method will ensure you get most comprehensive use for any kind of Canon Zoom lens, telephoto or Micro lens with guidance from established professionals. Two such online courses are by professional photographers and photography instructors Terry Day and Amy Renfrey.

DSLR cameras, like the EOS 60D when combined with a multitude of Canon Zoom lenses are photographer’s key equipment necessary for those who wish to start a photography business or just to take photography as a serious hobby. Some say this type of camera is the best kind…

But what is the best digital camera for your need? It is difficult to give a straight and simple answer without considering many aspects. Maybe the best answer is, what your budget can afford to spend for a camera equipped with lenses and flash? If you can afford to spend 3 grands to get the best DSLR camera for you, but what brand? Get opinions and recommendation from friends and people who are well learnt about photography. They’ll tell you the advantages and disadvantages of the cameras they use.

Do not rush to buy a camera without proper research because this tool is going to be used for a long time and is quite expensive. If you want to change because of the camera you buy does not meet your taste and needs, you will have to wait until you can afford to buy another (Or you can simply buy from major online store like Amazon.com and can return them after a while if you decide not to like it). Most importantly, make sure to buy a camera that suit your technical needs.

It is a different case if you want to buy a second camera, as you would have known the disadvantages and advantages of your first camera. And usually someone who wants to buy a second camera has other reasons, such as getting a backup camera, the previous camera got damaged or it is lacking and difficult work with due to technical or ergonomical limitations. Maybe you are interested to get the best camera and you can afford to buy an expensive one. That is your right, but you are advised not to waste money on expensive cameras on the ground that your friend tell you the best camera should be expensive for you to produce the best pictures.

Getting the Canon best DSLR camera…

For my own personal preference, I would really go for the Canon EOS 60D, this camera really suits my need and has all the latest features necessary for producing excellent images. It really hit that correct price range of what I can afford right now plus it is supported by a wide range of Canon Zoom lenses out there.

1. Did he carry proper research on the Canon 60D before buying? … in terms of what he really needs and characteristics of the camera?
2. What is lacking from the DSLR camera that he owned before?

Of course, in our minds, before the issue of thousands of dollars to pursue a new hobby, one should carry out a sufficient research so that the expenditure was not in vain. There are many reviews on the internet about every DSLR camera models on the market and there are user comments that show the comparison between several models in the same class. Just as there are forums and photography blogs featuring discussions by users of various DSLR cameras and rumours on latest camera due for release. There are information on each and every models out there for which we can see factors of their shortcoming. There may always be a lacking factor, but if we miss a month for not being satisfied, than this surely is not a small factor.

How about upgrading or downgrading from Canon 60D to Canon 600D? Without knowledge on this subject, one wouldn’t know the difference.

The second thing is more appealing to me because in my view, in general all DSLR cameras are suitable for most types of photography, especially for those new to this hobby. For all Canon DSLR, every camera need at least be able to be fitted with Canon Zoom lens, ultra wide angle lens or macro lenses. Unlike the Canon 60D, some models like the Nikon D3000 and previous models have no AF motor, and this limits the type of lenses that can be used, but this was taken into account in the first question.

Digital camera technology developed rapidly. What we use today may be outdated in just 2 or 3 years. If we let ourselves be influenced to pursue every new model released on the market, we will continue to feel dissatisfied with what we have. If the photos that we recorded are not as pretty as what is recorded by our friends, try to see if we can improve our work without upgrading or changing the camera system. Various improvement can be achieved with actively practicing our knowledge in photography, getting assistance or advice from experts, attending courses and doing many experiments with different settings and Canon zoom lens.

Of course, the new model is better than the old. But the question is whether our level of skills in this field has reached the stage where a more sophisticated camera can make a difference? Should getting more megapixel for the images makes you happy or would it be for getting different effects experimenting with various Canon Zoom lenses on the market?

Lens that is usually sold pre-packaged with DSLR camera is called kit lens. In general, the kit lens is a lens that is of lower value, has a relatively small maximum aperture and possesses below par optical quality. Some DSLR camera brand camera provides a fairly sophisticated kit lens such as SWD ZUIKO 12-60mm and AF-S Nikkor 18-85mm VR kit lens, but most do not have any privileges and lack of application of values?

This does not mean you should complaint about your Canon 600D kit lens because it still has several other advantages. Kit lens is a lens that is lightweight and has a zoom range suitable for most applications. If used effectively, the kit lens can produce stunning images. Maybe in terms of image quality is less impressive, but because it is lightweight and easy to use, you may prefer to take snapshots of the action without the help of a tripod. Remember, the lens speed (fast lens / high performance lens) is not only expensive but also heavier.

If your Canon 600D Rebel T3i only have the default kit lens, no need to rush to buy new lenses out of feeling inferior than other photographers. Unless you need to have a special purpose lenses like macro or super-telephoto lens, using lens kit is sufficient for most situations.

Canon’s recently repositioned it’s newest model from EOS 50D semi-pro status into a new intermediate level segment . This made the EOS 60D now rests in-between the higher entry-level EOS 550D / T2i and the semi-pro EOS 7D, to place the Canon 60D in direct contest with Nikon’s intermediate level bestseller DSLRs, namely the D90 and D7000.

Canon EOS 60D mid-range digital SLR camera flawlessly combines professional imaging technology, artistic functions and control versatility, all meant to instill photographers’ ingenuity and shooting creativity to provide avid DSLR enthusiasts and photography fans the possibility to expand their creative potential in the art of photography due to its more and remarkably designed capabilities and greater image quality in comparison to older models.

Amazing Canon 60D…

With DIGIC 4 Image processor, the Canon 60D allows you to completely take advantage of your professional prospective with functions like rapid shooting speeds (5.3 fps), in-camera RAW image processing, creative filters and image resizing. The Canon digital camera incorporates noise reduction and ISO configurations where you can take photos with highest quality details, along with minimum blur and noise. High viewfinder coverage at 96%, a horizontal electronic digital level, and 0.95x magnification make the Canon 60D a real ace as the new bestseller digital slr camera on Canon inventory.

The Canon 60D sports a completely re-designed external body, mixing an ergonomically larger, curved shape jointly with fresh primary layout to really make it quick and also user-friendly accessing and adjusting the camera setting. It is unquestionably larger in size compared to the T2i, even so the contours and layout of the camera pleasantly provides a enhanced experience to makes it seem like you’re getting an infinitely more significant camera. It is noteworthy that this EOS 60D features a more compact body form. Moreover, the body’s material is not created from magnesium like previous models, but the new polycarbonate on an aluminum frame. The total weight is reduced by about 70 grams.

Swiveling LCD (some people calls it flip-screen) is undoubtedly one of the prime attribute of this camera. The 3-inch articulated LCD provides perfect advantages for shooting video, such as for creating shot across the top of the head in a really tight crowd.

The camera also shoots 1080p full high definition video to a maximum 30fps and reviewed by many to perform well in supporting movie shooting with manual exposure and audio control, making it ideal for both creating still and motion images.

Canon engineer’s increased th Canon 60D picture resolution, provide it with larger viewfinder coverage, as well as improving the special feature tools response time. Furthermore, the Canon 60D also offered substantial upgrades to the video mode and successfully making it more accessable to use for the average novice. This new model is tested and proven to be an awesome camera for all DSLR enthusiasts. Many people are undoubtedly going to enjoy spending their time with it.

The Canon 60D is in a number of ways an excellent DSLR camera: speedy, feature-packed, and with superb picture and video quality. This is one of the very best digital slr camera out there in today’s time.

The EOS 600D is the EOS 550D successor, which was launched almost a year ago. Canon does not replace the processor or the sensor images from previous versions. Canon still entrust CMOS APS-C image sensor with a capacity of 18 megapixels and DIGIC 4 processor to their latest model. The sensor for both models is identical, the processors are identical, and body construction is virtually identical (except for the minor 0.1MP difference). The upgrades on the 600D are mostly for the person who will be using the video recording features.

The most visible difference from the two cameras is the articulating LCD screen measuring three inches. If the 550D display screen is fused intact to the camera body, the 600D screen can be pulled out to swivel in many directions. The advantages of the articulating screen like are this camera can be used to photograph or record video from difficult angles, for example from below or from above shoulder level. Most convenient when taking videos at a news conference, when it is difficult to reach subject surrounded by dozens of other photographers.

For its ability to produce the best images automatically, the EOS 600D is perfect for beginners. One of the highlights is the Basic +. The camera will adjust the exposure so users can change the appearance of image and blur controls without requiring technical knowledge. At the wheel of exposure there is a new icon labeled A + for management parameters automatically. If we use this mode, the camera will analyze the object image and its surroundings, adjust exposure and image processing parameters, including set the output color for more natural look.

This camera also continued the tradition 550D and is capable of recording high-definition video with manual control; this is mostly where the bulk of the upgrade is. There is an additional digital magnification from 3 to 10 times so you do not need to replace for longer lens to make distant objects closer.

In video recording, the EOS 600D features Video Snapshot technology borrowed from the arsenal of Canon video camcorder. With this technology it can record video in a set duration, such as two to eight seconds without the need to stop recording manually. EOS 600D can record full HD 1920x1080p videos that offers manual control where exposure and frame rate of 30.25 and 24 fps at full resolution, and 60 and 50 fps at a resolution of 720p. Even without using any Canon Zoom lens, when recording, users can use the 3-10x digital zoom while still maintaining the quality of Full HD.

Recorded clips can also be played as a whole film without the need for video editing software on the computer. To enhance the video recording experience, Canon added a special feature called Creative Filters containing interesting effects such as: the effects of toy cameras, fish eye and miniature. Combine this with the correct Canon Zoom lens for maximum effects. Anyway, this is nothing new, since this feature was adopted from its bigger sibling the mid-level EOS 60D.

Canon 600D video recording features include;

• 1920 x 1080 resolution with 24p, 25p, or 30p with manual control
• 3x digital zoom up to 10x when recording video with no reduction in image quality
• Recording volume control feature and noise and wind filter
• Video Snapshot features (like video editing software that combines several short video clips into a video with background music)
• HDMI output port
• External microphone port
• For voice recording, the camera is equipped stereo microphone and sound meters to produce accurate sound recording.

One advantage the EOS 600D is the ability to communicate wirelessly with a Canon flash unit. Usually these features exist only in higher-class cameras. With this feature, users can trigger the EOS 600D TTL flash like the 270EX II, 320EX, 430EX II and 580EX II. For info, 320EX was an additional flash with LED lights for video recording.

The Canon 60D‘s LCD monitor can be twisted in almost any direction, translating to unparalled flexibility. Unlike other flip-out LCDs, the monitor does not prevent the use of a tripod or battery grip, ensuring that the user can expand to these professional tools and get the most of the Vari-angle flexibility.

Canon understandably has high expectations for this camera, aiming for a huge monthly sales target by year end. It is believed that the versatility of the products along with such novel features as the Vari-angle flexibility should give it an age. This is one of the unique features where photographers can enjoy the advantage of shooting from all angles; low angles, high angles, even in narrow spaces.

Another professional component normally reserved for high-end DLRs is the built-in Speedlite transmitter function which provides wireless control over external flash units.

Canon EOS 60D Takes Full HD Video..

For digital image-makers seeking true versatility, this remarkable Canon 60D DSLR also captures video in three formats; full HD video (1920 x 1080), HD Ready (1280 x 720), and standard TV (640 x 480). Canon EOS 60D creates easy-to-manage MOV files, and for advance videography, frame rates can be set to a film-like 24 frames per second, or the international of 24, 25 and 30 frames per second. Likewise the Canon 60D takes video to another level by offering 50 and 60 frames per second options. Video can be played back at full resolution on standard television sets, or on HD sets with a HDMI accessory cable. Plus, still images can be captured during movie shooting!

“The EOS 60D is targeted at beginners or someone who wishes to upgrade their basic DSLR. It is a medium-range camera but meet the high expectations of amateurs photographers who have a limited budget for a super camera.”

The Canon 60D is lightweight at a mere 755g, packaged with 18-megapixel CMOS sensor (APS-C size) and the powerful DIGIC4 image processor. These features create photographs with the image quality, detail, and colour reproduction on par with high-end DSLRs.

In addition, Canon EOS 60D has the ability to achieve speeds of up to 5.3 frames per second, with maximum bursts of 58 Large/Fine images, or approximately 16 consecutive photographs when shooting in RAW. Moreover, its dynamic shooting range from ISO 100-6400, expandable all the way up to 12,800 produces low-noise images even in low light.

Advanced and professional photographers know that the fisheye lens can be used creatively to show fresh perspectives of a diversity of subjects. The Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM lense is the first EOS 60D fisheye zoom lens that offers the fisheye effect from full-frame DSLR as well as APS-C/H sensor sizes. From 8mm to 15mm, this super-wide zoom is an essential tool to maximize creative expression.

New Canon Zoom lenses and Accessories for EOS 60D

The first in the new range of Canon 60D’s super-telephoto lens, the EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens is fast at f/2.8 with its 300mm fixed lens. The optics has been completely redesigned for the digital age, while the rugged body boasts improved dust- and weather-proofing for high performance. Likewise the new Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens also raises the bar for super fast autofocus, perfect for wildlife and sports applications.

Canon’s completely redesigned extenders, EF1.4X III and EF2X III, feature new and improved optics and image quality of previous models, and can be used to extend the focal length of the Canon EOS 60D as well as a huge range of Canon lenses. Both extenders feature a built-in microcomputer for communication between the lens, extender and camera for operability.

Soon to come our way for the 60D are the Canon Zoom lenses; EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM, these should be available by next year.

What else has Canon improved with its cameras? There’s the large capacity battery grip BG-E9 for the Canon 60D that brings power to high-volume shooting and makes vertical shooting much easier. With so much in-camera work that can be done to images, more power can greatly improve productivity, helping professionals and advanced amateurs alike to achieve new heights in both their photography and post-production. Powered by the Battery Pack LP-E6 or size-AA/LR6 batteries, the grip is now smoother, with a shape that is easier to hold than previous models.