Most digital cameras are equipped with various automatic modes (or presets) that help beginner photographers get more control over the resulting images without venturing too far into camera settings. If you don't feel quite ready for semi-manual or manual modes, you may start discovering your camera from these presets, letting the camera help you according to the situation. By understanding how the automatic presets work, you will learn how to use them creatively and to adapt them to various cases.

Once you have tested the accuracy of your camera's autofocus system as described in our previous article and determined that one or some of your lenses do not produce perfectly sharp images, you have two solutions: have your camera serviced by a professional or, if your camera has an autofocus micro-adjustment feature, do it yourself. In this article, we will guide you through 7 easy steps for DSLR camera's autofocus calibration process using Live View mode on the example of Canon 5D Mark II camera.

Getting the correct exposure of a highly contrasted scene can be tricky to handle, especially if you are taking some photos on the go and do not have time to stop and think twice about the camera settings. There are various ways to adjust the exposure, such as using exposure compensation or center weighted metering. In some situations, however, every moment counts, and you may need a quick and easy solution to get your image right. This is where the exposure lock button on your DSLR camera may prove helpful. Let's see how to quickly and easily adjust the exposure on the go without touching any of the camera settings other than the exposure lock.

A dusty DSLR camera sensor is one of the worst photographer’s enemies. If you have ever spent time cloning out those endless ‘dust bunnies’ from a sunset sky on ten photos in a row, then you know what I mean. Dust gets inside the camera every time you switch lenses, or simply use your zoom as particles get sucked in the lens and finally end up on the camera sensor. All photographers face this issue, let alone travel photographers who spend most of the time outdoors. Knowing how to clean your camera’s sensor is something important that deserves special attention...

While taking photos, have you ever asked yourself or a fellow photographer whether your image is bright enough or dark enough? How can one know if the image is correctly exposed? How not to overdo it in post-processing? The answers to all these questions hide in a little graph called the Histogram, which is a valuable tool for any photographer. If you still feel a little intimidated by it, continue reading and we will shed some light on this mysterious yet easy to use tool for photographers...

White balance is a photography setting that many photographers have heard of but rarely use. Yet it is a simple and helpful tool not only to make your colour images look better, but also to give them an additional creative sparkle. As you might have already guessed, we are talking not about brightness or darkness of your photos, but about colours. We prepared this short guide to help you better understand white balance on your digital camera, and to use it in your photography for stunning results...

Rainy days may look grey at a first glance, but that doesn’t mean they are not suitable for taking some great photos! The light is usually even and the rain saturates colours. Shooting in the rain can be lots of fun and you definitely create images you would otherwise completely miss. The trick is to keep your gear well protected so here’s are some solutions to keep your camera dry even when the weather is wet...

Taking good care of your camera is as important as taking care of your health, especially while traveling. The trouble is that when you are away from home, you might not be sure where to go for reliable camera stores and services. Our Photo Tour participants often ask us about servicing their gear, where to have their camera sensor cleaned or where to buy a fully charged battery. If you find yourself looking for such services, here are some useful addresses in Paris.

With the Holiday Season coming up, you might be hoping for a brand new camera under the tree. I hope you are on Santa's list and that he is generous with you! Now, have you considered what to do with your 'old' camera? Maybe you are a collector and you'll want to keep your good old buddy that accompanied you everywhere and made you happy when you caught 'The Moment'. Even if you are not sentimental, it is still easy to end up with a collection of disused and dusty digital boxes that don't get to see the light of day any longer. If some camera models and well known brands retain some of their value, most digital cameras quickly lose their worth in this ever changing world and quest for new technology. Here are some ideas about what to do with your 'old' camera after Christmas...

Let's face it. Buying a new camera is a daunting task when there are so many new models out there all the time. With this ever changing industry, it can be tempting to chase the latest and greatest. But realistically, it is impossible... and honestly, not the right approach either. Add all the jargon and camera babble that comes with it, and the result is an utterly confused budding photographer. So, what should you consider when you want to buy a new camera?