A DSLR camera can help you create beautiful photographs or capture high-quality video. However, its technical side can seem overwhelming for beginners. For example, what is the relationship between shutter speed, aperture, and exposure?
After this article and some great DSLR courses, you’ll know this and more. With your new knowledge, you can make every frame a painting and leave point-and-shoot cameras in the past.
Discover everything you need to know about your DSLR here, whether you have a Canon Mark ii, Nikon D3500, Canon 90D, Sony M50, or countless others. Explore lenses, camera bodies, manual mode, and the best movie and photography classes so you can start shooting today.
What Is a DSLR?
A DSLR (digital single lens reflex) is a camera used for videography and photography. What makes it different from a cell phone camera is its mirror. A DSLR lens reflects light onto an image sensor within the camera body.
After you shoot, you won’t need to develop your images as with a film camera. With a DSLR it is all digital. Whether that is a pro or a con depends on your budget, time, and patience.
A DSLR, with its body and different lenses, might be a heavier piece of kit than you’re used to. However, you just can’t get that professional look for your images without it.
In brief, a DSLR is a digital camera that can produce high-quality images depending on your sensor, settings know-how, and lenses.
DSLR vs SLR vs Mirrorless Cameras
Here are some options for cameras. Read about their benefits and how they differ to decide if a DSLR is right for you.
- SLR. A single-lens reflex camera has the same mirror mechanism as a DSLR. The main difference between the two is the word digital. SLRs use films, which means you will need lots of rolls, a dark room, and a splicer if you want to edit the images together. You’ll also need to learn how to be sparing with your trigger-happy camera finger.
- DSLR. Today you just need a memory card and you can delete, upload, and edit all your images or videos digitally. This is less expensive than using an SLR. The elements of a DSLR like the electronic viewfinder, image stabilization settings, shutter priority modes, better battery life, and interchangeable lenses, make for easy, more affordable, and exciting photography.
- Mirrorless camera. A relatively new trend is the mirrorless camera. These cameras shoot like DSLRs but without the internal mirror. One benefit is that these are much more lightweight than other options.
What to Know About Setting Up Your DSLR
Does camera jargon confuse you? Crop factor, focal length, exposure triangle, and more can feel like you are reading a different language. But with a little practice, you’ll be talking like a photographer in no time. Here are some technical terms to start with.
ISO
The ISO settings determine your camera’s sensitivity to light. If you were to take a picture in a dark environment starting at ISO 100, you would see an unclear image compared to using an ISO of 400-800. An ISO of 1600 might give you an overly bright image.
The higher your ISO, the more “noise” you get in your image. This can lead to a grainy look. The best practice is to keep your ISO as low as possible.
The ISO, aperture, and shutter speed are known at the exposure triangle, as they combine to manually expose your image.
Aperture
Aperture describes the focal length of your lens. Much like the iris of an eye, a more dilated aperture allows more light into your camera. This setting also controls your depth of field.
This is another very important aspect of your DSLR, as you can choose to focus on something nearby or have an entire landscape in focus. A low depth of field will show the foreground in focus while the background is blurry.
The aperture setting is shown by f-stop numbers. The lower the f-stop, the wider the aperture, meaning more image will be in focus.
Shutter Speed
The last of the exposure trio is the shutter speed. This is the speed that the shutter opens and closes. The slower the shutter speed, the longer it takes to capture the image.
This means that if you are photographing an object in motion, you should have a high shutter speed or your image will be blurry. For example, car lights photographed on a low shutter speed will give you a neat light tracer effect. For videographers, usually a high shutter speed of 24 frames per second is the best option.
White Balance
The often forgotten but equally critical DSLR setting is white balance. This setting tells the camera what is white so that other colors can be properly exposed. This setting is often misunderstood due to its confounding numbers like 5500K.
A simple way to think of it is that the lower the Kelvin, the warmer your images will look. A low Kelvin will give your pictures an orange tinge as if filmed near a fireplace. The higher the Kelvin, the more blue tones will show and your images will look colder. The setting 5500K is in the middle, giving your pictures a daylight effect.
However, what makes white balance so fascinating is that tungsten light (2700K – 3200K), LED light or daylight (both 5500K), can affect the colors of your images.
Learning DSLR
Learning to use a DSLR has never been easier with the amount of information and number of courses online. Many experts are self-taught using these online resources, and of course, practicing with their camera. There are also some wonderful university programs where you can learn photography.
There is always more to learn in the ever-changing world of photography. From new technology to different photo editing methods, you’ll never run out of things to learn.
How Long Does It Take to Learn How to Use a DSLR?
This depends on your experience with cameras, prior photography knowledge, and the DSLR courses you are taking. Those who want to become professional photographers or videographers might study from one to five years to become an expert.
For a complete beginner who is relatively tech-savvy and enrolled in a course, it may only take one to five months to grasp the fundamentals. In less than a year, they could be shooting like a pro.
How to Learn DSLR: Step-by-Step
Whether you’re a beginner or expert photographer, here is an easy-to-follow guide to gain more knowledge about using your DSLR. Let’s begin the learning journey one step at a time.
- Tech Basics. As silly as it may sound, begin with the basics like how to turn your camera on and off. Learn how to access the menu, set up a tripod, set exposure and white balance, change the frame rate, and how to delete images or clips. Mastering the tech basics makes the rest a lot easier.
- Attachments. A camera can come with attachments like lenses. Learning about different lenses, their lengths and capabilities, and what you need for a close-up or landscape, is key.
- Camera care. Learn how to care for your equipment. You should clean your lenses, protect the body, and invest in a good bag. This is critical to make your DSLR last longer and save you money.
- Camera settings. Learn to hit the manual mode rather than auto. Auto mode allows no creativity and increases uncertainty about the quality of your pictures or movie. Learn the settings mentioned above as well as the rest including pixel resolution.
- Lighting. The next step is learning about lighting including different set-ups, bouncing light, color, and more. Lighting can reshape your image completely.
And different color filters can transform your work.
- History of photography. Learn from the greats who came before you. If you like movies, watch classics like “Citizen Kane.” In photography, learn about the first portable camera made in the 1830s. Also discover early portraits made by Richard Avedon, the work of Henri Cartier-Bresson, and the first street photography by Boulevard Du Temple.
- Audio for videographers. You will need to learn about sound if you plan on shooting movies. The quality of your music, sound effects, and voice audio can mean the difference between a smash hit to complete flop.
- Editing. Learning Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, and movie editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Avid Media look great on a resume and can help jump start your career.
- Build your portfolio. Once you know how to use your DSLR, it’s time to practice and begin building your portfolio. To work in the visual arts, you will need an online portfolio to showcase the skills you’ve developed.
- Find your voice. Lastly, you should discover your unique aesthetic, what you want to portray in your work, and your artistic voice. Once you have found what you love and fill your portfolio, you are bound to find a successful career.
The Best DSLR Courses and Training
Check out our top picks for the best DSLR classes and training to further your photography and videography career. We have picked paid and free online courses to help you master your DSLR.
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Online DSLR Courses
Explore some online courses for beginners to learn DSLR fundamentals or pros that want inspiration for their next project.
The School of Photography
- Complete Guide to Photography
- Where: Online
- Length: 58 classes
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: $15 per month or $89 for the course
The School of Photography brings you a super beginner-friendly course for those who want to grasp photography fundamentals. You’ll learn a ton through 58 video lessons, 12 quizzes, and 16 PDFs. Topics include ISO, aperture, shutter speed, resolution, light, composition, post-production, and much more.
CreativeLive
- Fundamentals of DSLR Filmmaking
- Where: Online
- Length: 39 classes
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: $11 per month
Learn how to put together a well-produced movie in this DSLR filmmaking class. You’ll discover what gear to use, the 180-degree rule, how to use tripods and Manfrotto monopods, details of wedding videography, sound basics, time-lapse, storyboards, shot lists, and so much more. This class is perfect for beginners and intermediates who want to fill in any essential gaps.
Udemy
- DSLR Video Production: Start Shooting Better Video Today
- Cinematography Course: Shoot Expert Video on Any Camera
- Film With Any Camera: Basics of Shooting Video Correctly
- Where: Online
- Length: 1.5 hours to 3.5 hours
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: $13.34 to $66.75
These are some excellent beginner videography courses to help you capture captivating videos with your DSLR. Discover incredible RED cameras, the basics of making high-quality films, and how to boost your social media presence.
MasterClass
- Annie Leibovitz Teaches Photography
- Where: Online App
- Length: 15 classes
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: $90 per class or $180 for a year of masterclasses
This provides great insight into the famous Annie Leibovitz and her methods for composing photographs. It is a hugely inspirational class for any artist in a visual medium. It helps you capture humanity in your art through portraits, lighting, working with your subject, and much more.
PHlearn
How to Photograph & Retouch Athletes
How to Photograph and Composite Group Portraits
The Ultimate Guide to Product Photography
Food Photography: Styling & Retouching
- Where: Online
- Length: 3 hours to 55 hours
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: $9 per month, with some classes FREE
PHlearn is a brilliant one-stop-shop for photography learning. From Photography 101 to advanced classes on composition and retouching, these professional courses offer great resources.
Free Online DSLR Courses
For complete beginners, a wonderful place to start is with free online courses. Here is a look at some classes you can try today.
Nikon School Online
- Exploring Dynamic Landscape Photography
- Where: Online
- Length: Varies
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: FREE
Get some top tips on how to use your Nikon DSLR to create better holiday photos, photograph pets, and make video content. Start browsing their selection of videos today.
Future Learn
- Commercial Photography: Still and Moving Image
- Where: Online
- Length: 4 weeks
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: FREE
If your passion is in marketing or editorial photography, this is a great free course. It’s even better if you are already an assistant in a fashion or commercial photography studio.
DSLR Books
Browse through these top DSLR books to read alongside your studies. They are perfect for beginners just learning their camera.
Digital Photography Course: Learn Everything You Need to Know in 20 Weeks, DK
This fabulous resource is for those just getting started in photography. Learn about the differences between DSLR and mirrorless and explore aperture, exposure, shutter speed, and ISO.
A Guide to Learning About Your DSLR Camera, Lens, Filters and More, Stacey Hersh
This handy beginners’ guide discusses the best camera options for your needs. It also walks you through buttons, lenses, and filters, as well as how to take and edit photos.
The DSLR Filmmaker’s Handbook | Real-World Production Techniques, Barry Andersson
The award-winning independent filmmaker Barry Andersson discusses the entire filmmaking process in this book. You’ll learn how to exploit your DSLR’s abilities to produce an incredible looking film with these expert instructions.
DSLR Certifications
Whether you enroll in a university program or an online course, here are just a few examples of helpful certificates.
Canon DSLR Certification
There are many types of Canon cameras. Which one you choose to learn depends on your preferences and job requirements. It’s best to research the most up-to-date tech for your career and learn how to use those options efficiently.
Nikon DSLR Certification
The age-old question: Nikon or Canon? Both brands have an incredible range of gear. Again, it comes down to the photographer’s preference and needs.
Arri Alexa Certification
For those in movie or TV production, becoming certified in Arri Alexa or RED cameras can help you land that first job.
Photoshop Certification
Whether you are a photographer or filmmaker, Photoshop is essential. Becoming Photoshop certified is easier than ever, with hundreds of courses available.
Premier Pro Certification
Last, it is invaluable to learn Adobe Premiere Pro or Avid Media for videographers. This editing software will bring your films to life and gaining a certification will prove your dedication to the craft.
Online DSLR Resources
Find some top online resources for learning about your DSLR, getting inspiration, or finding fabulous tutorials here.
Canon.com
Get handy tips from Canon and other DSLR brands on how to use your camera. Find articles here to gain inspiration and expand your knowledge.
Pinterest.com
Get some more photography inspiration from places like Pinterest or Instagram. Looking through these sites could inspire your next project.
Youtube.com
With plenty of content, including the excellent Film Riot channel, you can learn all about videography, photography, editing, and more. Film Riot tutorials are great to watch alongside any movie-related courses.
Should You Study DSLR Courses?
If you love to capture the world around you, evoke emotion, and create a digital canvas then you should learn about DSLRs. Photography is a fascinating and rich subject. Once you understand your DSLR, you’ll see a world of possibilities.
We hope at Career Karma that you have discovered more about your DSLR and decide to get snapping. Just remember. it doesn’t matter what kit you have. It’s all about loving your craft and enjoying the learning process. Try out one of the fantastic DSLR classes to begin learning.
If you would like more tips on how to create a stunning portfolio, check out these web design portfolio tips. Or if you would like some online film degree programs explained, then Career Karma has got your back.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
