The Canon Camera Book Volume 1 - 2014 UK

8/11/2019 The Canon Camera Book Volume 1 - 2014 UK

1/196Get started Master the mode dial Essential Canon k

Guides

forDSLRs

,

CSCsand

compacts

The ultimate guide to getting the most from your Canon

Volum

Canon

The

Camera


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Welcome to

Photography is one of the most popular hobbies in the world, and one of the

leading manufacturers in that field is Canon. With its wide selection of cameras

ranging from point-and-shoot entry-level IXUS compacts to 12,000 EOS

DSLRs all boasting exceptional build quality and features, its easy to see why

Canon is the brand of choice for many amateur and professional photographers.

The Canon Camera Book is the ultimate guide to getting the most from your

camera. We cover everything from basic photography skills and what your

Canons mode dial can offer to advanced techniques and how to edit your

images to perfection after your shoot. Each in-depth feature is packed full of

expert tips, tricks and advice to help you achieve the incredible images that your

Canon camera is capable of.

Canon

The

Camera


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The Canon Camera Book 2013 Imagine Publishing Ltd

ISBN 978-1909758230

bookazine series

Part of the

CanonThe

Camera


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Contents

Guide to Canon

08Your Canon cameraWe get to grips with the brands top-selling models

18Guide to Canon lensesWhatever the scene, let us help you capture the

full picture

26Essential kit for CanonGear and gadgets to help you take better images

34Guide to Canon modesDiscover how your Canons mode dial can help you to

develop your skills

A guide to your Canon cameraLearn more about your camera with our handy guide

Whatever thescene, let us helpyou capture it

Using your Canon

46Use your Canon to composeComposition rules and how to apply them

52Work with lightingTake advantage of different types of light

60Metering with CanonOpen the door to accurate images

66Canon exposure exposedControl the exchange of light between your subject

and your sensor

74Shutter speedsCreate special effects and more

78Master HDR on your CanonSet up and shoot perfect HDR images

86Portraits

26 Essential kit

6 THE CANON CAMERA BOOK


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Advancedtechniques86Shoot better portraits

with CanonUse your Canon to improve your portraits

98Creative landscapeswith CanonThe mindset, potential and elation

110Working with WildlifeAdvice on how to capture wildlife

120Shoot for sport on CanonImprove your action-packed portfolio

130Urban landscapesFrom skyscrapers to street life

140Use Canon to shoot inblack & whiteCreate contrast and elegance

148Travel the world withyour CanonCapture shots of people and places

156Capture architectureExplore your options for shooting buildings

Editing yourCanon images166The essential guide to editing

Transform images from average to awesome

174Fix your photosVital edits and how to achieve them

180Smooth skinHow to get perfect skin in your snaps

182Master RAW conversionGet the most out of your file processing

184Fix photos in Camera RawTransform your photos instantly

187Create an actionReduce your editing time

188Restore your old photosBring fading photos back to life with these

Photoshop techniques

Canon has long been a brandthat photographers from allover the world could trust

140Shoot for monochrome

148Master travel photography

156 Shootarchitecture

THE CANON CAMERA BOOK

Edit yourimages 166


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Your Canon camera

We get to grips with the big brands top-selling models tohelp you learn more about your camera

A guide to your

Canon camera


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Your Canon camera

Canon has long been a brand that photographers

from all walks of life, from all over the world,

could trust.Regardless of brand persuasion

most photographers will acknowledge that Canon has

a reputation for crafting cameras that present cutting-

edge technology in durable bodies, capable of capturing

industry-leading image quality.The brand divides its product line into two main

portfolios: compacts and CSC/DSLRs. Its compact

collection consists of two styles of camera: PowerShot

and IXUS, and these fall into six different genres to target

various demographics: expert, bridge, superzoom, Wi-Fi,

point-and shoot, and rugged. The compact range is also

sectioned into series for a more defined approach for

penetrating each market sector. So the PowerShot G and

S series offer high-end features with full manual control,

whereas the main boast of the PowerShot SX-series

is powerful optical zooms. The PowerShot N-series

presents creative shooting in an Any Way Up camera

design, while the PowerShot A-series gets back to basics

for beginners, and the waterproof PowerShot D-Series istough enough to appease the most demanding outdoor

enthusiast. Completing Canons compact line-up is the

fashion-savvy IXUS range; presenting style in conjunction

with substance.

The EOS product catalogue of CSCs and DSLRs

is separated into three sections: beginner, enthusiast

and professional. The cameras residing in the beginner

arena are intended to support novice shooters as they

make the step up from compacts to cameras that use

interchangeable lenses. Here we find Canons first and

only CSC the EOS M plus DSLRs: EOS 1000D, 100D,

600D and 700D, all of which combine helpful automatic

features with creative tools and manual modes for when

the shooter is ready for more control. The enthusiastbranch includes the EOS 60D, 70D, 7D and 6D. The remit

of the professional range is to provide an exceptional

standard of image quality for the most demanding users

and stocks the EOS 5D Mark III, EOS-1D X and EOS-1D C.

Over the next ten pages well explain what some of

the brands models have to offer, helping you to find the

perfect shooting partner for your photography.

Canon has a reputation for craftingcameras that present cutting-edge

technology in durable bodies


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10THE CANON CAMERA BOOK

For many, the EOS 5D Mark III represents an ideal

compromise between high-resolution digital

capture and ease of workflow. The magnesium

alloy body of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III feels solid and

substantial, though its weight is by no means excessive,

while the ergonomics are good overall and the cameras

grip is very comfortable and pleasant to use.

As you would expect from a camera at this price point,

all the controls have a reliable and solid feel to them.

The Quick Control dial, which allows instant access to

Exposure Compensation in Aperture and Shutter Prioritymodes, can be locked to prevent unwanted adjustments.

The 100 per cent viewfinder is big and bright, which

is one of the key advantages of full-frame shooting

and one of the first things that you will notice if you are

used to using a crop-sensor camera. The cameras

autofocus system is top notch, and represents a massive

improvement on the nine focus points available in the

Canon EOS 5D Mark II, with 61 autofocus points 41 of

which are cross-type. These figures do vary slightly with

some lenses but with the EF 24-70mm L II USM lens that

we were using for our test, we had full access to the entire

AF range and simply couldnt fault the speed, accuracy

and overall reliability of the autofocus, with even the outer

AF points performing highly responsively.

Canon EOS 5DMark III

One of Canons most popular modelsis a great choice for pros

Technical dataModel Canon EOS 5D Mark III

Price 3,000/$3,500 (body)

Web www.canon.co.uk

Megapixels (effective) 22.3MP

Max resolution (pixels) 5,760 x 3,840

Sensor information 36 x 24mm CMOS

Shutter speed 1/8000sec

ISO sensitivity Auto, 100-25600 in 1/3

stops, can be extended to

50-102400

Lens data/Zoom By lens

Exposure modes Auto+, Program, Shutter

priority, Aperture priority,

Manual, Bulb

Metering options CW, S, M

Flash modes No built-in flash

Connectivity USB 2.0, HDMI

Weight 950g

Dimensions 152 x 116 x 76mm

Batteries Rechargeable Li-ion

Storage Compact Flash and SD

LCD 3.2 inches

Viewfinder Optical pentaprism,

100% coverage and 0.71x

magnification

The latest in a line of popular cameras, its agreat upgrade on the Mark II for the AFperformance alone. The image quality isexcellent; its easy to use, and its built withprofessional protographers in mind

The image quality is absolutely superb and we were

suitably impressed by the detail and colour in all our test

images. Canon has included the new DIGIC 5+ processo

in the 5D Mark III and the cameras general performance

is fantastic. Even difficult scenes are rendered successfu

and for the most awkward subjects with extreme contra

the built-in HDR feature is extremely useful.

Canons recommended retail price has the EOS 5D

Mark III at 3,000. This is where it starts to look rather

expensive next to rival models, which offer significantly

higher resolution with a slightly lighter price tag.However, it really isnt easy to fault the EOS 5D Mark

III, and Canon has clearly listened to photographers and

focused its attention quite specifically on improving area

of concern with the Mark II. The only thing that really

seems to be missing from the camera is a built-in flash

but this camera, otherwise, is a flawless beauty.

The 100 per cent viewfinderis big and bright and the

cameras autofocus systemis among the best in its class

SRP: 3,000/$3,500

Your Canon camera: Professional

Summary


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Your Canon camera: Professional

Strictly targeting professional photographers,

the new 1 series camera combines speed with

image quality, delivering a stronger shooting

performance than ever witnessed before.The Canon

EOS-1D X teams a full frame 18.1 MP sensor with the

Dual DIGIC 5+ processor that hands the users greater

flexibility over depth of field and produces pictures that

exhibit rich, crisp details even when printed as large as A2.

Sports, action and wildlife pros will rejoice at its shooting

speed of 12fps, or 14fps in High Speed mode with mirror

lock up, which can run to a maximum of 180 large JPEGs

or 38 RAW files, and at ISO 32000 low-light enthusiasts

can power out a phenomenal 10fps. Add to that a native

gamut of ISO 100-51200 that can then be extended to a

colossal ISO 204800, and the 1D X looks set to succeed in

a very competitive market place.

Amassing a muscle-straining bulk of 1340g, the 1D X is

not for the faint hearted. Combine this with its large price

tag and the camera falls perfectly in line with its target

demographic. Theres no question that it is a heavy (and

expensive) piece of kit, but it absolutely feels as well-made

as it looks with vertical and horizontal grip on offer for

easier handling. On the rear sits a larger than average

3.2 LCD outputting a relatively high resolution of 1,040k

dots. A self cleaning sensor unit resides inside the camera,

ridding the full-frame sensor of dirt and build up.

Precision-engineered for professional

filmographers, the Canon EOS-1D C shares

many of the specifications enjoyed by the

Canon EOS-1D X such as the 18.1-megapixel full-frame

CMOS sensor but adds video recording at a cinematic

4k (4096 x 2160 pixels) as well as Full HD resolution

Canon EOS-1D XThe first of the next generation of elite shooters

Technical dataModel Canon EOS-1D X

Price 5,299/$6,799

Web www.canon.co.uk


Max resolution (pixels) 5184 x 3456

Sensor information 36 x 24mm full-frame

18.1MP CMOS sensor

Lens data/Zoom/FocusLens dependent

Shutter speed 30-1/8000sec

ISO sensitivity 100-51200, expanded to

204800

Exposure modes P, S, A, M, Auto

Metering options CW, E, P, S

Flash modes E-TTL II Auto Flash,

Metered Manual

Weight 1340gDimensions 158 x 163.6 x 82.7mm

Technical dataModel Canon EOS-1D C

Price 12,000/$15,000

Web www.canon.co.uk



Sensor information 36 x 24mm full-frame

18.1MP CMOS sensor


Shutter speed 30-1/8000 sec


204800


Metering options CW, E, P, S

Flash modes E-TTL II Auto Flash,

Metered Manual

Weight 1355g

Dimensions 158 x 163.6 x 82.7mm

An equally viable option for semi-professionalsmoving up the DSLR ladder or for thoseupgrading from older shooters in theprofessional range, such as the brands stalwartcamera the 5D

The 1D Cs versatility means that its both aportable camera for high-quality movie-capturefor film pros, as well as providing professionalphotographers with the means to sample high-end film production

(1920 x 1080 pixels) making the DSLR an ideal choice

for those working in motion picture and television

production. Whats more users can vary the capture rate

from 24p to 60p for fast-moving or slow motion scenes

and can enjoy complete control over exposure, audio

capture and compression.

The enviable native sensitivity extends from ISO 100 to

25600 for movies and ISO 51200 for stills, expanding to

ISO 204800 making high-quality handheld night shooting

a realistic possibility. Most impressive here perhaps, is the

built-in Canon Log Gamma that captures footage with rich

graduation expression that is synonymous with industry-standard cinematography, maximising both highlight and

shadow detail retention.

As the professionally-tailored 1D C matches the majority

of the 1D Xs high-end feature arsenal, it isnt surprising

that the two cameras weight is nearly identical with the

former weighing in at 1355g.

Theres no question that its a solid piece of kit, but it feelsas well-made as it looks with vertical and horizontal grip onoffer for easier handling

Users can vary the capture rate from 24p to 60p forfast-moving or slow motion scenes

Canon EOS-1D CFitting high-end recording technology into the form of a DSLRSRP: 12,000/$15,000

SRP: 5,299/$6,799

Summary

Summary


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The EOS 6D is currently Canons smallest and

lightest full-frame DSLR, which makes it the

perfect companion on longer shoots and

excursions. The controls are easy to navigate so you can

change your exposure settings effortlessly during a shoot,

and theres even a handy locking button around the mode

dial thatll ensure that the mode youre working in doesnt

change. The camera is pretty quick to focus and it offers

an 11-point AF array; this is noticeably a lot less than the

DX-format EOS 7D. However, youve got to expect somecompromise for an affordable full-frame model.

The EOS 6D does a great job at accurately metering

the light for the best exposure results, even when

faced with challenging light conditions. Theres also a

multiple exposure mode so you can make the most

of the shadows, midtones and highlights in the scene.

Landscape shooters will also appreciate the in-built Live

View mode and single-axis electronic level, which helps

to ensure all of your horizons appear perfectly straight in-

camera. Wildlife photographers will also value the added

silent-shutter mode, which enables you to shoot discreetly.

Studio shooters, on the other hand, may find that the

EOS 6D isnt as well prepared for flash photography. If you

dont have a wireless studio setup, youll be let down by

Canon EOS 6DCanons affordable full-frame ticks all the boxes on paperbut how does it fare in the ever-expanding market?Technical data

Model Canon EOS 6D

Price 1,799/$2,099 (body only)

Web www.canon.co.uk

Megapixels (effective) 20.2 MP


Sensor information 36 x 24mm CMOS

Lens data By lens

Zoom By lensFocus/macro By lens


ISO sensitivity A, 100-25600 (expandable

50-102,400)

Exposure modes P, A, S, M, Scene

Metering options CW, S, Evaluative, Partial

Flash modes N/A

Connectivity HDMI mini, USB

Weight 755g (including battery)

Dimensions 144.5 x 110.5 x 71.2mm

Batteries Li-ion

Storage SD / SDHC / SDXC

LCD 3

Viewfinder: Optical pentaprism

The EOS 6D is an impressive mid-range full-frame DSLR thats suitable for a wide range ofphotographers. Its aimed at the price-consciouconsumer who wants pro-level kit and highimage quality without it costing them the earth

the absent flash sync port on the cameras body, which

present in all of Canons other full-frame models. You can

still buy an adapter for the hotshoe of course.

The cameras lower-than-expected megapixel amoun

has no bearing on the 6Ds image quality. We noted

fantastic detail and warm, rich colour reproduction bo

reputable Canon traits. Shots also appeared perfectly

sharp and well balanced in terms of exposure. Overall, th

EOS 6D offers fantastic image quality and then some. In

addition to great stills, the camera also records high-quality video footage.

Keen videographers can switch seamlessly between

stills and video via the dedicated dial on the back of the

camera body. In this mode users can set their desired

recording quality and frame rate, which includes full

1080p HD at 25 and 30fps, and 720p HD at 50 and 60fp

Summary

The EOS 6D does a great job ataccurately metering the lightfor the best exposure results

SRP: 1,799/$2,099

Your Canon camera: Semi-pro


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Your Canon camera: Semi-pro

Launched in 2010, the Canon EOS 60D is getting

on a bit, and as such isnt able to bring to the

table the same high-calibre specifications as

more recent models.That said, it brings more than

enough for the avid photographer, including: 18MP

APS-C CMOS sensor, 3 vari-angle LCD, a wide sensitivity

range that is able to extend to ISO 12800 and a 63-zone

metering system. Although the cameras somewhat

dated body lacks the moisture and dust protection of

its peers and feels immediately more plastic, it doesnt

feel cheap. The slightly lowered and curved accent of the

shutter button makes for more comfortable shooting and

its enjoyable audible release evokes a nostalgic sense of

purpose. Surprisingly, the 60D only offers a 9-point cross

type AF system, but in true David and Goliath style it is

able to meet and in some cases exceed the reliability and

pace of its peers. Its vari-angle LCD is a boon for shooting

overhead or down low, and goes a long way in allowing

photographers to more accurately perfect compositions.

Image quality in most areas of critique is resoundingly

impressive. Colour interpretation is accurate, with bright,

rich and honest hues provided throughout the cameras

settings. The only area of weakness here, which is a

tell-tale sign of the cameras age, is its noise performance,

with evidence creeping in as low as ISO 800 and by ISO

6400 results are fairly distorted.

Take a look at the Canon 7Ds spec sheet and

youd be forgiven for thinking it was a recent

launch. In fact the prosumer shooter was

introduced way back in 2009 and yet because its

high-end feature set was so cutting edge it effortlessly

outshines cameras half its age.

Topping the bill is an 18MP cropped CMOS sensor

that provides photographers with plenty of scope for

Canon EOS 60DDespite being upstaged by newer models, the 60D is still an affordable and safe bet

Technical dataModel Canon EOS 60D

Price 890/$899

Web www.canon.co.uk

Megapixels (effective) 18MP

Max resolution (pixels) 5,184 3,456

Sensor information 22.3mm x 14.9mm CMOS

Lens data EF/EF-S

Zoom Lens dependent

Focus/macro Lens dependent


ISO sensitivity A, 100, 200, 400, 800,

1600, 3200, 6400

Exposure modes Auto P, A, S, M


Flash modes A, M, RE

Weight 775gDimensions 144.5 x 105.8 x 78.6mm

Technical dataModel Canon EOS 7D

Price 1,700/$2,600

Web www.canon.co.uk

Megapixels (effective) 18.MP


Sensor information 22.3 x 14.9mm APS-C

18MP CMOS sensor




12800


Metering options Evaluative, Partial, Spot,

Centre weighted

Flash modes A, M, MF, IST

Weight 820g


It may be showing its age, especially with newermodels releasing every year, but the EOS 60D isstill a more than capable DSLR with great imageand build quality. Another great thing about thiscamera is its affordable price point

blowing up high resolution pictures into large, wall-

adorning prints. Next up is an ISO range that travels from

ISO 100 to 6400, and yet can be extended to 12,800

which is more than adequate for the needs of most

photographers, even those with a penchant for nocturnal

shooting. The 7D also provides an 8fps burst mode, Full

HD movie-capturing, a 19-point AF system, 63-zone

metering, an electronic level for straighter compositions

and an integrated Speedlite transmitter for controlling

the camera remotely.

Build quality, as with many Canon products, is superb.

Its appearance and form follow the brands tradition oflogically positioning controls at streamlined and intuitive

places for easy access while shooting. Its magnesium

alloy construction feels well-made and tough. However

its battery and memory card doors are fashioned from

plastic, yet like the rest of the device these areas easily

convey a sense of durability.

Its vari-angle LCD is a boon for shooting overheard or downlow, and goes a long way in allowing photographers to moreaccurately perfect compositions

Because its high-end feature set was so cutting edge, theCanon 7D effortlessly outshines cameras half its age

Canon EOS 7DLaunched nearly half a decade ago, the 7D is still favoured by semi-professionalsSRP: 1,700/$2,600

SRP: 890/$899

Summary

Summary

The Canon EOS 7D boasts a super build quality.Its appearance and form factor follow thebrands tradition of logically positioning controlsat streamlined and intuitive places for easyaccess while shooting


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The EOS 700D is a well-designed camera with

a very logical control layout.There are plenty of

external controls, which make accessing the main

features simple and efficient. The menu system is also

clear and logical, though once youve set the camera up

to your way of shooting, you wont need to access it very

often, thanks to the plethora of dials and buttons.

However, the EOS 700Ds standout feature has to be

the 3 articulated touchscreen, which makes the camera

a real joy to use. Its use will be familiar to anyone who has

used a smartphone. In Live View mode, you can move thefocusing point around the screen, then use gestures to

zoom in to either focus manually or via the highly

accurate AF. In review mode, you can use gestures to

zoom in, and then scroll around the picture to check

sharpness and detail.

In short, the performance of the 700D is excellent.

The 18MP sensor captures images that have excellent

detail and very pleasing colour. RAW files were just a little

softer and had a touch more noise than expected, but

responded very well to post-processing. One slight area

of concern with image quality is with long exposures,

where exposures of longer than a minute or two showed

an unacceptable level of noise. This is easily remedied,

however, by setting the in-camera long exposure noise

Canon EOS700D

The EOS 700D crams a lot offeatures into a compact body

Technical dataModel Canon EOS 700D/

Canon Rebel T5i

Price 620/$649

Web www.canon.co.uk



Sensor information 22.3 x 14.9mm CMOS

Lens data 18-55mm f3.5-5

Focus/macro 0.25m - infini

Metering options Evaluative, centre-

weighted, partial, spot

Shutter speed 30-1/4000sec + Bulb

ISO sensitivity 100-12800, plus expansion

to 25600

Exposure modes P, A, S, M, Special Scene

Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-eye

Connectivity USB, HDMI mini, Eye-Fi

Weight 580g


Batteries Li-ion

Storage SD/SDHC/SDXC

LCD 3, 1,040,000 dots

Viewfinder Optical 100% coverage and

0.71x magnification

There are a surprising number of features, likethe zoom in and scroll option, which broadensthe appeal of EOS 700D. Its a great option forbeginners who are interested in learning thecraft and for professionals seeking quality

reduction. It doesnt have as many focusing points as

some of the competition only nine but they are all

cross-type, making the autofocus quick and accurate. T

responsive autofocus and a frame rate of 5fps could give

some appeal to action shooters.

The 700D is a feature-packed camera, but it certainly

doesnt forget its target market. It offers a number of

scene modes, such as Landscape, Sports and Close-up

together with handy on-screen guidance to the different

settings. There are also several creative filters that can

be applied when shooting) or post-capture, and includeGrainy Black and White, Toy Camera, and Miniature.

Priced at around 850 (including the 18-55mm kit

lens) the Canon EOS 700D offers very good value for

money. Although its branded as an entry-level DSLR, it

has more than enough features to keep more advanced

users happy.

With its touch-screeninterface, it offers at least

one very useful feature notfound on higher-end models

SRP: 620/$649

Your Canon camera: Enthusiast

Summary


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Your Canon camera: Enthusiast

Four years after the first CSC hit the market,

Canon finally offered up a contender in 2012 in

the shape of the EOS M. As expected from

Canon, the EOS M is packed full of consumer-friendly

features, including an impressive 18-megapixel APS-C

CMOS sensor, full-HD video, an extensive ISO sensitivity

range for both stills and video capture as well as an

intuitive touch screen.

On test we found the EOS M was a lot like using a

compact camera. Once accustomed to the touch-screen

technology, it was easy to adjust exposure settings and

switch between the available auto and manual shooting

modes, as well as video. The camera, in general, proved

a great option for everyday shooting scenarios and video

opportunities. However, we found the Hybrid CMOS AF

system to be a little slow, particularly when photographing

fast-moving subjects. On the plus side, however, image

quality is superb.

True to Canons great reputation, all test shots appear

detailed, sharp and full of rich and vibrant colour tones.

We were also impressed by the EOS Ms ability to shoot in

low light, as images appeared of a good quality with low

noise levels even at high ISO settings above ISO 1600. The

camera also sports a hotshoe at the top of the body. This

is a great option for those who want to experiment with

external flash and accessories.

The PowerShot G series has a long tradition

of superb image quality in a small package,

catering to a market that may primarily shoot

with a DSLR but doesnt always want to carry one.

This is a heavyweight camera, both literally and figuratively,

with a rock-solid body made from both metal and strong

plastic. Reassuringly tough, it should be able to brush off

the odd knock and scrape. Everything here points to a

well-built piece of kit, as is to be expected from Canon.

Canon EOS MA great camera for everyday use, the EOS M is an all-round masterpiece

Technical dataModel Canon EOS M

Price 449/$599

Web www.canon.co.uk

Megapixels (effective) 18MP



Lens data Lens dependent

Zoom Lens dependent

Focus/macro Lens dependent


ISO sensitivity Auto, 100-12800 (up to ISO

25600)

Exposure modes Auto, P, A, S, M, Scene


Flash modes N/A

Weight 298g (including battery)Dimensions 108.6 x 66.5 x 32.3mm

Technical dataModel Canon PowerShot G1 X

Price 700/$800

Web www.canon.co.uk

Megapixels (effective) 14.3 MP


Sensor information 1.5in CMOS

Lens data f2.8-5.8; 28-112mm

(equivalent)

Zoom 4x optical

Focus/macro 20cm (macro), 35cm

(standard)

Shutter speed 60-1/4000 sec

ISO sensitivity A, 100, 200, 400, 800,

1600, 3200, 6400, 12800

Exposure modes Auto, P, AP, SP, M

Metering options CW, S, MS, Flash

Flash modes A, M, Fon, Foff

Weight 534g (without battery)


A great compact system camera thats perfectas either a back-up to your DSLR or for streetphotography. Its few minor drawbacks are faroutweighed by its impressive results, such asthe ability to produce great images in low light

Not classed as a system camera and not really acompact, that high ISO performance puts theG1 X at the top of its own field. Given its greatoverall performance and stunning low-lightperformance, its price is justifiable

Image quality is great although there was a slight

tendency to overexpose which can be easily rectified. The

lens is really excellent as is the built-in image stabilisation,

which allows for a good four stops of steady shooting. The

biggest revelation, though, is the high ISO performance.

This is where that large sensor really shines with utterly

superb, noise-free performance right up to around ISO

3200. Even at such a high setting there was still plenty of

shadow detail and even ISOs 6400 and 12800 produced

perfectly acceptable shots that could be happily printed at

smaller sizes. Its one of the few compacts where you may

never need to employ the built-in pop-up flash.Canon has stuck to the basics here great build and

picture quality, top-end glass, a killer sensor and ISO

performance to die for in such a small package. It may not

be for everyone, but those who do fall for its charms will

no doubt be absolutely smitten.

The EOS Ms ability to shoot in low light is great with lownoise levels even at a high ISO setting of 1600

Canon has stuck to the basics here great build and picturequality, top-end glass, a killer sensor and ISO performanceto die for in such a small package

Canon PowerShot G1 XOne of Canons best high-end compacts where you may not require the pop-up flashSRP: 700/$800

SRP: 449/$599

Summary

Summary

There are currently two dedicated lenses available

for the EOS M. However, its possible to shoot with all of

Canons existing EF and EF-S SLR lenses too.


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Known as the EOS Rebel SL1 in the USA, the

100D shares many features with the 700D,

including the 18MP sensor, a nine-point AF

system and DIGIC 5 processor, but in a much smaller

package. The body also contains the same hybrid

AF system (combining phase-detection and contrast-

detection systems), which improves the accuracy and

speed of autofocus in Video and Live View modes.

Apart from the size, the main difference between the

100D and 700D is the screen. The fixed 3-inch Clearview(1,040K dot) screen is large enough, bright and has

decent clarity for critical work in most lighting conditions.

Overall, the 100D handles well. The form factor and

minimal weight will appeal to those moving up from

compacts, who are put off by the thought of lugging

around a bulky DSLR. A small camera body is pointless

unless you have small lenses to put on it and with some

of Canons better lenses, the camera doesnt balance

that well. That said, the target market for the camera is

obviously first-time SLR users, who are more likely to use

it with one of the lighter lenses.

The 100D is aimed at the less experienced user, so as

well as the usual PSAM modes, there are scene modes

such as Landscape and Sports, as well as special scene

Canon EOS100DIts the worlds smallest and lightest DSLR, but is this at theexpense of handling and features?Technical data

Model Canon EOS 100D/

Rebel SL1

Price 570/$649

Web www.canon.co.uk

Megapixels (effective) 18.2



Zoom By lens

Focus/macro By lens

Shutter speed 30-1/4,000 sec

ISO sensitivity 100-12800

Exposure modes P, A, S, M, Scene, Special

Metering options Evaluative, centre-

weighted, partial, spot

Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-eye

Connectivity USB, HDMI mini, Eye-Fi,

remote (RC-6)

Weight 407g


Batteries Li-ion

Storage SD / SDHC / SDXC

LCD 3

Viewfinder: Optical viewfinder,

95 percent coverage

For a beginners camera, the 100D boasts anincredible number of features, all contained inan extremely compact and light body. Its a grestep up for those graduating to DSLR fromcompacts as it allows room for experimentatio

modes including Kids, Night Portrait and Food. There are

also creative filters available as one of the many custom

functions. These include grainy black and white, soft foc

toy camera and fisheye effects. New shooters will enjoy

playing with these, but experienced users may prefer th

greater control they get using Photoshop.

The 100D records full HD video at 25fps with other

quality options available. It works well with the new STM

lenses, which are designed for quiet focusing when

shooting in Movie mode. It wouldnt be your first choice a video camera, but the Movie function is a good additio

The Canon EOS 100D packs an awful lot of features in

a very small body and at 570 it provides excellent value

for money. Its clearly a beginners camera, but one that

those new to SLR photography will take quite a while to

grow out of.

Summary

Aimed at the less experienced,the 100D has the usual PSAMmodes, with scene modes like

Landscape and Sports

SRP: 570/$649 (body only)

Your Canon camera: Amateur


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Whatever the scene, let us helpyou capture the full picture withour guide to lenses

S

electing the right lens for the correct subject matter is crucial. Yourlens is the eye of your camera and records or captures what it sees. Interms of cost and performance, it usually comes down to the moreyou spend, the better your results; however, if youre just starting

out there is no point in splashing out on lots of expensive equipmentstraight away as you first need to learn the basics of photography. A good lens ispricey; theres no getting around that fact. The cheaper kit lenses will produce goodenough results for beginners, but when you need to take your photography to thenext step you will have to invest in a couple of decent lenses.

A lenss angle of view is measured in millimetres. An ultra-wide-angle lens willhave a measurement that is less than 24mm, a wide-angle lens ranges from 25-35mm, and a normal or standard lens is 36mm-60mm. Past this number the lensbecomes a long focus lens or telephoto. Another thing to consider when looking forthe right lens is the construction. There are prime lenses, which have fixed focallengths (ie the lens does not zoom in or out), and there are zoom lenses, where thefocal point can be adjusted.

The type of camera you have will also affect what lens you should shoot with. Ifyou have a full-frame sensor then the angle of view is the equivalent to how it readson the lens (a 35mm will be 35mm, for example). However, if you have a camera witha crop factor then the focal length will be different. If the camera has a crop factor of

1.6x then a 35mm will be equivalent to a 56mm angle.

Canon

Ultimate guide to...

lenses

Guide to Canon lenses



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Some lenses areso wide that theytake on a fisheyeeffect and the imagebecomes distorted

Most photographers will opt for awide-angle lens when capturinga landscape image, as they will

want to include as much of thevista as possible.For most, a wide-angle lens is anything that

is lower than 35mm. But remember that if yourcamera has a crop factor of 1.6x then you need alens measuring 22mm to have a 35mm equivalent.

When shooting a landscape scene there are sometechnical aspects to be aware of. If you want finedetail from the front to the back of the image then

you will need to set a narrow aperture, ie anythinghigher than f16. This is when the lens is letting inthe least amount of light, so to balance the exposure

with the shutter speed you will most likely needto support the camera on a tripod. You should alsocompose your shot in thirds and look for leadinglines in the landscape to pull the viewers eyethrough the image.

On a landscape shoot it is best practice to usethe focus on manual mode, as your eyesight is farmore accurate than the camera lens and you shouldbe aware of where you want the focal point. With

landscape photography you have time to considerand control all these aspects, so you should use thcamera and lens manually.

Some lenses are so wide that they take on afisheye effect and the image becomes distorted in spherical manner. For the 35mm format, a typicalfocal length of a fisheye lens is between 8-10mmfor cameras with a crop factor, and 15-16mm fora full-frame sensor. Whether or not you shoulduse a fisheye lens in your landscapes is down toindividual taste some embrace this effect whereaothers arent too keen on it.

Take a lookThey may not be the cheapest ones available to buy, but these are thebest Canon lenses for landscape photography

Canon EF 14mmf2.8L II USM

This lens goesbeyond humanperspective,offering amassive114-degreesfield of view. Its

ultra-wide nature not onlypacks plenty into the frame,but also gives a strongseparation betweenforeground and backgroundelements. A maximumaperture of f2.8 enablessharp handheld shots.

Price:2,809/$2,359

Contact: 0870 514 3723

Web:www.canon.co.uk

Canon EF-S18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS II

This 18-55mmultra-wide-

angle zoomlens fromCanon has adecent focal

range and works superblywell at its widest setting of18mm. It comes withIntelligent four-stop ImageStabilisation, whichautomatically detects panningin order to deliver the bestresults possible.

Price:199/$249

Contact: 0870 514 3723

Web:www.canon.co.uk

Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8L IIUSM

The retail price ofthis lens is pretty

expensive, butCanon users willnot bedisappointed with

the results of its 16-35mm.The zoom range is highlyadaptable to anylandscape scene, and thefact that its teamedwith a wide f2.8 aperturemakes this lens perfect inlow light.

Price:761.99/$999.95

Contact:0870 514 3723

Web:www.canon.co.uk

Canon lenses for landscapes

FOCAL POINTA manual focus is always bestwhen it comes to landscapephotography as your eye is more

reliable and there are manyelements in a composition toconsider as the main focal point

LEAD-IN LINESLook for lead-in linesin the composition to

produce superior results.Make sure you have a

point of interest

WIDE ANGLEThe wide angle helpsaccentuate the sweeping viewof the landscape image

RULE OF THIRDSIn landscape photographythe rule of thirds isgenerally a good one tofollow as the image restseasier on the eye



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Zoom lenses arent as fast as primes, soyou may need to up the ISO

Canon lenses for outdoor portraits

CHARACTER

Try to photograph peoplewith lots of character. Oldpeople and babies workparticularly well for this typeof photography

DEPTH OF FIELD

If youre using a shallow depthof field, make sure you keepfocus on one part of the image.In portraiture photography the

eyes are a key part

POSITIONCome in close to your subject and standslightly above to produce more flatteringresults. If you position yourself underneaththe subject the chin will look bigger

MONOCHROMEBlack and white is much more

flattering and portraits generallylook superior in this medium

Take a lookThese lenses willdeliver greatoutdoor portraitsevery time

Canon EF 40mmf2.8 STM

The ultra-wide f2.8aperturemeans thislens from

Canon will cope well in lowlight and with streetphotography. The ultra-slimdesign helps thephotographer from scaringtheir subjects with a largelens, putting models at easewhile also producingstunning results. The newly

developed stopping motor issmooth and quiet, too.

Price:229.99/$199

Contact:0870 514 3723

Web:www.canon.co.uk

Canon EF 35mmf2 IS USM

For thosewanting awider angle,this 35mmprime lensfrom Canon

is popular with street andportrait photographers. Like

the EF 40mm lens, the35mm option has a wideaperture, but this one goesas shallow as f2. Make sureyou keep the eyes in focus toget the best results.

Price:799/$649.99

Contact:0870 514 3723

Web:www.canon.co.uk

Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L IIUSM

This standardzoom lens is amulti-purpose

option thatdelivers top

image quality from the wide-angle 24mm to the telephoto70mm. A nine-bladedcircular aperture producesbeautiful bokeh, creatingthe coveted blurredbackground in portraiture.Its also well-suited to lowlight conditions with its fastf2.8 maximum aperture.

Price:1,499.99/$1,499.99

Contact:0870 514 3723

Web:www.canon.co.uk

For portrait photography you want to shootthe head and the shoulders. Prime lenses willproduce perfect results and Canon has plenty ofoptions. However, some find these hard to use astheyre fixed in their focal range, which means

any zooming you do will have to be with your feet. Despitethis, the unique style that this type of lens produces is highlypopular with industry professionals.

Many prime lenses are able to open to a wide aperture andthis can create a dreamy effect where the subject is sharpand the background is blurred, which puts the focus onyour subject. On some lenses the aperture will go as wide asf1.4, meaning its effective to use in low light and for street/documentary photography. Prime lenses are also generally a

lot lighter than zoom lenses, so if youre out and about theycan make a considerable difference to your comfort.

Again, your cameras sensor will make a difference towhich lens you should go for, and some people may prefershooting portraits with a zoom lens. Something like a 15-85mm can be most useful, as the versatile focal range is perfectfor close-up portraits or if you want to get a wider angle. Butremember that zoom lenses are not as fast as prime lenses, soyou may need to up the ISO to compensate for the lack of light.Its best to set your camera to anything above 1/125sec if youwant crisp results.

Zoom lenses will also struggle to create the unique effectsthat prime lenses are capable of; however, they make up forany shortcomings with their versatile focal lengths.



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The biggest thing to consider is the weightof your photographic equipment

Canon lenses for travel

VERSATILITYA versatile focal range isimportant for travel, as

youll want to shoot avariety of subjects

INSURANCEMake sure you protect

your equipment bytaking out a separateinsurance policy on it

GET CLOSEIntimate portraits make forexcellent images when travelling.Having a zoom lens allows you toget in close

BACK UPBack up your images whenever

possible. There are many storagedevices designed specially for

photographers on the go

Take a lookTravel light with thesethree lenses

Canon EF 18-135mm f3.5-5.6IS STM

DynamicImageStabilisertechnologysmooths outvibrationsand cameramovements

so that whether youreshooting hand-held orrecording a video, the resultsare sharper and betterquality. High speed autofocus locks onto subjectsquickly and accurately.

Price:239.99/$249.99Contact:0870 514 3723

Web:www.canon.co.uk

Canon EF 70-200f2.8L IS II USM

This compactlens is idealshootingsports, wildlifeand portraits,making itperfect for thewide variety ofsubjects that atravel

photographer faces. Itboasts rugged durability anda four-stop Image Stabiliser.

Price:2,799.99/$2,499

Contact:0870 514 3723

Web:www.canon.co.uk

Canon EF-S55-250mmf4-5.6 IS II

Light,compact andgreat for

thoseon the go,this55-250mm lensfrom Canonweighs just308g. It hasbeen

designed to be an affordableversatile lens for general-purpose photography and itis a must-have item for anyCanon users kit bag.

Price:329.99/$299

Contact:0870 514 3723

Web:www.canon.co.uk

If youre the adventurous type, then you may find

yourself on many big trips to some remote places. Ifyoure a travelling photographer then the biggestthing to consider in your kit bag is the weight of yourphotographic equipment. You may have to compromise

on image quality due to practical reasons, as if youretravelling alone you will soon get annoyed with lugging

around two or three heavy lenses. This weight issue will mostlikely affect photographers with heavy professional DSLRcamera bodies.

For travellers, having the lightest but most versatile lenspossible is important, so a large focal range is essential. Thebest option to consider to take on a trip is just one zoom lenswith a focal range from around 18-200mm in 35mm termsthis will equal 27-300mm. This means you have everythingcovered from landscapes to portraits.

At the full zoom of a zoom lens you will need to considertechnical issues such as lens shake, so always check to seewhether the lens comes with Intelligent Image Stabilisation tohelp combat blurry pictures. Also, if you have a good cameramodel you can always up the ISO and shoot in RAW to try tocorrect as much as possible in the post-production process.This also means that you need to take plenty of memory cards

and a portable external hard drive to back up your imageswhenever possible.

When youre travelling as a photographer you may findyour expensive equipment could make you a key target forpickpockets, but dont let this put you off. Take out a fullycomprehensive insurance policy and try not to show you havelots of flashy equipment. Some photographers deliberatelymake their gear look worn out by putting tape or plasters ontheir camera body and lenses.



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A macro lens could

measure any focallength, but a 30-60mm range istypically used forproduct photographyand small objects

In close-up photography, a macro lensproduces consistently great results. There is ofcourse a variety of matter that can be shot inmacro form, but macro lenses are most oftenused for product photography, while bright

colours, flowers and insects generally make excellentsubjects too.

A macro lens could measure any focal length, buta 30-60mm range is typically used for productphotography and smal l objects. A 90-105mm rangeis the standard focal range used for flowers andsmall objects, and a 150-200mm range gives moreworking distance and is typically used for shootinginsects and other small animals.

There are a few zoom lenses out there that provide amacro option, but they generally do not allow a one-to-one magnification.

In macro photography, if you want detailed resultsthen its best to use a narrow aperture, ie anythingabove f16. This ensures that the whole image remainssharp and in focus. But if you want to blur thebackground and have just one focal point in the image,then youll need to use a shallow depth of field. Mostmacro lenses arent as fast as primes, and usually onlyopen as wide as f2.8, but this should be enough. If youwant to use macro lenses with a shallow depth of field,its unlikely youll need anything much wider than f2.8.

But those who dont want to take the plunge ona macro lens need not fear, as extension tubes areavailable as an alternative. Extension tubes are a fairbit cheaper than a macro lens and can be attached inbetween the camera and standard lens. Tubes vary inlength and can be stacked, decreasing lens-to-subject

distance and increasing magnification. Less light willreach the sensor with an extension tube, so a longerexposure time will be needed to compensate and atripod will have to be used.

Take a lookGet up close and personal to your subject with some of our favouritemoderately priced macro lenses from Canon

Canon EF100mm f2.8Macro IS USM

This lenss100mm focallengthenables acomfortabledistancebetweenphotographerand subject,

meaning that theres lesschance of scaring insectsand small creatures away.There is also less chance ofcasting a shadow andspoiling your image.

Price:749/$1,049

Contact:0870 514 3723

Web: www.canon.co.uk

Canon EF50mm f2.5Compact Macro

Light andcompact,thisgeneral-purposemacro lenscan alsofunction as

a flexible standard lens. Thelarge f2.5 aperture enablesfast, flash-free shooting inlow light settings, andcreates gorgeous blurredbackgrounds for portraits aswell as close-up captures.

Price:247.74/$269

Contact:0870 514 3723

Web:www.canon.co.uk

Canon EF-S60mm f2.8Macro USM

The EF-S60mm f2.8MacroUSM is thefirst trueMacro lensin the EF-Sseries fromCanon.

With its ability to focus crispand sharp life-size imagesonto the sensor, the EF-S60mm f2.8 Macro USMoffers true macrophotography performance.

Price:539.99/$469.99

Contact:0870 514 3723

Web:www.canon.co.uk

Canon lensesfor macro

1:1 RATIOA macro lens isanything that producesan image at a ratio of 1:1or larger

COLOURSBright colours are goodfor macro photography

and subject matterbecomes more

abstract the closeryou get

SUBJECTSFlowers and insects make excellentsubject matter. Set your camera upnext to a pollinating flower to let theinsects come to you

MANUALA manual focus is always more

reliable, and in macro photographyyou have time to control this



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Be aware that the more you zoom in, themore you will have to compensate with

the shutter speed

ACTIONDont miss anymoment and get intothe heart of the actionwith a zoom lens

COMPENSATEMake sure your shutter speed

is set to compensate for thelength of the lens. You may

need to up the ISO to make upfor this

EXPERIMENTCreative angles can workwell with sports and actionphotography, so try toexperiment

STABILITYMany lenses have the option toturn on the image stabilisation

setting. This is recommended foraction photography

Take a lookGet in close to theaction with a longzoom lens

Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6LIS USM

This telephotozoom lensfrom Canonhas a decentfocal rangeand supportsan eight-bladecircularaperture,which creates

a beautiful background blurand makes your subjectstand out. Its an ideal lensfor zooming in close towhatever action youre tryingto capture.

Price:1,600/$ 1,599

Contact:0870 514 3723

Web:www.canon.co.uk

Canon EF200mm f2LIS USM

Fixed focallength lensessuch as thisone generallyoffer a widermaximumaperture.Canon offer

a fixed lensfor everyshooting scenario, and thisone is geared towards thewildlife, sports and newsphotographers that crave atelephoto lens to bring themclose r to the action. The lensalso comes with a dedicated,detachable hood.

Price:959.99/$819

Contact:0870 514 3723

Web:www.canon.co.uk

Canon EF135mm f2L USM

CanonsL-series of

lensespromise tocombinessuperiorperformancewithsuperlativehandling, and

they are resistant to dust andmoisture to boot. This theideal optic for indoor sports.

Price:1,359.99/$1,089.99

Contact:0870 514 3723

Web:www.canon.co.uk

For action and wildlife photography it is essentialto be at the heart of the action. But this is notalways physically possible, so a zoom or telephotolens is the next best thing. Most photographerswanting to get up close will use a camera with a

crop factor as it makes a difference to the length of the lens; forexample, a 200mm lens on a 1.6x crop becomes 320mm.

There are other aspects to be aware of with a longer lens, asthe more you zoom in the more you will have to compensatewith the shutter speed. A monopod can be a good accessory tohave to hand as it provides the user with flexibility, yet it stilladds that extra bit of support. Most zoom lenses also comewith some type of image stabilisation feature. We recommend

you keep it on, but it could affect the continuous burst mode,so check to see how your camera model handles this. Youmay also find that this feature uses up the battery life on yourcamera faster than normal.

There are many lenses on the market to choose from andwith long lenses they do become pricier the longer they get.This is because they are complex in their design as there aremany elements that make up the construction. You want to becareful not to bash the lens when out on location if one of theelements gets knocked out of place, it can be expensive tofix. You may not notice that its broken until you get backto upload your images onto your computer and realise thattheyre all out of focus.

Canon lenses for action and wildlife



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Professionals are using creative lenses for

their advertising and editorial work

Creative photography has become increasinglypopular as the digital medium has developed.Effects such as fisheye and lenses like tilt-and-

shifts are at the forefront of this advancement.Its not only the high-street consumer that hasbecome fascinated by the alternative effects, as industryprofessionals are using them for their advertising and editorialwork to try to produce something unique for their clients.

Tilt-and-shift lenses work by adjusting the lenss optical axisand controlling the depth of field. They can be tricky to use,and even professionals have admitted they can have problemswith them. Architecture and fine art photographers are themost likely to use this type of lens as it can help correct barreldistortion, which is a common problem with architecturalimages shot from the ground. It can also be useful in the

Canon lenses for creativity

WIDE ANGLESAs the angle of the lens becomeswider, the image begins to look moredistorted and curves the edges of theimage around

POPULARITYIndustry professionals

are using these creativelenses as they try to

produce unique styles

FISHEYEThe fisheye effect can work wellwith landscape, sport/action oreven people photography

TILT-AND-SHIFTAnother creative effect,

the tilt-and-shift lens hasbecome highly popular

in recent times

Take a lookIf you want toproduce creativeimages then checkout these lenses

Canon TS-E90mm f2.8

This is a shorttelephoto lensthat comeswithperspectiveand depth-of-field control,

which enables you toproduce images not possiblewith normal lenses. It isperfect for architecture,portraits and productphotography. You can alsofocus down to 0.5cm,boosting its versatility.

Price:1,669.99/$1,399

Contact:0870 514 3723

Web:www.canon.co.uk

Canon EF 8-15mm f4LFisheye USM

This robustCanon8-15mmlens hasbeenspeciallymade for

rough weather conditions,while the all-important frontglass has been treated with a

distinct fluorine coating thatmakes it much easier tokeep clean. For users with acrop factor this lens will equal12-24mm.

Price:1500/$1499

Contact:0870 514 3723

Web:www.canon.co.uk

Canon TS-E17mm f4L

The tilt-and-shiftlens effecthas provedto be very

popular inrecenttimes;

however, special tilt-shiftlenses can be notoriouslytricky to use. Optically, thisCanon lens is one of the beston the market and is used bymany architecturalphotographers, but, likemost pro-grade lenses, theprice is steep.

Price:2919.99/$2499

Contact:0870 514 3723

Web:www.canon.co.uk

city where the distance between the photographer andbuilding can be restricted and a wide enough angle cannot becomposed. The tilt-and-shift lens can also make subject matter

appear as if its miniature by blurring the top and bottom of theimage. This type of effect is appearing in most cameras as acreative filter, so anyone thinking of investing in one of theseexpensive special ist lenses should first consider how much usethey will get out of it.

Fisheye lenses are not as tricky to operate as the tilt-and-shifts and can simply be used like a normal lens. Fisheyelenses can be good for interior photography or where thephotographer needs to get an extreme wide-angle view. Thereare some fisheye lenses that are subtler and some that aremore extreme; the one you should buy depends on the kind ofimpact that youre after.



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Gear and gadgets to help you take better imagesBuying a Canon camera is an investment whether its a small compact camera for snappingholidays and events, or a bigger DSLR modelfor professional purposes or for pleasure.Whenit comes to adding accessories, the choices are sovast and stretch from gizmos and gadgets that arefun play with, to more serious pieces of kit suchas tripods and cleaning equipment. Chances are

that, if youre passionate about photography, yourkit wish will never end as you aim to build as manyoptions as possible to help you shoot better imagesusing different techniques. Weve compiled a list ofessential accessories that perfectly complement yourCanon camera and explain briefly about how theyllhelp you. We start by looking at tripods, often themost bulky piece of equipment after your camera

itself. We then move on to bags and cases to keepyour camera safe, as well as ones that are easy tocarry from one adventure to the next. Next, we delvinto Flashes and Speedlights and explain what thetwo terms mean and which model will offer you besresults for your camera and level of skill. Finally, welook at remotes, SD Cards and the cleaning productyou need to keep your gear in top condition.

Essential kitfor your Canon

Essential kit



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One of the biggest enemies of good photography is theinevitable camera shake that comes along with capturingeverything by hand. Mounting your camera to a tripodmeans that you can be sure the unit remains absolutelystill as you snap a shot. This allows you to start being abit more creative with shutter speeds and manual settings.Many of Canons compact range come with a built-in anti-

shake function but this can only get you so far if yourehoping to push your artistic boundaries. There are manyoptions, such as the Gorilla Pod, that are small enoughto complement your compact gear but still allow you tofind interesting angles to shoot from and, above all, keepit steady as you go. We look through some top options onthe market thatll be a perfect match with your Canon.

Tripods

MANFROTTO 055 CARBON FIBRE 3-SECTION

TRIPOD339.95/$549.90Made with the professional photographer in mind, Manfrotto offers up alightweight yet durable tripod which forms part of its 055 series. The body is madefrom 100% carbon fibre and the centre column is constructed from aluminium.Though it is on the expensive side, it is a worthy investment for any seriousphotographer and will become an indispensable item in your photography kit. Thetripod includes a low-angle adapter which can be used as a short column. It cansafely take up to 8kg making it ideal for DSLRs. At its maximum height, it reaches177cm, which is good enough for great landscapes and portraits.

Flexible anglesAngle the legs of thetripod at varyingdegrees between 23and 89 to fit yourterrain and requiredcamera positioning

Mounting yourcamera to atripod providesstability whencapturingan image

Chic in blackThe tripod comes ina smart black finishand has a closedlength of 61.5cm

Lightweight and durableThe carbon fibre build can take up to 8kg ofcamera weight while weighing only 1.78kg itself

BENRO TRAVEL FLAT A0180TTRIPOD109.99/$177.92

If you traveloften forshoots, youllneed a tripodthats easyto carry andthe Benro ismade withthis in mind.Save yourselfthe hassleof luggingaround a fullsize tripodby investingin this modelthat foldsup neatly foreasy storage.

This Benro model goes from 17.3 inches whenfolded to between 49.6 61.4 inches when youneed to use it. The model also offers stainlesssteel spike or rubber feet and a removable two-section centre column.

GIOTTOS SILK ROADYTL9253 VERTICAL COLUMN -ALUMINIUM100/$161.76

The Y-tubecentrecolumn ofGiottos SilkRoad seriesmakesthe unit30% morecompactwhen foldedcompared toa similar sizetripods. Italso featuresusefuladditionssuch as quickeasy leverleg locking

systems and graduated leg markings. TheYTL9253 kicks off the series at an affordableprice tag while still offering a weight capacityof 5kg and a max height with a centre columnof 166cm.

GORILLAPOD ORIGINAL19.99/32.33

Mount yourCanon pointand shoot onthis bendyleggedmini-tripod

that can beused on anysurface orwrappedaroundrailings ortrees forvery creativephotographs.The customstainlesssteel screwfits right

into the bottom of your camera while therubberised ring and foot grips provide stabilityon smooth or rough terrain. If youre a compactcamera user, then check out the GorillaPodHybrid model.

Keep it stableTop picks in tripods and collars


Essential kit


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Change the angleTripod heads to reposition shots

VELBON PH-157Q 3-WAY PAN/TILT HEAD39.77/$63.92This 3-way head gives you independent andsmooth movement with its long panhandles.The panhandle is useful as it also locks theheads pan and tilt movement. The Velbon isconstructed from die-cast aluminium whichmakes it strong and robust without adding anexcessive amount of weight to the top of yourtripod. It comes in at an affordable price andmakes a good option for photographers whoare just getting started with kit essentials.

GITZO SERIES 1 MAGCENTRE BALL HEAD GH1780

184.95/$298.98At a basic level the design of ball heads arebased on a large ball that sits inside a socketwhich is locked by a clamping screw. Thismodel by Gitzo features the same basic designbut with an added emphasis on balanceand smoothness for the photographer. Thehead features all the standard measures andfeatures you need to get your compositionsperfectly straight and includes a 360 degreepanoramic rotation.

MANFROTTO 055MAGNESIUM BALL HEAD169.95/$274.73Built to work best with the 055 Tripod series,this head is extremely precise and offersextra smooth movements, which is especiallyimportant if you use your Canon for the dualpurpose of filming and photography. Its mostuseful features include the 90-100 degreeportrait angle selector and an independent

pan lock. Its constructed from light-weightmagnesium and it comes with a traditionaldisk attachment.

When shooting with a tripod the legs do the bulk ofthe heavy lifting but its the tripod head that providesthe functionality. Entry-level tripods often come as akit with both the legs and the head included but asyou move up, these two ranges of gear are often soldseparately. Some manufacturers, such as Manfrotto,offer kits that include both components but its notuncommon for photographers to mix and matchaccording to their immediate shooting needs. As withall camera equipment, the price of tripod heads range

dramatically from the very highly priced top rangeto offerings aimed at amateur photographers. Themost important aspect to keep in mind is how muchflexibility you will need while youre shooting. High-end models aim to give photographers a seamlessexperience when moving their cameras from one anglto another and try to reach as many angles as possiblewith minimum effort. Look for a head that is sturdy,compatible with your camera and that lets you movearound as much as you need to for your level.

Tripod heads

GIOTTOS MH5001 3-WAY HEAD53/$85.67This reasonably priced three-way model from Giottos offerssomething to suit every photographer with precision anglesand usability at the core of its design. Each axis of movementon the unit is controlled independently so you can adjust oneangle without disturbing the other two. This means that you canachieve the perfect shot even without aligning all your axes. Thetwo bubble levels ensure that your camera is sitting perfectlystraight, which helps level out the camera and the X axis; andfinally the large locking handles help you position it properlyfor that perfect shot.

Quick releaseIf you work with multiple camera setups, youllneed a tripod head that enables you to quicklyinterchange between setups without wasting time.Two safety catches allow you to quickly attach andremove your camera as you change shots, whichmakes for effortless interchanging

Look for a head that iscompatible with yourcamera and that letsyou move around asmuch as you need

Independent movementThe three-way system hasthe added advantage ofsetting up anglesindependently using thelocking handles

Aluminum buildThe unit is constructedfrom die cast aluminumand has a durable and

attractive enameled finish

Monopodshavesomesignificantadvantagesovertripodsbecausetheyrelightweightandlesshassletosetupthantripods. Ifyoureusingone,thenaheadtomatchwillgiveyougreaterflexibility.Manfrottos234CRtiltheadwithquickreleasesgivesyoutheoptiontoturnyourcamerato90degreesandshootinbothlandscapeandportraitmode.

Monopod

headattachments

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A good sturdy camera bag serves the dual function ofmaking your gear easy to transport and protecting itwherever you go. When you choose a camera bag takeinto account the type of camera you have as well as theamount of gear and accessories you have to go along withit. There are plenty of options on the market and Canonproduces its own range of bags too. Whether youre a

compact camera lover or you shoot with a DSLR, theresa bag made for your model and some options to makesure your bag fits your shooting style too. Be sure anybackpack you try out has sufficient padding to keep youcomfortable too. Shoulder bags are good options for aDSLR body with one or two lenses andsmall accessories.

Canon bags

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Easy organisationFit your equipmentsnuggly into themain compartmentby adjusting theinternal padding

Protect your kitRobust but stylish Canon bags

CANON SOFT CASEFOR POWERSHOT G1559.95/$96.88Protect your PowerShot camera with acase designed and made by Canon to fit theunique body shape of the unit. The customcase features a smart textured material inchic black which keeps the whole thing smallenough to slip into a handbag or travel bag.The case also comes in a leather version togive your camera some extra protection in theevent that you need it.

CANON DCC-1200 SOFT CASE34/$54.88If you own a compact Canon camera, then

your main aim should be a case that keeps itsecure and one that will allow you to accessyour camera quickly. Keep your compactsafe with this neat soft pouch thats designedto fit snugly across a range of Canons IXUSmodels. The inner lining protects your unitfrom scratches and the magnetic clasp makesit functional and easy to grab quickly. Keep

your camera just a quick reach away by loopingit onto your belt with the built-in belt loop.

CANON 100EG PADDEDCAMERA AND GADGET BAG34.95/$56.41Protect your gear from bumps as well asmoisture and dust with an attractive shoulderbag thats built to fit either one or two DSLRbodies and up to four lenses (depending ontheir size). The internal padding serves a dualpurpose of offering protection and making itcomfortable to carry around. The Velcro inside

the bag is adjustable to fit your particular gear.Theres also enough space for memory cards,batteries and other peripheral accessories.

Shoulder fitSling the bag

over yourshoulder foreasytransport

Extra spaceFit your smalleraccessories, such asmemory cards andcleaning cloths, in thedetachable outsidepouch for easy access

CANON 300GCUSTOM GADGETBAG49.95/$80.62Save some space for extra goodiesand gadgets you might need withthis over the shoulder bag designedto fit a digital SLR body, two orthree lenses, as well as smalleraccessories such as memorycards and batteries. Thebag is made from water-repellent nylon giving youextra protection if youshoot outside a lot andencounter the odd showeror two.

Packingabagcorrectlyisjustasimportantasbuyingthecorrectbagforyourgear.Youthinkthatahostofzipslookimpressive,butwhenitcomestogetting

yourgearoutwhenyouneedit,itallboilsdowntoeaseofaccess.Whenyoupack,makesurethatyoucangettomemorycardsandbatteriesquicklyasthesetwoarethemostlikelypiecesofkityoullneedinahurry.

Packmindfully

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Fit your camera with a nifty strap to keep it safe fromfalling while you shoot and make it easy to carry as youscout new angles to shoot from. Hand straps are a goodoption for smaller cameras as they can be easily wrappedaround the wrist as you point and shoot. For bigger DSLRmodels, and even for PowerShot cameras, a neck strapgives you the freedom to go hands free when you needto. Thicker or padded straps are preferable if youre outon a long days shoot or taking your camera along as

you explore a new location. The wideness of the strapmaterial will help distribute the weight while the paddingwill offer you some additional comfort. Straps are largelyinterchangeable between camera makes and models andmost are threaded through a small opening on either sideof the body of the camera. Care for your strap by keepingit away from harsh chemicals and strong sunlight. Themost common damage to straps is fraying and weakeningof the fabric due to excessive use and sweat.

Canon straps

CANON WIDE MODEL STRAPS23.99/$38.61Canons wide straps are designed to spread theweight of your camera as you rest it around yourneck. The durable fabric is embroidered with theCanon name as well as the name and make of yourmodel. Look out when purchasing which modelname you buy. If you dont fancy shouting aboutthe make you have, keep an eye out for the plainCanon camera straps that will complement yourshooting setup.

Secure itKeep you camera by your side

JJC QUICK RELEASE NECKSTRAP 11/$17.68The JJC Quick Release is padded and offersadded functionality by including a zippedpouch to hold SD cards or spare batteries.A tripod socket connects your camera to thetripod without removing the plate meaningquick transition time between shooting fixedand handheld. The strap is built to be worndiagonally across your body and the extrapadding comes in handy if youre carrying aweighty unit.

OP/TECH CAM STRAP QD12/$19.29Get more grip with this neoprene wrist strapthats ideal to keep smaller cameras securelyaround your wrist while being able to detachthem if needed. The strap can take up to 1.13kg,while the thick and wide strip of materialmakes sure its a comfortable fit. Attachand detach your camera to the strap with aplastic clip that loops through the body of

your camera. Wrist straps are ideal to securesmaller cameras, ensuring you dont let gowhile taking that adventurous shot.

CANON LEATHERNECKSTRAP FORPOWERSHOT CAMERAS12.49/$20.09Keep your PowerShot camera safely aroundyour neck with this smart and stylish leatherstrap. The nylon ends feed easily into theeyelets on the body of your camera and youcan use the clips on the side to adjust thestrap to suit you. The style of the strap fits

perfectly with both Canons soft and leathercase for PowerShot cameras, which makes thisa nice all-rounder.

Ifyourelivinglargeandworkingwithtelephotolenses,youllknowbytheirsheersizethattheycoulddowithsomeextrasupportwhencarryingthemaround.InvestinalensstrapsuchastheCanonLensWideStrap,whichcomesinplainblackand,whichiscompatiblewithlensessuchastheEF300mmf/2.8LIS

IIUSM.

Strapsforyourlenses

Get your modelChoose the strap that goeswith the model of yourcamera or pick a plain one,to be on the safe side

Wide fitThe wide strap fabric offerscomfort as you hold yourcamera around your neckor over your shoulder

Brand CanonWear the Canon nameproudly with the logostitched into the fabric ofthe strap

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Its all about numbers when it comes to selecting amemory card. Theres the size, the speed and, of course,the price. There are so many memory cards in themarket it can be tricky to know where to start and whatto invest in especially as large cards can set you backa fair amount. Compatibility is the first thing to checkwhile selecting a card. Point and shoot models such asCanons IXUS cameras will only take micro cards, while

some PowerShot and most DSLR models take full-sizecards. There are also many manufacturers offeringsimilar products, but, as your images are so precious itworth going with a reputable name recommended foruse with Canon gear. The size and speed of the card yobuy depend largely on the type and level of photograpyou do. Professionals, of course, need larger cards but youre a casual shooter an 8GB card will serve you well

Memory cards

SANDISK 8GB EXTREMESDHC CARD 16/$25.70For everyday shooting the Extreme rangeby SanDisk is a good choice. Availablefrom 4GB upwards the card offers plentyof storage with the 8GB card also allowingfor HD video recording. The Extremeis quicker than the entry-level cards onoffer and if you felt the specs are higherthan you need, then there are otherSanDisk ranges to consider, but for amarginally higher price its worth the extrainvestment. This card is perfect for bothamateurs and semi-pro photographers.

Canon approvedSanDisk memory cards arecompatible to be used withCanon products that requireSD sized cards

Memorycardsaresmallandfragilebutcostlypiecesofequipment.Acardcaseisagoodwaytokeepthemsafe, especiallyifyouusealotofcardsandswitchbetweenthem.Ifyoureoutonashootandfillingupcardsquickly,agoodtipistomarkusedcardswithasmallpieceoftapetoavoidshootingoverthem,especiallyifyoureunabletobackthemupimmediately.

Keepitsafe

The card you need depends

on the level of photographythat you do

Quick downloadsBackup your

images and videofaster with writespeeds of up to

20MB/sec

Mix and matchKeep the same card in as youswitch between shooting HDvideo and images

Store the memoryThe bank vault of your camera

SANDISK EXTREME PRO64GB 93.99/$151.06For professional photographers the SanDiskPro SD card is a rugged choice which will doall the hard processing and transferring workfor you. The card offers a 90MB/s write and95MB/s read rate and its available from 8GBall the way up to 64GB. Each card has built inprotection which offers some peace of mind ifyou drop your card or accidentally get it wet.These cards are ideal for images of highresolution and also for HD video footage.

SANDISK EXTREMEPRO COMPACT FLASH

120.99/$194.59The main difference between CF and SD cardsis the speed and the size. CF cards are muchquicker but dont fit into all cameras, andtheyre costlier. This high speed SanDisk cardis available from 16GB to 128GB and offerswrite speeds up to 90MB for the smaller cardsand up to 100MB for the 128GB card. Theprice of these make them an investment inthemselves but one thats well worth it if speedmatters to your photography.

TOSHIBA EXCERIA 32GBMICROSD 169.95/$274.73This high capacity and high performancemicroSD is perfect for any Canon camera thatrequires the smaller sized SD card. The cardoffers quick transfer to your computer andis built to absorb shock so that minor bumpsdont compromise your images. While somecomputers have slots to read an SD card, youmay have to invest in a card reader to take

images. If you have more than one SD card(phone and camera, for example), you can geta card reader that reads multiple cards.

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In the last few pages, weve featured the peripheralsthat will increase the functionality of your camera,but keeping the main body clean and dust-free is justas important. Your camera represents a significantinvestment and keeping it clean and in working order is

important not only to make it last longer but also to getthe best everyday results from it. Dust is the commonenemy of every camera - from the smallest point andshoot to the biggest, professional model DSLRs. Dustand grit around the moving parts of the camera is just as

harmful as dust around the lens and delicate sensor anlenses. A good basis for a cleaning kit is a blower and asoft cloth. Getting into the habit of giving your camerabody and lenses a quick once over after use will go a loway and its always preferable to keep gear clean as you

go than let dirt build up and then attempt to remove it ain one go. Always be very gentle when cleaning and avtouching the sensor of your camera. Dont use harshchemicals when wiping the body either; a soft anti-statcloth is all thats needed.

Cleaningproducts

Getting into the habit of giving yourcamera and lenses a quick once overafter use will go a long way

LENSPEN ORIGINAL 11.99/$19.26Dust off weary lenses with the Original LensPen thatmerges a retractable soft tip pin with a non-liquidcleaning element designed to never dry out. The pencan be used on all lenses including binoculars and eyepieces which makes it perfect for all types of Canonlenses too. The LensPen comes in different varietiesbut the original model is a good place to start.

CANON OPTICAL CLEANING KIT5.25/$7.80A good alternative to buying every componentof your cleaning kit individually (which youcan do) is to purchase an all-in-one kit like thisCanon Optical Cleaning Kit. It comes with a softretractable brush, lens cleaning fluid, microfibercloth and lens tissues.

RetractableRetract the pen tipwhen youre done.Remember to clean thepen tip to keep it dustfree until next time. Thisis also good practice

Keep it softThe advantage of the soft pentip is that it cleans the lens but itis also gentle enough so as notto damage the camera lens

Clip it onThe pen design means you canclip the unit onto your camerabag and never be afraid of losingit or being caught without it

Keep it cleanKeep your camera dust-free

KENRO HURRICANE BLOWER6.99/$11.23Whoosh away dust with this powerful blowerthat has a double valve system able to producea powerful jet of air. Blowers are especiallyadvantageous as you have no contact withthe camera unit and so avoid risking addingsmudges as you clean. Try it out between thecreases of your bag after a day shooting onthe beach - it works wonders on any remainingsand and specs of dust that may have found itsway on to your lens.

CANON LENS CLOTH4.96/$7.99Keep your EF lenses sparkling with this neatCanon Lens cloth made from fabric softenough to wipe away dirt and dust but notscratch or damage the lens. Always makesure to store the cloth away and keep it cleanso you dont introduce additional dust as youclean. Dont wash the cloth with your clothesand keep it free from dust or dirt. Never use aregular cloth for cleaning your lens as its themost sensitive part of your camera and needsto be treated with special care.

KINETRONICSSPECKGRABBER3/$4.82Use the SpeckGrabber pen to get rid of peskybits of dust or debris on your camera. The unithas an adhesive surface to simply pick up thedirt and remove it. The pen works best withspots, hairs or dust youve identified as being aproblem. Its especially handy to tackle debrison the sensor where you might not want to

take the risk wiping over the entire surface.This is a handy way to clean your lens withoutrisking it being accidentally damaged. Alwaysbe careful when handling the lens.

Ifyoudontownacleaningkityet,butarethinkingofpurchasingyourfirstone, thenpickupacleaningkitthathaseverythingthatyouneedincluded.Inmostkitsyoullfindalenscleanerwithaclothaswellasabrushandlenstissuesthatcanbeusedonceandthenthrownaway. Canondoestheirownkitthatsusefultogetnewcameraownersofftoagoodstart.Yougetall-in-onecleaningkitsthatarecheaperthanindividualparts.

Allinone

Lens cleaning fluidThe Canon lens cleaning fluidcan be used on all types ofcamera and surface lenses.Dont use too much of it

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Guide to Canon modes

Your Canons mode dial has something for every

photographer whether youre an expert or just starting

out. Theres a variety of modes available, which range

from basic auto to full-blown manual control over exposure

settings. Whether youre working with a high-end Canon

compact, CSC or DSLR, most mode dials feature the same

essential selection of options, which means you can follow alongwith us as we explore whats really on offer here.

Most mode dials are positioned on top of the camera,

although some may be found within the cameras menu

interface. Your mode dial has an important role to play in the

photo-taking process, and can essentially determine how well

your shot turns out.

To use your mode dial, simply rotate it around to a mode that

youre comfortable shooting in. If you are just starting out, you

should select auto, while step-up shooters should move into a

scene mode by selecting an icon that reflects the subject theyre

shooting. More experienced photographers, on the other hand,

are likely to explore the more advanced P, Av, Tv, M modes,

which offer you more control over your exposure settings and

ultimately, the creative outcome of your captures.

Youll find there is a fantastic selection of modes to choose

from, but understanding what each one does is essential to

ensuring you get the results youre after in camera. To help

you get to grips with your mode dial and discover the secrets

behind each setting, join us over the following pages. Well start

by taking you through the advantages of Auto before exploring

some of the most popular scene modes that a

The Canon Camera Book Volume 1 - 2014 UK

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