Camera basics: first steps with the Canon EOS 5D

A full-frame camera such as the Canon EOS 5D rewards you with clean images, but only if you know a few basics. Here is the short version.

The exposure triangle

Aperture, shutter speed and ISO work together. Open the aperture for a blurry background, shorten the shutter time to freeze movement, and raise the ISO only when the light is gone.

Focus: pick the point yourself

Do not let the camera choose. Select one focus point, put it on the eye or on the most important edge, and half-press the shutter button to lock it.

Shoot in RAW

A RAW file keeps all the data of the sensor, so you can fix the white balance and rescue a dark corner afterwards. The files are larger, so bring a bigger memory card.

Light & the "golden hour"

The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset give soft, warm light that makes a plain subject look good. Plan your walk around it.