1. Setting the exposure using the histogram
The best way to tell if your exposure is correct is by consulting the histogram.
2. RAW
Most cameras produce high quality jpgs, yet they’re still no match for RAW files. The downside to the jpg format is that it’s a compressed file. To put simpler, shooting in RAW format will give you access to the full capabilities of your camera.
3. Selecting focusing points manually
Your camera has the option of selecting the autofocus points for you, but it can’t always anticipate correctly. That’s why learning to change the AF points manually is a useful skill.
4. Learn all AF modes
Most cameras come with different autofocus modes like One-shot AF, Servo AF and AI Autofocus. All of these modes have different uses, depending on subject and situation.
The one-shot mode will stop refocusing once it’s locked onto the subject.
5. Aperture Priority
In aperture priority mode, your camera will vary the exposure settings depending on the aperture value you set. Having complete control over aperture means control over depth of field.
6. Shutter Priority
The shutter priority mode works just like aperture priority, in the sense that it gives you complete control over shutter speed while making all the other settings automatically, according to the selected value.
7. Control motion blur
Motion blur often comes from using a shutter speed that is too slow for holding the camera in your hands. Every photographer has a maximum low speed they can use
8. Manual White Balance
All digital cameras have a few white balance presets. While they can do a fairly decent job, we recommend learning to set white balance manually, according to each lighting situation.
9. Drive Modes
This isn’t a major setting, but you never know when you’re going to have drive modes. Essentially, there are three of them: single shot, continuous low and continuous high.
10. Metering modes
There are three metering modes in most cameras, each with a specific job. They have different names depending on camera manufacturer, but essentially they behave the same.
11. ISO
Learn how to select the correct ISO value depending on the lighting conditions. Lower values are great when there is plenty of light to work with.
12. Auto-ISO
We’re generally not fond of any auto setting, but auto ISO will help you when shooting hand held. It will increase or decrease the value in order to allow you to shoot with a shutter speed fast enough for hand held operation.
13. Exposure compensation
It is a +/- scale that will tell your camera to increase or decrease exposure, depending on your needs. It works for all semi-automatic modes (P, Av, TV) and will influence exposure in increments.