New Camera Anatomy: 12 key camera settings to get you started right

jmeyer | Beginner | 26/12/2012 01:00am

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Though it may seem daunting setting up a new camera, it only takes a few moments. Our Head of Testing, Angela Nicholson, shares her best camera tips and explains which camera settings to use so you can start taking great photos.

Once you’ve unpacked a new camera, charged and installed the battery and popped in a memory card you’re likely to feel a mixture of excitement and trepidation. You can’t wait to start shooting, but could do with some guidance on the correct camera settings to use to get started.

Well look no further, this helpful guide will explain what you need to do to get started whether you’re using your new camera, whether it’s a DSLR, compact system camera (CSC) or high-end compact camera.

Most of the control features we have listed can be found in your new camera’s menu, be it the main menu or a function menu, but you may also find that there are dedicated buttons labelled ISO, WB and the like to give you direct access to the camera settings you want.

1. Format the card

When you insert a memory card into your new camera it’s a good idea to format it as this prepares it for use and deletes any existing data on it to maximise space.

We repeat – this deletes any existing data, so if you have any images on the card that you want to keep, download them to your computer before formatting the card.

It’s a simple process to format a card in-camera, just press the menu button and locate the format option – it’s often in the set-up or playback area, but it varies from brand to brand. Once you’ve found it, select it and hit OK then follow any on-screen instructions.

PAGE 1: Best settings for your new camera – format the card
PAGE 2: Best settings for your new camera – image quality
PAGE 3: Best settings for your new camera – image size and exposure mode
PAGE 4: Best settings for your new camera – sensitivity, white balance and metering
PAGE 5: Best settings for your new camera – focus mode
PAGE 6: Best settings for your new camera – drive mode and image stabilisation
PAGE 7: Best settings for your new camera – Picture Style/Control and colourspace