IMPROVE YOUR IMAGES
All your photographic adventures start with the camera, so making the most of its potential will improve your images. It’s as simple as that, says Will Cheung, and here are a few ideas to get you on the right track for 2024
Photography is not just about equipment but then where would we be without the incredible cameras at our disposal? Features such as lightning-quick frame rates, excellent image quality even at sky-high ISO speeds and super-responsive, subjectdetect AF grab the headlines, but our cameras are blessed with many features that don’t get the attention they deserve.
We’re probably all guilty of not exploiting our kit more fully, so we’re going put that right in this feature.
Let’s kick off with the basics and how you carry your camera. If you use the logoemblazoned strap that came with the camera, now’s the time to ditch it and consider other solutions. For instance, if you enjoy street shooting then a wrist strap or an across-the-body ‘pap’ strap makes sense. Straps that convert from one carrying method to another with a quick release system are a great all-round alternative, while if you need to use two cameras a dual strap is more practical. Brands to look out for include B-Grip, Black Rapid, Novo, Optech and Peak Design.
If you enjoy taking a walk around the
local nature reserve, consider the Peak Design Capture Clip V3 (£69) or B-Grip UNO belt holster (£40) which lets you attach the camera to the backpack strap or belt where it sits securely and comfortably.
Stay up to date
How up-to-date is your camera? Many photographers follow rumour and news sites and are quick to spot a new firmware release; others are much more relaxed. Somewhere between the two is a good place to be. An update might be ‘buggy’ so it can pay to wait a little while in case there are issues, although this is rare. Keeping up to date means your camera will be performing at its optimum.
Firmware is the software used by cameras, lenses and lighting to help them run correctly. Updates can fix operating glitches, keep kit compatible and add new features and functionality.
To check whether your kit has an update available, do a web search or check the maker’s website. Installation is often straightforward and instructions are provided. On cameras and lenses, i
