Creative Media Learning Hub

MEDIAART 2B06

DSLR Camera

This walkthrough introduces the controls and settings needed to use a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera, specifically the Canon EOS Rebel T4i and T5i.

Goal

Identify the camera controls, prepare the camera for the Photo Film activity, test aperture and ISO, transfer your photographs, and return the equipment safely.

Accessibility and safe use

Stage 1: Locate the main camera controls Identify the buttons, rings, and switches used during the activity.

Camera body

Top view of a Canon DSLR camera showing the main shooting controls

Control 1

Shutter button

Press halfway to activate autofocus. Press fully to take the photograph.

Lens controls

Canon DSLR camera with a zoom lens showing the focus ring, zoom ring, autofocus switch, and image stabilization switch

Control 1

AF/MF switch

Use AF for autofocus. Use MF when you want to focus manually with the focus ring.

Begin with AF for the Photo Film activity.

Viewing and back controls

Back view of a Canon DSLR camera showing the viewfinder, LCD screen, menu and info buttons, playback button, and main control buttons

Control 1

Viewfinder

Use the viewfinder to frame the photograph while looking through the camera.

This is especially useful in bright outdoor conditions when the LCD screen may be harder to see clearly.

Bottom and lens-mount controls

Bottom view of a Canon DSLR camera showing the battery compartment, tripod mount, and lens release button

Control 1

Battery compartment

Open this compartment to insert or remove the camera battery.

Turn the camera off before removing the battery. Check the battery level before beginning a shoot.

Storage and cable connections

Side views of a Canon DSLR camera showing the SD card slot, A/V and HDMI ports, and microphone port

Control 1

SD card slot

Open this cover to insert or remove the SD card used to store photographs and video files.

Turn the camera off before removing the card. Press the card gently until it releases.

Stage 2: Use the camera menu and control buttons Set the camera to Aperture Priority mode and learn the buttons used to change settings and review photographs.

Step 1: Turn on the camera and select Aperture Priority

Before using the back controls, turn on the camera and set the shooting mode to Aperture Priority (Av).

Camera mode checklist

  • Turn on the camera. Move the power switch from OFF to ON .
  • Set the mode dial to Av. Turn the dial until Av aligns with the mode marker.

Camera set to Aperture Priority mode

In Aperture Priority mode, you choose the aperture and the camera automatically selects the shutter speed.

Aperture affects how much light enters the camera and how much of the image appears in focus. You will learn more about aperture and depth of field later in this walkthrough.

Keep the camera set to Av for the Photo Film activity.

Step 2: Learn the main back controls

Use the following interactive image to review the buttons you will use most often.

Close-up of the back control buttons of a Canon DSLR camera, including the zoom buttons, playback button, erase button, Quick Control button, SET button, white balance, autofocus, and exposure controls

Step 3: Use the Quick Control screen

The Q button provides access to the settings used most often.

Canon Quick Control screen

Initial setup
  1. Confirm that the shooting mode is already set to Av.
  2. Confirm that the lens is set to Autofocus (AF) unless the activity instructions or instructor ask you to use Manual Focus (MF).
  3. On the back controls, press WB and set White Balance to Daylight (sun icon).
  4. Press Q and set Image Quality, the lower-right option, to RAW + JPEG. Each photograph will create two files. Keep both files when transferring your work.

Check these settings whenever you borrow a camera. Another user may have changed them.

Open the “Canon DSLR menu and basic settings” tutorial directly

Stage 3: Set the aperture and ISO Learn what aperture and ISO are and how to change their values.

What is aperture?

Diagram showing how f-stop values change the aperture opening and depth of field

Aperture is the opening inside the lens. It affects how much light enters the camera and how much of the scene appears sharp.

Aperture is measured in f-stops.

  • A wide aperture, such as f/3.5 or f/5.6, creates a shallow depth of field. The subject may appear sharp while the background appears blurred.
  • A narrow aperture, such as f/8 or f/11, creates a deeper depth of field. More of the scene may appear sharp.

A smaller f-number means a wider opening. A larger f-number means a narrower opening.

Set the aperture

  1. Confirm that the shooting mode is set to Av.
  2. Press Q to open the Quick Control screen. Select Aperture (F#), then turn the main control dial to change the f-stop. The following video demonstrates this step.
  3. Take two photographs of the same subject using different aperture settings:
    • Use the lowest available f-number, such as f/4 or f/5.6, for a blurred background.
    • Use f/8 or f/11 to keep more of the scene in focus.
  4. Review both photographs and compare which areas appear sharp.
  5. Repeat the process by changing the aperture one stop at a time. Keep the framing and subject position the same so you can clearly see what changes.

Open the “How to set aperture on a Canon DSLR camera” tutorial directly

What is ISO?

Diagram comparing ISO values and their effects on image brightness and digital noise

ISO affects image brightness and visible digital noise. A higher ISO can produce a brighter image in low-light conditions, but it may also increase noise and reduce fine detail. A lower ISO produces a cleaner image, but it requires more available light, a wider aperture, or a slower shutter speed.

The goal is to find a balance: use an ISO high enough to achieve a usable exposure, but low enough to preserve detail and reduce visible noise.

Set ISO

  1. Confirm that the shooting mode is set to Av.
  2. Press Q to open the Quick Control screen. Select ISO, then turn the main control dial to change the value. The following video demonstrates this step.
  3. Take two photographs of the same subject using different ISO settings:
    • Take the first photograph at ISO 100, the lowest standard setting.
    • Take the second photograph at ISO 6400 or ISO 12800</code.
  4. Review both photographs and compare the amount of digital noise and fine detail. Also notice whether the camera selected a different shutter speed.
  5. Repeat the process by increasing the ISO one level at a time. Keep the framing, subject position, aperture, and lighting consistent so you can clearly see what changes.

Open the “How to set ISO on a Canon DSLR camera” tutorial directly

Stage 4: Recharge and return the camera Charge the battery and return all borrowed equipment in good condition.

Complete this checklist before returning the camera.

Camera return checklist

  • Confirm that your files have been transferred and backed up. Make sure your photographs are saved in at least two locations before returning the equipment.
  • Turn off the camera. Move the power switch to OFF.
  • Replace the lens cap. Make sure the cap is securely attached to protect the lens.
  • Recharge the battery. Remove the battery from the camera, place it in the charger, and charge it fully.
  • Gather all borrowed equipment. Check that you have the camera, battery, charger, lens, strap, and any other items included with the equipment.
  • Return the complete equipment kit. Place all items in their case and return them in good condition.

Report any missing, damaged, or malfunctioning equipment when you return the camera.

Credits: Jessica A. Rodríguez