My Camera Settings...

Very rarely do you see a photographer blogging about how their camera is set up.

That's like giving away the family recipe, isn't it?

In reality, this post isn't entirely altruistic... From experience I know (hopefully not soon) my camera will develop a sudden case of memory lapse and forget all of my settings. (As will I...) So without further delay, here they are. :-) Enjoy!

I use a Nikon D3s, so you Canon shooters will have to figure it out on your own... This post only documents the settings I have changed to suit my needs.

Shooting Menu:
Image Quality: RAW (Duh! :-)
Color Space: Adobe RGB
Active D-Lighting: High
ISO Sensitivity: ON, Max ISO 12800, Min Shutter 1/250

Autofocus:
AF-C Priority: Release + Focus
AF-S Priority: Release
AF Activation: Off, AF-ON Only (Camera in Continuous focus mode)

Perhaps the two best settings on the camera:

1. Auto-ISO (Have not missed a single shot since due to over/under exposure) Darken/lighten the image using the EV [+/-] button. I find I get beautiful, dramatic shots when exposed for the subject, then -3EV to -1EV.

2. AF Activation: Off, AF-ON Only. A bit complicated to explain but put simply; this allows you set lens focus and re-compose your shot without losing your original focal point when you press the shutter release. (But don't get too far off-center since this will invalidate your focal plane... especially at wide apertures!)

This will essentially let you use the center focal point (The most sensitive focal point) for every shot, then you can quickly re-compose your shot.

You will have to get used to pressing the AF-ON button then Shutter Release but it sure beats throwing the viewfinder focal point all over the place with your thumb, potentially losing your shot.

If you are using spot or area light metering, you may have to press AE-L before you recompose to maintain the exposure you are going for.

It sounds kludgy, but after a few hours practice I promise you won't go back.