Canon EOS 6D For Dummies E-Book

Doug Sahlin

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Wissenschaft und neue Technologien
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2013

Seitenzahl: 462

Beschreibung

A full-color guide to everything your Canon EOS 6D can do, aimed at the first-time user The Canon EOS 6D is a budget-priced full-frame camera that is very close to professional-level equipment. With this friendly guide by your side, you can make sure you get the most out of everything the Canon EOS 6D can do. Veteran author Doug Sahlin introduces the basic photo skills you need in order to get great shots from a DSLR camera while guiding you through the controls specific to the EOS 6D. * Explores the utilizing on-board controls, shooting in auto mode, and using live view and playback modes * Makes sense of dialing in exposure and lighting controls plus manipulating focus and color controls * Explains how to get photos onto a PC for editing * Addresses printing, posting online, and other ways to share images Canon EOS 6D For Dummies gives you the full picture in a fun and easy-to-understand way so that you can better understand this powerful camera.

Leseprobe

Canon® EOS 6D For Dummies®

Published byJohn Wiley & Sons, Inc.111 River StreetHoboken, NJ 07030-5774

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Copyright © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey

Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey

Published simultaneously in Canada

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Library of Congress Control Number: 2013932106

ISBN 978-1-118-53039-9 (pbk); ISBN 978-1-118-53065-8 (ebk); ISBN 978-1-118-53059-7 (ebk); ISBN 978-1-118-53041-2 (ebk)

Manufactured in the United States of America

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

About the Author

Doug Sahlin is an author and photographer living in Venice, Florida. He’s written books on computer applications, such as Adobe Flash and Adobe Acrobat. He’s also written books on digital photography and co-authored 13 books on various applications, such as Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. Recent titles include: Digital Landscape and Nature Photography For Dummies, Digital SLR Shortcuts and Settings For Dummies, and Canon EOS 7D For Dummies. Many of his books have been bestsellers on Amazon.

Doug is president of Doug Plus Rox Photography, a wedding and event photography company. Doug teaches Adobe Acrobat to local businesses and government institutions. He also teaches Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom at local photography stores.

Dedication

Dedicated to my wife Roxanne, the love of my life and one of the best photographers on the planet.

Author’s Acknowledgments

Thanks to Acquisitions Editor Steve Hayes for making this book a possibility. Special thanks to Project Editor Blair Pottenger, and Copy Editor Barry Childs-Helton for making sure my text is squeaky clean with no grammatical errors. Thanks to Technical Editor Scott Proctor for making sure the book is technically accurate. Many thanks to the other members of the Wiley team for taking the book from concept to fruition.

Thanks to agent extraordinaire Margot Hutchison for ironing out the contractual details. Many thanks to Canon for creating some of the greatest cameras on the planet. Special thanks to my friends and family. Kudos to my wife Roxanne for putting up with my late nights and occasional mood swings when I’d written one more page than I should for the day. And thanks to our furry kids, Niki and Micah, for their love, affection, and comic relief.

Publisher’s Acknowledgments

We're proud of this book; please send us your comments at http://dummies.custhelp.com. For other comments, please contact our Customer Care Department within the U.S. at 877-762-2974, outside the U.S. at 317-572-3993, or fax [phone].

Some of the people who helped bring this book to market include the following:

Acquisitions and Editorial

Project Editor: Blair J. Pottenger

Executive Editor: Steve Hayes

Senior Copy Editor: Barry Childs-Helton

Technical Editor: Scott Proctor

Editorial Manager: Kevin Kirschner

Editorial Assistant: Annie Sullivan

Sr. Editorial Assistant: Cherie Case

Cover Photo: © KirbusEdvard / iStockphoto. Camera image courtesy of Canon.

Composition Services

Project Coordinator: Patrick Redmond

Layout and Graphics: Jennifer Creasey, Amy Hassos, Joyce Haughey

Proofreader: Lindsay Amones

Indexer: Potomac Indexing, LLC

Publishing and Editorial for Technology Dummies

Richard Swadley, Vice President and Executive Group Publisher

Andy Cummings, Vice President and Publisher

Mary Bednarek, Executive Acquisitions Director

Mary C. Corder, Editorial Director

Publishing for Consumer Dummies

Kathleen Nebenhaus, Vice President and Executive Publisher

Composition Services

Debbie Stailey, Director of Composition Services

Canon EOS 6D For Dummies®

Visit www.dummies.com/cheatsheet/canoneos6d to view this book's cheat sheet.

Table of Contents

Introduction

About This Book

Foolish Assumptions

Conventions Used in This Book

The Long and Winding Road Ahead

Part I: Getting Started with Your Canon EOS 6D

Part II: Going Beyond Point-and-Shoot Photography

Part III: Editing and Sharing Your Images

Part IV: The Part of Tens

Icons and Other Delights

Shoot Lots of Pictures and Enjoy!

Part I: Getting Started with Your Canon EOS 6D

Chapter 1: Exploring Your EOS 6D

Getting in Touch with the Camera Controls

Exploring the top of the camera

Exploring the back of the camera

Exploring the front of the camera

Decoding the LCD Panel

Peering into the Viewfinder

About the Multi-Controller and Multi-function Lock

Exploring Camera Connections

Modifying Basic Camera Settings

Adjusting the date and time

Modifying the Auto Power Off time

Adjusting the Viewfinder for Maximum Clarity

Introducing Wireless and GPS

Attaching a Lens

Removing a Lens

Using Image Stabilization Lenses

Using a Zoom Lens

Working with SD Cards

Formatting an SD Card

About Your Camera Battery

Charging Your Camera Battery

About Sensor Cleaning

Cleaning your sensor on command

Manually Cleaning Your Sensor

Keeping your sensor clean

Accessorizing Your EOS 6D

Useful Canon accessories

Useful 3rd party accessories

Accessories for video

Keeping It Clean

Chapter 2: Creating Great Pictures Automatically

Ordering from Your Camera Menu

Taking Your First Picture

Understanding Exposure and Focal Length

Focusing On an Off-Center Subject

Focusing Manually

Shooting Pictures in SCN Mode

Creating portraits using the Portrait SCN mode

Shooting landscapes using the SCN Landscape mode

Shooting images in Close-up mode

Shooting images using Sports mode

Shooting night portraits

Shooting night scenes while hand holding the camera

Shooting pictures with the HDR Backlight Control SCN mode

Shooting Pictures in Creative Auto Mode

Using the Self-Timer

Triggering the Shutter Remotely

Chapter 3: Selecting Image Size and Quality

Understanding Image Size and Quality

Specifying Image Format, Size, and Quality

Choosing the file format, image size, and quality

Comparing Image Formats and File Sizes

Managing Image Files

Creating folders

Selecting a folder

Choosing a file-numbering method

Chapter 4: Using the LCD Monitor

Displaying Image Information

Using the Histogram

Previewing Your Images

Modifying Image Review Time

Changing Monitor Brightness

Deleting Images

Rotating Images

Protecting Images

Using the Quick Control Screen

Viewing Images as a Slide Show

Viewing Images on a TV Set

Part II: Going Beyond Point-and-Shoot Photography

Chapter 5: Shooting Pictures and Movies with Live View

Taking Pictures with Live View

Displaying shooting information

Focusing with Live View

Using the Quick Control menu to shoot pictures in Live View mode

Displaying a grid in Live View mode

Exploring Other Useful Live View Options

Making Movies with Your Camera

Recording movies

Using manual exposure when recording a movie

Displaying video shooting information

Changing video dimensions and frame rate

Changing audio recording options

Using the Quick Control menu to shoot video in Live View mode

Taking a still picture while recording a movie

Previewing Movies on the Camera LCD Monitor

Tips for Movie Shooting

Chapter 6: Getting the Most from Your Camera

Understanding Metering

Using Your Camera’s Creative Exposure Modes

Understanding how exposure works in the camera

Using Programmed Auto Exposure mode

Using Aperture Priority mode

Using Shutter Priority mode

Manually exposing images

Shooting time exposures

Modifying Camera Exposure

Using exposure compensation

Bracketing exposure

Locking exposure

Locking Focus

Choosing a Drive Mode

Exploring Useful Image Menu Commands

Enabling Long Exposure Noise Reduction

Enabling High ISO Speed Noise Reduction

Enable Highlight Tone Priority

Enabling Highlight Alert

Using Custom Functions

Exploring Exposure custom functions

Clearing Custom Functions

Chapter 7: Using Advanced Camera Features

Viewing Battery Information

Using the Auto Lighting Optimizer

Correcting Lens Peripheral Illumination

Choosing a Metering Mode

Choosing the Autofocus Mode

Changing the Autofocus Point

Choosing a Picture Style

Specifying the Color Space

Setting White Balance

Specifying Color Temperature

Creating a Custom White Balance

Setting the ISO Speed

Expanding the ISO Range

Using White Balance Compensation

Flash Photography and Your EOS 6D

Using an Auxiliary Flash Unit

Using Fill Flash

Controlling the External Speedlite

Changing the flash-sync speed in Av mode

Using Flash Exposure Compensation

Using second-curtain sync

Modifying Flash Zoom

Locking the flash exposure

Clearing Flash Settings

Chapter 8: Mastering Your EOS 6D

Choosing the Optimal Settings for Specific Situations

Photographing Action

Photographing fast-moving subjects

Freezing action

Photographing slow-moving subjects

Photographing Landscapes

Photographing the Sunset

Photographing People and Things

Photographing people and pets

Exploring selective focus

Exploring macro photography

Photographing Wildlife

Photographing animals at state parks

Stabilizing the camera when using long telephoto lenses

Photographing animals at the zoo

Photographing birds

Enhancing Your Creativity

Composing Your Images

Visualizing Your Images

Seeing, Thinking, and Acting

Being in the moment

Practicing ’til your images are pixel-perfect

Becoming a student of photography

Never leave home without a camera

Waiting for the light

Defining Your Goals

What’s your center of interest?

What’s your best vantage point?

What else is in the picture?

The genius of digital photography

Part III: Editing and Sharing Your Images

Chapter 9: Editing Your Images

Introducing the Canon ImageBrowser EX

Downloading Your Images

Rating and Keywording Images

Adding Comments to Images

Adding Information to a Single Image

Changing Your View

Backing Up Your Work

Organizing Your Images

Editing JPEG Images in ImageBrowser EX

Sharpening an Image

Working with RAW Files in Digital Photo Professional

Chapter 10: Creating Prints from Your Images

To Print or Not to Print?

Finding Images

Leaving Some Breathing Room

Cropping an Image in ImageBrowser EX

Printing an Image

Printing an image from ImageBrowser EX

Printing an image in Digital Photo Professional

Printing a Contact Sheet in ImageBrowser EX

Printing a Contact Sheet in Digital Photo Professional

Part IV: The Part of Tens

Chapter 11: Ten Tips and Tricks

Creating a Custom Menu

Adding Copyright Information to the Camera

Adding Author Name to the Camera

Creating and Registering a Picture Style

Editing Movies in the Camera

Updating Your Camera’s Firmware

Registering Camera User Settings

Restoring Your Camera Settings

Leveling Your Camera

Customizing Your Camera

Chapter 12: Ten (Plus One) Cool Projects

Strutting Your Stuff Online

Uploading Images to your Facebook Page

Creating a Makeshift Tripod

Creating Abstract Images in the Camera

Editing Your Images in Photoshop Elements

Creating Multiple Exposures In-Camera

Creating HDR Images

Going Wireless

Controlling Your Camera with Your Smartphone

Enabling GPS

Mapping Your Day

Appendix: Digital SLR Settings and Shortcuts

Setting the camera

Taking the picture

Troubleshooting

Setting the camera

Taking the picture

Troubleshooting

Setting the camera

Taking the picture

Troubleshooting

Setting the camera

Taking the picture

Troubleshooting

Setting the camera

Taking the picture

Troubleshooting

Cheat Sheet

Introduction

Your Canon EOS 6D is the latest and greatest digital camera on the market — with a stunning 20.2-megapixel capture, Live View, high-definition video, and much more. But all this technology can be a bit daunting, especially if this is your first real digital SLR (single-lens reflex). You no longer have modes like Portrait, Sport, Landscape, and so on. You’ve graduated to the big leagues. All you have to do is master the power you hold in your hands.

I’ve been using Canon digital SLRs since the EOS 10D, and I’ve learned a lot about the cameras since then. In addition to the EOS 6D I’m using to write this book, I also own an EOS 5D MKII and EOS 7D, which has a lot of the features found on your EOS 6D. My goal is to show you how to become one with your camera. I don’t get overly technical in this book, even though your camera is very technical. I also do my best to keep it lively. So if you want to master your EOS 6D, you have the right book in your hands.

About This Book

If you find the buttons and menus on your shiny new EOS 6D a tad intimidating, this book is for you. In the chapters of this book, I take you from novice point-and-shoot photographer to one who can utilize all the bells and whistles your camera offers. You’ll find information about every menu and button on your camera, as well as when to use them, and what settings to use for specific picture-taking situations. I also show you how to use the software that ships with your camera.

Foolish Assumptions

Ah yes. Assume. When broken down to its lowest common denominator . . . Okay, I won’t go there. But as an author, I have to make some assumptions. First and foremost, you should now own, or have on order, a Canon EOS 6D. If you own one of those cute little point-and-shoot Canon cameras, good for you, but this book won’t help you with that camera. You should also have a computer to download your images to. A basic knowledge of photography is also helpful. I know, you probably meet all assumptions. But my editor assumes I’ll put this section in this part of the book.

Conventions Used in This Book

To make life easier, this book has several conventions that are used to identify pertinent information — stuff you should know. So to help you navigate this book easily, I use a few style conventions:

Terms or words that you might be unfamiliar with in the context of photography, I have italicized —and I also define these.

Numbered steps that you need to follow and characters you need to type are set in bold.

Margin art is used to identify camera buttons. When you see one of these icons, it shows you what button to push, or dial to rotate.

The Canon EOS 6D menu has pretty little icons for each tab, but no text to describe what each tab does. I name the tabs to make things easier for you, dear reader, and for my editor and me. You’ll find a table with tab names in Chapter 2.

The Long and Winding Road Ahead

I divide this book into four parts, with each devoted to a specific aspect of your camera. The chapters flow logically from one subject to the next, to take you from shooting in Full Auto mode to becoming a seasoned photographer who knows what mode to choose and what settings to use for taking pictures of specific subjects. You can read the book from cover to cover — or, if you need quick information about a specific topic, peruse the Table of Contents or Index until you find the desired topic. Most of the sections in this book don’t require reading additional material.

The following sections offer a brief overview of each part of the book.

Part I: Getting Started with Your Canon EOS 6D

Part I contains four chapters that help you get up and running with your EOS 6D:

Chapter 1 introduces you to the camera and shows you how to do some basic tasks.

Chapter 2 shows you how to take pictures using the two Automatic modes. I show you how to go fully automatic and how to use the Creative Auto mode.

Chapter 3 shows you how to specify the image format. I show you how to choose JPEG and RAW format, discuss different sizes, and offer my recommendation for the ideal format.

Chapter 4 shows you how to use the LCD monitor for a myriad of purposes. I show you how to review your images, use the histogram, and more.

Part II: Going Beyond Point-and-Shoot Photography

In this part of the book, I cut to the chase and show you how to master the advanced features of your camera.

Chapter 5 shows you how to use Live View mode. I show you how to take pictures with Live View, change Autofocus modes, and more. I also show you how to capture movies with Live View. So you’re live in Chapter 5.

Chapter 6 shows you how to use the Creative shooting modes. In this chapter, I also show you how to modify camera exposure, bracket exposure, and more.

Chapter 7 shows you how to use the advanced features of your camera. I show you how to set ISO, set white balance, and much more. I also show you how to use your EOS 6D with Canon Speedlites.

Chapter 8 shows you how to use your EOS 6D in specific shooting situations. I discuss sport photography, wildlife photography, landscape photography, and more.

Part III: Editing and Sharing Your Images

This part of the book shows you how to organize and edit your images with Canon’s ImageBrowser EX and Digital Photo Professional software.

Chapter 9 introduces you to Canon’s ImageBrowser EX and Digital Photo Professional. I show you how to download and organize your work, plus show you how to do some basic editing tasks.

Chapter 10 shows you how to print your images from ImageBrowser EX and Canon Digital Photo Professional. I also show you how to make contact sheets in both applications.

Part IV: The Part of Tens

The book concludes with two top ten lists, written by yours truly, who happens to have a gap between his teeth like David Letterman, who happens to be famous for his top ten lists. The lists are grouped according to subject matter, and a splendid time is guaranteed for all. And tonight Mr. Kite is topping the bill.

Chapter 11 shows you how to create a custom menu and register your favorite settings. I also show you how to add copyright information to the camera and much more.

Chapter 12 shows you how to create a makeshift tripod, create abstract images, create multiple exposures in camera, and more.

Icons and Other Delights

For Dummies books have icons that indicate important bits of information. You can hopscotch from icon to icon and discover a lot. But when in doubt, read the text associated with the icon. In this book, you find the following icons:

  A Tip icon contains information designed to save you time and, in some instances, your very sanity.

  This icon warns you about something you should not do; something your fearless author has already done and decided it’s not a good thing to do again.

  When you see this icon, it’s the equivalent of a virtual piece of string tied around your finger. This is information you want to commit to memory.

  When you see this icon, it’s for the geeks in the group who like to know all manner of technical stuff.

You’ll also find icons in the margin that show you controls on your camera, and menu tabs.

Shoot Lots of Pictures and Enjoy!

Your EOS 6D is a digital photography powerhouse; use it and use it often. The old adage “practice makes perfect” does apply, though. The only way to become a better photographer and master your equipment is to apply what you know and shoot as many pictures as you can. While you’re working your way through this book, keep your camera close at hand. When your significant other pokes his or her head into the room, grab your camera and start practicing your craft. Take one picture, then another, and another, and so on. With practice, you’ll know your camera like the back of your hand. You’ll also know which rules of photography and composition work for you — and you’ll start to develop your own style. For that matter, you’ll probably amaze yourself, too.

Part I

Visit www.dummies.com for great Dummies content online.

In this part . . .

Get to know the lay of the land and familiarize you with the controls of your EOS 6D.

Find out how to take great pictures automatically as well as how to specify image size and format.

Understand how to get around in the menu.

Learn to master your LCD monitor.

Visit www.dummies.com for great Dummies content online.

1

Exploring Your EOS 6D

In This Chapter

Getting to know the camera controls

Using the LCD panel

Using the viewfinder

Introducing wireless and GPS

Attaching and removing a lens

Using image stabilization

Using a zoom lens

Changing camera settings

Using SD cards

Accessorizing your EOS 6D

The Canon EOS 6D is a camera many people have been waiting for. Combining a full frame sensor in an ergonomic body with other bells and whistles at a fraction of the cost of the Canon EOS 5D MKIII makes this a very desirable camera for photographers who shoot landscapes and want to get the maximum amount of real estate in the frame. This camera has the best features of the cropped-frame sensor cameras such as the EOS 60D and EOS 7D with the new, all-singing all-dancing DIGIC 5 sensor. It doesn’t get any better than this unless you fork over the cold hard cash for an EOS 5D MKIII. And the camera comes with a dual-axis level built into the viewfinder, which means that as long as you use this feature, you never have to deal with a defective horizon line (technical-speak for slanted horizon line) again. The fact that you have this book in your hands means you already know that, but want to master the features of the new camera.