The Canon 90D is a powerful digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera that combines advanced features with user-friendly controls, making it a favorite among both novice photographers and seasoned professionals. If you’ve recently invested in a Canon 90D or are planning to, this guide will take you through the essential steps to effectively use this camera and unlock its full potential.
Understanding Your Canon 90D: Features And Specifications
Before diving into how to use the Canon 90D effectively, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with its key features and specifications. The 90D boasts a 32.5-megapixel APS-C sensor, continuous shooting up to 10 frames per second, and an impressive dual pixel autofocus system, enabling sharp focus even in dynamic situations.
Key Features
- High-Resolution Sensor: The 32.5MP sensor ensures high-quality images with incredible detail.
- Dual Pixel Autofocus: This feature ensures fast and accurate focusing, perfect for both static and moving subjects.
- Vari-Angle Touchscreen Display: The 3-inch LCD screen can be flipped and tilted, making it useful for vlogging and shooting from different angles.
- 4K Video Capabilities: Record high-resolution video at 30fps, ideal for filmmakers and content creators.
- Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Easily transfer your images to mobile devices and control your camera remotely.
Getting Started: Setup And Basic Controls
Once you’ve unboxed your Canon 90D and charged the battery, it’s time to set up the camera for your initial shoot.
Charging And Inserting The Battery
- Charge the Battery: Use the provided charger to fully charge the LP-E6N battery until the indicator light shows a solid green.
- Insert the Battery: Open the battery compartment on the camera and insert it correctly, ensuring it clicks into place.
Attaching The Lens
- Remove the rear lens cap and the body cap from the camera.
- Align the white or red dot on the lens with the corresponding dot on the camera.
- Rotate the lens clockwise until it locks in position.
Powering On And Adjusting The Settings
- Power On: Flip the power switch located on the top right side of the camera body.
- Select Your Language: The camera will prompt you to choose a language. Follow the instructions on the screen.
- Date and Time: Set the date and time for accurate metadata on your images.
Mastering The Camera Modes
The Canon 90D offers a variety of shooting modes that cater to different photography styles and situations. Here’s a quick overview of the primary shooting modes:
Manual Mode (M)
In Manual mode, you control both the aperture and shutter speed, giving you complete creative control. This mode is ideal for experienced photographers who want to manipulate settings to achieve specific effects.
Aperture Priority Mode (Av)
In this mode, you set the aperture while the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed for optimal exposure. Use this mode to create a shallow depth of field (blurry background) or greater depth for landscape photography.
Shutter Priority Mode (Tv)
Choose Shutter Priority mode to set your desired shutter speed while the camera controls the aperture. This is useful for freezing motion or creating motion blur in your images.
Program Mode (P)
Program mode allows the camera to select the aperture and shutter speed while giving you access to other settings like exposure compensation, ISO, and white balance.
Scene Modes
The Canon 90D includes several scene modes like Portrait, Landscape, and Night Portrait. These presets adjust settings based on typical conditions for those scenarios, making it easy for beginners to achieve great results.
Adjusting Your Settings
After selecting a shooting mode, the next step is to adjust your camera settings to suit your shooting environment and style.
ISO Settings
ISO controls your camera’s sensitivity to light. A lower ISO (100-400) is suitable for bright conditions, while a higher ISO (800 and above) is ideal for low-light situations, though it may introduce noise into your images.
Exposure Compensation
Exposure compensation allows you to adjust the brightness of your image, essential for high-contrast scenes. Use the +/- button to increase or decrease exposure in varying lighting conditions.
White Balance
Setting the correct white balance ensures accurate colors in your images. You can choose from presets like Daylight, Shade, or Cloudy, or manually set it according to your environment.
Focus Settings
The Canon 90D features several focus modes, including:
– One-shot AF: Ideal for still subjects.
– AI Servo AF: Perfect for moving subjects; the camera continuously adjusts focus.
– AI Focus AF: Automatically switches between One-shot and AI Servo depending on the subject’s movement.
Using Live View And Video Functionality
The Canon 90D allows you to switch to Live View mode, which is especially useful for vlogging or when shooting from high or low angles.
Activating Live View
- Press the Live View button on the back of the camera.
- Use the touchscreen to adjust settings and recompose your shot as needed.
Video Recording
To shoot video:
1. Set the mode dial to the video camera icon.
2. Adjust your settings, including resolution and frame rate.
3. Press the red record button to begin filming.
Exploring Advanced Features
Once you’ve mastered the basics, explore advanced features to further enhance your photography experience with the Canon 90D.
Custom Shooting Modes
The 90D allows you to save custom settings for quick access. To create a custom mode:
1. Adjust your camera to the desired settings.
2. Go to the menu and select “Custom Shooting Modes” to save your settings.
Using Filters And Effects
Explore in-camera filters such as Grainy Black & White, Soft Focus, and Toy Camera Effect to give your images a unique look without needing post-processing software.
Using The Built-In HDR Mode
For high-contrast scenes, the built-in HDR mode merges three images taken at different exposures to create a single high dynamic range image. Activate this mode in the settings and capture the beauty in challenging lighting.
Post-Shooting Tips: Reviewing And Transferring Images
After a successful photo session, it’s time to review and transfer your images.
Reviewing Images On The Camera
Use the playback button to view images. You can zoom in to assess focus and detail, as well as delete any unwanted images directly from the camera’s menu.
Transferring Images To Your Device
To transfer images to your smartphone or tablet:
1. Enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your camera.
2. Use the Canon Camera Connect app, available for iOS and Android, to establish a connection and transfer images seamlessly.
Conclusion: Perfecting Your Skills With The Canon 90D
Using the Canon 90D camera is an exciting journey that opens up endless possibilities for creativity and expression in photography and videography. By familiarizing yourself with its features, experimenting with various modes, and employing advanced techniques, you will improve your skills and learn to capture stunning images with this versatile camera.
Remember, practice is key to mastering any camera. So grab your Canon 90D, head outside, and start capturing the world through your lens! Happy shooting!
What Are The Key Features Of The Canon 90D?
The Canon 90D boasts several impressive features that cater to both photographers and videographers. With a 32.5-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 8 image processor, it delivers high-resolution images with excellent detail and color accuracy. Additionally, the 90D offers an ISO range of 100-25,600, which can be expanded to 51,200, enabling users to capture images in low-light conditions with minimal noise.
Moreover, the 90D includes a 45-point all cross-type AF system and supports dual pixel autofocus, making it effective for both still photography and video. It also features a 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD that allows for flexible shooting angles, perfect for vlogging or capturing creative perspectives. Other notable features include 10 fps continuous shooting, 4K video recording without a crop, and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy sharing and remote control.
How Can I Improve My Photography Skills Using The Canon 90D?
Improving your photography skills with the Canon 90D involves understanding and utilizing its capabilities fully. Start by familiarizing yourself with the camera’s various shooting modes, such as Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual Mode. Each mode allows for different levels of control over the exposure settings, so learning how and when to use them can significantly enhance your photography.
Additionally, make use of the camera’s customizable settings to tailor it to your shooting style. The 90D offers options for adjusting focus points, exposure compensation, and metering modes, all of which can help you adapt to different shooting conditions. Engage in practice regularly—explore new techniques, experiment with composition, and play around with natural and artificial lighting to see how these elements affect your images.
What Accessories Should I Consider For My Canon 90D?
To maximize the performance of your Canon 90D, several accessories can enhance your shooting experience. A sturdy tripod is essential for capturing stable images, especially during long exposures or in low light situations. Additionally, external lenses can significantly expand your creative capabilities, so investing in different focal lengths—such as a wide-angle lens for landscapes or a telephoto lens for wildlife photography—can greatly enhance the versatility of your camera.
Other useful accessories include a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance colors, as well as extra batteries for extended shooting sessions. A good quality camera bag will protect your gear during transport. Lastly, consider acquiring a camera remote or wireless control app for capturing long exposures or self-portraits without the shake of pressing the shutter button.
How Do I Set Up My Canon 90D For Optimal Performance?
To set up your Canon 90D for optimal performance, start by adjusting the camera’s settings according to your shooting needs. Ensure that the camera is set to the correct file format—Raw, JPEG, or both—based on how much editing you plan to do later. You can also adjust the image quality settings to suit your needs, choosing a higher quality for professional work and a lower resolution for casual shots.
Don’t forget to calibrate the autofocus settings to ensure sharp images, especially if you are shooting fast-moving subjects. Setting the camera’s shooting mode to its most suitable option, considering factors like lighting and subject movement, is essential. Lastly, regularly check for firmware updates from Canon to keep your camera functioning at its best and utilizing the latest features.
What Are Some Common Mistakes To Avoid With The Canon 90D?
When using the Canon 90D, there are several common mistakes that beginners often encounter. One of the most frequent is not fully exploring the camera’s capabilities; many users tend to stick with auto mode, missing out on the benefits of manual or semi-manual modes that allow for more creative control. Additionally, not taking the time to understand the camera’s settings can lead to missed opportunities for capturing the desired image quality and exposure.
Another mistake is neglecting to check the lens and camera hygiene, which can result in dust spots or smudges on your images. Remember to keep a lens cleaning kit handy, and make it a habit to clean your lenses regularly. Lastly, avoid relying solely on the camera’s built-in metering. Instead, familiarize yourself with advanced exposure techniques, such as using histogram analysis, to ensure balanced and well-exposed photographs.
Can The Canon 90D Be Used For Video Recording?
Yes, the Canon 90D is well-equipped for video recording, making it a versatile choice for both hobbyist and professional videographers. It supports 4K video recording at up to 30 frames per second (fps) without any crop, which is a significant advantage for capturing high-quality footage. This feature is particularly appealing for those shooting vlogs, tutorials, or cinematic projects. Additionally, the camera also supports Full HD recording at 60 fps, allowing for smooth motion capture.
For optimal video performance, the dual pixel autofocus system of the 90D provides fast and accurate focus tracking, which is essential for moving subjects or dynamic scenes. Moreover, the vari-angle touchscreen LCD allows for creative angles during filming, whether you’re vlogging or capturing unique shots. Using external microphones can also enhance audio quality, making the Canon 90D a comprehensive tool for video production.