11 Best Entry Level DSLR Cameras in 2021

By Gabor Holtzer 

Many new photographers don’t have the budget or need for the most professional camera systems. Especially since some of these can cost thousands of dollars.

Entry-level cameras provide photographers the chance to capture amazing scenes without breaking the bank. After all, it’s all about the person and not the camera.

Here’s our list of the best entry-level DSLR cameras in 2021.

 

What Is an Entry Level DSLR?

A DSLR is a digital single reflex camera. This type of camera uses one lens to view the scene and capture it on the sensor. It does this by using a mirror that changes it from viewing to capturing.

DSLRs can range from $400 for the Canon Rebel T6 to $6,500 for the Canon EOS-1DX Mark III. The former is an entry-level camera, while the latter is a professional DSLR.

There is a world of difference between these systems, but they have the same basic functions. Both cameras have a digital sensor, the same exposure triangle settings and other basic functions, such as autofocus, burst shooting, and mirror lockup.

Where they differ is the extent of these functions.

There are smaller learning curves with entry-level DSLR cameras because their settings and features are limited. But as I said, the basics are the same across every digital camera.

Warning – Don’t Buy the Bundle

When it comes to searching for an entry-level DSLR camera, we really want you to heed the following warning: Don’t go for the bundle package.

There’s a reason we link and show photos of the camera without any extra stuff, and particularly lenses. This is because the lenses that come with the camera are usually not great.

These lenses are what we call ‘kit-lenses’ and are of lower quality than other lenses, traditionally. Modern kit lenses are much better, but still often don’t give you the best experience. Of course, there are great kit lenses, but they usually come with more expensive camera bodies.

As for options one step above the ‘kit’ level, a few options come to mind. On the Canon side, the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is a cost-effective option offering a great image. Nikon offers the excellent 16-80mm f/2.8-4 DX lens, although that’s quite a bit more expensive. There are fantastic third-party options, too, such as the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 (Canon version).

With a bundle, you get a lot of junk that you won’t need. Because of this, these bundles are actually overpriced. The items are of low quality, and perhaps items you don’t need or never use. If you need memory cards and bags, source them individually. You’ll save money and get what you actually want.

You might find discounted kits which are actually cheaper than the camera body alone; if this is the case, go for it, of course.

Now, let’s see our favourite entry-level DSLR options from the four manufacturers that still produce them.

Canon

1. Canon EOS Rebel T7i

• 24.2 Megapixels
• 1.18 lbs
• APS-C sensor (Cropped Sensor)
• Built-in WiFi & Bluetooth
• High-Speed continuous shooting at up to 6 fps
• 45 AF points
• Vari-angle touch LCD
• 25,600 ISO range

The Canon EOS Rebel T7i, otherwise known as the EOS 800D has all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a Canon DSLR. It comes with a 24-Megapixel sensor, dual-pixel AF and even a tilt-flip touchscreen.

The viewfinder shares the same 45-point autofocus system from the 77D, making it a pretty good contender for sports photography. This also matches with the possible 6 fps.

This camera shares most of the same specifications as the T6i. The resolution is the same, the weight is similar and they both have WiFi built-in, alongside a vari-angle LCD screen.

The advantages with the T7i is the advanced technology, the longer usage time and the slightly faster burst rate. These come at a higher cost of around $150.

This is one of the best DSLRs at entry-level available, and possibly the best that Canon digital cameras have to offer in this list.

2. Canon EOS 70D

• 20.2 Megapixels
• 1.7 lbs
• APS-C sensor (Cropped Sensor)
• Built-in WiFi
• High-Speed continuous shooting at up to 7 fps
• 19-point Autofocus
• Vari-angle touch LCD
• 25,600 ISO range

The Canon EOS 70D is the most expensive option among their entry-level DSLR range. It’s actually an older midrange model, which slowly descended into more affordable territories. It’s almost 7 years old now, but we still consider it to be a great digital camera.

It has a resolution of 20.2 megapixels. Its autofocus system is one of the first implementations of the Dual Pixel technology. This means each pixel is split into two separate readable photodiodes, which face left and right.

This means that, in principle, it is capable of phase detection autofocus. This feature works across 80% of the frame, down to 0 Exposure Values and up to f/11. All these attributes make this a very capable autofocus system.

Other attributes are the 7 frames per second and the Digic 5+ processor that was first seen in the beast we know as 5D Mark III.

Video mode is accessible with the flick of a lever. The camera provides continuous autofocus tracking during live view and video recording.

The 70D bridges the gap between entry-level and professional cameras. There are many similarities between the 70D and Canon’s 6D and 7D lines.

It has the separate top LCD for showing exposure parameters even when the main LCD screen is turned off. It has two control dials, making manual operation a lot easier.

Its function buttons are laid out next to the top LCD, which makes it quicker to operate blindly. You can concentrate on getting the image and what happens in the viewfinder.

So, if you’re planning to upgrade but don’t yet have the budget, it might be the perfect option.

3. Canon EOS Rebel SL3

• 24.2 Megapixels
• 1 lb
• APS-C sensor (Cropped Sensor)
• Built-in WiFi & Bluetooth
• High-Speed continuous shooting at up to 5 fps
• 9 AF points
• Vari-angle touch LCD
• 4K video

The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 boasts a great deal. It has Dual Pixel autofocus, WiFi with NFC and Bluetooth. It even comes with a new interface, making it more accessible to beginners.

Its small size might be misleading, but as the Nikon D3500’s main competitor, it is just a tad smaller and lighter. The less weight is a welcome feature, perfect for long hikes and country hopping.

Compared to the SL1, it’s almost the same. Except here you get better focusing in live view. In terms of the Canon Rebel T7i, you do get more, but for a higher price.

If you don’t need the extra autofocus points, stick with this model. It will capture scenes excellently without breaking the bank.

In live view mode, you can use the excellent eye detection Canon has added to Dual Pixel systems. 4K video recording lets you capture memories in higher resolution than ever before in an SL camera.

4. Canon EOS Rebel T6i

• 24.2 Megapixels
• 1.22 lbs
• APS-C sensor (Cropped Sensor)
• Built-in WiFi
• High-Speed continuous shooting at up to 5 fps
• 19 AF points
• Vari-angle touch LCD
• 25,600 ISO range

The Canon EOS Rebel T6i was the newer version of the Rebel T5i, adding more megapixels, a slightly faster burst capacity, and 10 more phase-detection points to its autofocus system.

Also coming with this system is the addition of WiFi and Near Field Communication (NFC).

Here, you’ll find the Hybrid CMOS AF III. Canon claims that the performance of the Hybrid CMOS III is close to that of the original Dual Pixel AF found in the 70D and 7D II.

It’s a great camera to use. The image quality is excellent, and it performs well in low light situations, making it one of the best entry-level DSLRs out there.

 

Nikon

1. Nikon D5600

• 24.2 Megapixels
• 1.04 lbs
• APS-C (Cropped Sensor)
• Built-in WiFi & Bluetooth
• High-Speed continuous shooting at up to 5 fps
• 39-point Autofocus
• Vari-angle touch LCD
• 25,600 ISO range

The first thing you will notice about this miniature beast is its lightweight body. It is also very connected, having WiFi and Bluetooth built into the camera.

As we look across these entry-level cameras, we see they are very similar. The most important thing that really separates the Nikon D5600 from the Nikon D5300 is the addition of Snapbridge.

Otherwise, this is an incremental, but useful update.

Snapbridge, if this is a new term for you, is Nikon’s answer to syncing the images you capture with your DSLR to other devices, such as a smartphone or tablet.

The image quality is excellent, and in terms of the high ISO range, it is one of the best in our list. It keeps the quality high even in the lowest light situations.

Its dynamic range is outstandingly wide, market-leading in the entry-level segment.

For the Nikon range, this is one of the best cameras for excellent image quality.

2. Nikon D3500

• 24.2 Megapixels
• 0.86 lbs (without battery)
• APS-C sensor (Cropped Sensor)
• Built-in WiFi & Bluetooth
• High-Speed continuous shooting at up to 5 fps
• 11-point Autofocus
• Vari-angle LCD
• 25,600 ISO range

The Nikon D3500 is the update on the Nikon D3400. It is specifically made for those first-time photographs with no experience of ILC (Interchangeable Lens Cameras).

The difference here is the Snapbridge connectivity across devices using built-in Bluetooth. The battery life increased, but they scrapped the Ultrasonic sensor cleaning.

In terms of competition, this is a very similar Nikon version of the Canon T6i. The one thing that does set them apart is the battery life. The Nikon can capture 3 times more images on a single charge on paper, although the difference is smaller in real life.

This camera is great for travel or any field of photography where you’ll need to hold your camera for extended periods of time. It doesn’t even weigh 1lb, so your arms and back will thank you for it.

3. Nikon D5500

• 24.2 Megapixels
• 1.4 lbs (with lens)
• APS-C (Cropped Sensor)
• Built-in WiFi
• High-Speed continuous shooting at up to 6 fps
• 39-point Autofocus
• Vari-angle touch LCD
• 25,600 ISO range

The D5500 falls between the D5300 and the D5600 in terms of age and features, but also price. It also has the competitive WiFi feature built-in, and a usual 39 point autofocus and 25,600 ISO range.

These settings are usually in this area of entry-level cameras. It does have a solid noise reduction capability and is smaller and lighter than the Nikon D5300, also on this list.

How did they manage to make it lighter? Instead of polycarbonate, this camera uses a carbon fiber composite. It’s a great camera to use. One of the reasons for this is the curved grip, making it easier to hold.

Although it utilizes a pentamirror rather than the brighter and clearer pentaprism, you won’t notice any problems with this easy-going system.

4. Nikon D5300

• 24.1 Megapixels
• 1.05 lbs
• APS-C sensor (Cropped Sensor)
• Built-in WiFi
• High-Speed continuous shooting at up to 5 fps
• 39-point Autofocus
• Vari-angle LCD
• 25,600 ISO range

The benefit of having an entry-level camera is its ease of use. There is no need to have all the bells and whistles if you aren’t going to use them. They’ll just hinder your learning curve as a hobbyist photographer.

With the Nikon D5300, you get a very competitive range of features and settings. These are the 39 autofocus points, the 25,600 ISO range, and the 24-megapixel resolution.

The difference with this system is the added GPS. This makes it easy to reference your images, especially with Lightroom’s map module.

While this is not the newest generation of the Nikon 5X00 series, it’s still a viable choice if you’re on a slightly lower budget.

 

 

Pentax

1. Pentax K-70

• 24.2 Megapixels
• 1.5 lbs
• APS-C (Cropped Sensor)
• Built-in WiFi
• High-Speed continuous shooting at up to 6 fps
• 11-point Autofocus
• Vari-angle LCD
• 102.400 ISO range

There is a lot to like about this camera. Its incredibly high ISO range, faster frames-per-second than other entry-level DSLR cameras and image stabilization are among them.

There is a function where the camera automatically detects a slanted horizon and corrects it. On top of this, there is a pixel shift function. Here, the camera takes four images to produce one huge photograph. This will give you a high-resolution image without having to invest thousands of dollars into top-notch specialised gear. You need a tripod to fully use this feature, though.

Image stabilization allows you to shoot sharp images in darker conditions than usual, by reducing the movement caused by your own hands.

The body is splash-proof and can be used in inclement weather conditions.

The K-70 has two unique buttons to Pentax cameras. On the top is a green button that switches functions back to their default settings.

On the left-hand side, the camera offers a button that allows the user to toggle between JPEG and Raw mode. The camera offers two Raw formats: Pentax’s own “PEF” format and Adobe’s “DNG” format.

2. Pentax KS-2

• 20 Megapixels
• 1.49 lbs (with lens)
• APS-C (Cropped Sensor)
• Built-in WiFi
• High-Speed continuous shooting at up to 5.4 fps
• 45-point Autofocus
• Vari-angle LCD
• 51,200 ISO range

You might only be aware of Canon and Nikon DSLRs. Yet, Pentax makes a few really great entry-level DSLRs that might surprise you.

The Pentax KS-2 is an all-weather camera. This means you can embrace the elements with landscape and adventure photography, without worrying about your device.

Image stabilisation counteracts hand movement and ensures sharper images when shooting handheld.

It is compact, yet is slightly heavier than the other entry-level DSLRs. Some people prefer that, as the weight makes it easier to grip, hold and shoot with.

It offers excellent quality and decent performance for its class. The biggest area you will find that sets itself apart is its extended ISO range of a maximum 51,200. This is perfect for low light situations.

If you’re a fan of vintage manual lenses, a Pentax camera is a great option you. Pentax has kept the same lens mount for many decades now, allowing intercompatibility with old lenses.

 

Sony

Sony Alpha a68

• 24 Megapixels
• 1.34 lbs
• APS-C (Cropped Sensor)
• No Built-in WiFi
• High-Speed continuous shooting at up to 8 fps
• 79-point Autofocus
• Vari-angle LCD
• 25,600 ISO range

The a68 is technically not a DSLR, but in many aspects, such as size and weight, it’s similar to one. However, it has an electronic viewfinder instead of an optical one.

What you’ll find with this system is a 24 megapixel cropped sensor. It gives you a 79-point autofocus selection, and a frame rate of 8 shots a second.

These two settings make this camera great for fast-moving subjects that vary in distances from the camera.

This camera has lots of dials and buttons, making it easy to flip between the settings you need. Everything is viewed from the display panel, which can illuminate when dark.

Most of these buttons are customizable, allowing you to make the most of your device.

You won’t find WiFi or a touch screen – but these are bonus points and not necessary for amazing photography.

At this price, you’d be hard pushed to find another camera system that has this many advantages. If you don’t mind the electronic viewfinder on this mirrorless camera, this camera is for you.

Like anything else in photography, your camera needs to reflect your field and involvement.

There are many DSLRs on the market across 4 or 5 different manufacturers. they come in a range of prices, suited to attracting hobbyists and professionals alike.

Many of them are very similar across different specifications. They all create a 20-24 MP image, all have a cropped sensor, come with WiFi as standard and have different ISO range, but similar low-light capabilities.

Looking at this list, we see the specifications that are better and worse than the camera’s competitors. This is a good place to start, as it shows you the strengths and weaknesses of each system.

You will no doubt have an idea in mind of what you plan on doing with your camera. For me, being a live gig and musician photographer, a high ISO range is a must.

Due to this reason, I’m more likely to go for the Pentax cameras.

If you are looking to capture moving objects, then Sony is your best bet. This Alpha a68 system will capture 8 fps, 20% faster than its competitors.

For those who will spend long times outdoors, such as travel or street photographers, a weighty camera is a no-no. Here, you are more likely to go for the Nikon D3500 as it weighs less than 1 lb.

If budget is a big issue, then the cheapest entry-level DSLR camera will be your best bet. Many photographers will tell you that your money is better spent on lenses rather than camera bodies and sensors.

All of these cameras as identical in that they allow you to produce high-quality images for both print and web use.

Feeling lost and want to know more before buying? 

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Brave the Cold: Winter Landscape Photography Tricks

Tags:  Photography for Beginners, Landscape, Cabin Fever

 

By Hillary Grigonis  

This post will show you how to capture amazing winter landscape shots and relieve that cabin fever.

Winter brings sub-zero temperatures, the threat of frostbite, and red noses. And amazing winter landscape photos. All you need are a few winter landscape photography tips.

 

Photographing Winter Landscapes: The Gear

For winter landscapes, you’ll need the same gear that you would in the summer. Your camera, a wide-angle lens and, for long exposures, a tripod.

But there are a few specific winter gear tips. You’ll want to dress in warm layers and add a few more items to your bag:

• Gloves – The best photography gloves for shooting winter landscapes must allow you easy access to all the buttons and dials. Working your camera with mittens is next to impossible. My favorite option is using a pair of fingerless gloves with a mitten cover.
• An extra battery – Cold weather wreaks havoc on lithium-ion batteries. I always carry a spare battery. The only times I’ve ever needed it was when the temperatures dropped below 20°F (-7°C). Also, keep your spare in your pocket! It prevents the cold from draining your back-up too.
• A small towel – If there’s snow falling, your camera is going to get wet. Bring a dry towel to wipe off the front of the lens.
• Other accessories – Filters like a polarizer or neutral density filter are also helpful. Polarizers will make the sky appear blue, while neutral density filters allow for long exposures.

Photographing Winter Landscapes: The Steps

8. Plan Ahead

Planning ahead will help you avoid spending unnecessary time in the cold weather.

Watch the weather to find a fresh coat of snow rather than brown slush. Ice storms can make great winter landscapes as well.

The best time to shoot is often early. This is before the wind has knocked the snow off the trees and before the sun has a chance to melt the frost. Earlier shoots also mean a low sun. This creates a soft orange glow.

On the flip-side, if you shoot with the sun in the sky, you may risk losing the frost. But it tends to make the sky appear bluer than early morning.

Winter landscape photography needs a little planning for great images. You want to capture the snowy landscape any way you can, so a little work goes a long way.

7. Tread Carefully — and Keep Your Gear Protected

On the scene, avoid that over-eager need to traipse around the winter wonderland. You’ll mar the fresh snow with footprints. Do explore, but make sure to shoot as you explore. Choose your path carefully to keep unwanted footprints out.

As you trek out, remember to keep your batteries warm and your camera cold. Keeping the spare battery in your pocket gives you a backup. It’s likely your other one gets too cold from the winter weather.

Moving a camera from warm to cold temperatures will also create condensation. This may even freeze on the lens. Keep your camera in your bag until you are outside to avoid that initial condensation. And don’t breathe on the front of the lens.

6. Set Your Exposure — but Don’t Rely on the Meter

A digital camera’s built-in meter uses color to estimate proper exposure. When everything is covered in white, your camera thinks the scene is brighter than it is. Left alone, a camera on auto mode or a manual shot set exactly to the meter is going to look a little dark.

If you’re comfortable in manual mode or a semi-manual mode like aperture priority, great. Let the meter guide you using the spot metering mode, then overexpose a bit.

Take a test shot to check the exposure and continue adjusting from there.

Another option is to use exposure bracketing. Allow your camera to take three different exposures in a row. This will increase your chances of getting the proper exposure.

Remember, use a larger f-number to keep more of the scene sharp. Or a smaller number to create more background blur.

Shutter speed only comes into play when shooting landscape photography if you’re trying out long exposure. But during the wintertime, you shouldn’t ignore shutter speed.

If snow is falling, a fast shutter speed will freeze those flakes. A slow shutter speed will create streaks of snow. Neither one is right or wrong. It’s important to recognize the final effect and determine what look is right for your shot.

Not a manual shooter yet? I encourage learning exposure settings. But if you haven’t crossed that bridge yet, use exposure compensation to brighten up the image.

This control is adjusted by pressing a +/- button and turning the control dial on a majority of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.

5. Set Your White Balance

Exposure isn’t the only setting thrown off by all that white. White balance (ironically) is often affected as well. There are a couple of ways to ensure you can get a proper white balance.

You can choose the cloudy day preset or manually set the white balance using all that white already in the scene. Or you can use a white balance card.

To make any white balance errors easy to fix later (as well as small exposure errors), adjust the file setting to Raw. This will give you more control over the edits, including easy tweaks to the white balance.

The winter season brings snowfall. This can make it difficult to capture a correct exposure and white balance.

4. Look for Light

With a coating of snow over every surface, nature is going to catch your eye. Armed with the right exposure and white balance settings, let the ambient or available light guide your composition.

Sunlight makes snowflakes sparkle. Let yourself be drawn in by that sparkle as you shoot. Try backlighting, or shooting with the sun behind the subject. This makes snowy foliage pop.

Shooting on a cloudy day means you have free reign of the scene. Look for patterns and lines to inspire your shots. With white on the ground and covering every surface, look for contrast or a pop of color. This is a great way to add interest to a winter landscape.

Shots that show seasons converging — like snow on a flower or a colorful leaf — also make great subjects. Wait for the winter snow, and capture it with anything from a DSLR camera to an iPhone.

Light shouldn’t be a problem for winter day scenes in terms of availability. You’ll get a lot of reflected light from the white reflective surface of the snowfall.

3. Focus

Just like the meter works on color, most camera’s autofocus systems rely on contrast. If you are shooting a snow owl in a snowstorm, the scene will have very little contrast. Same goes for a snowman in a snowfall.

To help get a sharp focus, use single-point autofocus mode. Place the point on your subject. Or for a more traditional landscape with a majority of the image in focus, place the focal point a third of the way into the scene.

Only use continuous autofocus if you are photographing a moving subject, like wildlife.

In the trickiest scenes, you may need to use manual focus. But most of the time, using single-point autofocus helps the camera find focus even with limited contrast.

2. Shoot — and Adjust

Once you’ve settled on your composition, shoot — and then troubleshoot. Check the LCD for the most common winter landscape issues. These include exposure, white balance, and focus.

• Too light? Decrease the exposure or exposure compensation.
• Too dark? Increase exposure or exposure compensation.
• Snow blue — or yellow? Adjust your white balance.
• Image lacking contrast? Make sure your lens isn’t fogging or adjust your composition.
• Is the subject too soft? Make sure you are using single-point autofocus, and if necessary, try manual focus.

1. Warm Up and Edit

After you’ve finished shooting, make sure you dry off your camera before putting it away. Tucking a camera or lens with condensation on it back into your bag can damage your gear.

Grab a hot chocolate or mug of tea to unfreeze your fingers. It’s time to use your favorite editing program to tweak your shots.

You can perfect that tricky exposure and white balance with software. This post has so far shown you how to take the proper steps while shooting to get the shot as close as possible.

Winter landscapes can often also use a contrast boost. Rather than boosting with the contrast option, lighten the highlights and whites. Then darken the shadows and darks. This will add more pop to your photo.

While white may be the most prominent color in a winter landscape, don’t ignore color edits. White balance can be further fine-tuned not for accuracy, but to create a mood. Adding a hint of blue makes the image feel colder, for example.

Adjusting the luminance values of a single color can also help give the image a specific feel. Particularly if you used color to guide your composition.

For example, in the photo of the evergreen, I lightened the greens for a softer, lighter look. I used the Hue Saturation Luminance or HSL panel in Lightroom.

Photographing winter landscapes is a great way to spend those cold months. You can capture stunning views of a white wonderland. And you’ll relieve cabin fever while keeping your photography skills fresh.

Cameras will act differently in the winter, so proper preparation is necessary. Understanding how the snow affects factors like metering, white balance and focus is essential to making that cold trek worth those numb fingers.

Grab a pair of good gloves, several layers, and your camera — and go create that winter landscape.

 

 

 

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What Is Blue Hour Photography and How to Take Advantage of It

Tags: Photography for Beginners, Blue Hour, Horizon Line, Photoshoot

 

By Kav Dadfar

By Jenn Mishra 

 

When Is Blue Hour?

The sun has dipped a certain amount below the horizon. The sky picks up a cool, crisp blue colour before it gets too dark or what we refer to as night.

If it is a clear day, it wouldn’t be unusual to also see some pink/red colour near the horizon line as well. A night sky is darker and occurs after the blue hour and is very different.

But whilst it’s called the blue hour, it doesn’t actually last an hour. In fact, on average, it lasts around 20 to 40 minutes but can be even shorter.

Exactly how long the blue hour lasts on any given day will vary depending on the season and where you are in the world. The good news is that there are a ton of websites and apps that give you information on blue hour quickly and easily.

 

Plan Your Blue Hour Photography Shoot

The downside of blue hour photography is that you only have a short window to capture your images. So unless you are prepared, you may end up missing the shot you wanted to take.

As with any photoshoot, planning is vital. Your starting point should be what you are actually going to photograph. Is it a cityscape? Is it a famous landmark?

Once you know what you are going to be photographing, you can begin to plot a few shot locations on a map. Using Google Maps street view, you can check your location to ensure that your view isn’t going to be obstructed.

You can also check that there is actually going to be somewhere for you to be able to take the photo from. It’s disappointing to go to a location only to find when you get there that it involves standing on train lines.

You are not going to have time to travel vast distances, so keep your shot locations to a few around the same place.

Don’t forget to also check and make a note of the time that blue hour will occur on that day. Apps like The Photographer’s Ephemeris give valuable information like the direction of light at different times of the day.

Essential Gear for Blue Hour Photography

The one vital piece of equipment you will need for blue hour photography will be a tripod. You will not be able to hold the camera steady enough to capture sharp photos at slow shutter speeds.

For anything below 1/100 of a second shutter speed, I will use a tripod if possible. The slowest shutter speed I would try to handhold a camera would be 1/60 of a second At slow shutter speeds, even the smallest movement will cause camera shake. This will make your photo look blurred.

The only way around this will be to raise your ISO setting, which will, in turn, mean more noise in your photos. So if you want to capture the best possible blue hour photograph, make sure you pack your tripod.

Another item which you may find useful for blue hour photography is a remote shutter release. This means that you won’t have to touch the camera when taking a photo. This again reduces the chance of camera shake.

If you don’t have a remote shutter release, fear not as you can set your camera on a timer. When you press the shutter button, it will wait a couple of seconds before a photo is taken.

You can also use different types of filters when shooting during the blue hour. Neutral Density and Polarising filters are great ways to improve your long exposures or enhance the sky.

Other than a tripod and a remote shutter release you won’t need anything else. Remember that long exposure photography uses more battery power, so pack spares.

Arrive Early but Be Patient

As we have already discussed, you have a short window to capture photos during the blue hour. So make sure you arrive early at your location to give you time to scout the area.

You might have planned your shoot and looked at Google Maps, but things could have changed. For example, there might now be building works which show up in your shot. Or you may actually find a better spot for a photo than the one you had planned.

Once you have a final set of locations in your mind, run through the shots in your head and take some test photos. This will help you work out your composition before the time comes to take the actual photo.

Once you have done this, it is time to wait for the blue hour. You might be waiting a while as the blue hour doesn’t occur straight after sunset. Right now, the blue hour at my location will start approximately 45 minutes after sunset.

So don’t make the mistake of taking a few photos after the sun has gone down and going home. Hopefully, you remembered to check the blue hour times and you are already aware of when it will occur.

Choose Your Settings

Blue hour photography gives you some flexibility in what settings you choose. They will depend on what type of photo you are taking.

When photographing a city skyline, you’ll want both the foreground and background sharp. In other words, your depth of field (f-number) will determine your settings.

You should start at around f/8 and work your way up depending on what you need. The higher the f-number, the slower the shutter speed you will need. It’s at slow shutter speeds that you will also begin to see things like light trails from cars. However, don’t go crazy with a narrow aperture as you’ll encounter lens diffraction (over f/22 in most case).

If you want to freeze the action and make sure people and or cars are sharp, you will need a faster shutter speed. Depending on how fast the movement is, you may need to set your shutter speed as fast as 1/200 of a second or even faster.

The low light during the blue hour means you will have a lower f-number such as f/4 but even that might not be enough. Also, you might need to raise your ISO to be able to have a fast enough shutter speed to freeze the action.

As you can see there are many options for you for blue hour photography. It all depends on what your vision for the final blue hour photo is.

Lock-up the Mirror to Reduce Blur

If you are using a DSLR camera, you’ll need to lock-up the mirror. If you are using a mirrorless camera, you can skip this step.

You may not know that when you press the shutter button on your camera, a mechanical process takes place. The shutter opens and a small mirror in the back of the camera flips over. This mechanical process is so fast that when you are photographing using a fast shutter speed it is not noticed by the camera.

But in low light photography, this process can cause a small vibration. This movement can make your image look blurred. This is a common rookie mistake when photographing in low light and blue hour conditions.

The good news is that you can avoid it with a simple solution.

In all DSLR cameras, there will be an option in the menu to “lock mirror”. This flips the mirror and holds it in place until you change it again in the settings. This eliminates the camera shake from the mirror and means your photos won’t be blurred.

Another option is to set your camera to “live view” mode which also flips and locks the mirror.

Inside of DSLR camera with mirror locked. Credit: Dreamstime

Experiment to Capture Unique Photos

It’s important to work quickly due to the limited time of the blue hour. But you should still try to experiment as well. Blue hour photography gives you the opportunity to capture some unique photos. But to do so, you have to be willing to look beyond the obvious scene in front of you.

Experiment with different angles, like setting your camera very low on the ground. Try different shutter speeds. See how that affects the composition by introducing light trails and movement. You could even try zooming in or out whilst the photo is being taken for a surreal effect.

If you work quickly and have planned well, you should have time to experiment.

Atmospheric London street scene photographed during the blue hour. Photo by Kav Dadfar

Don’t Forget Post-Production

Blue hour photos benefit from at least some level of post-production.

It could be as little as just straightening and cropping. Or more extensive elements such as boosting contrast, saturation, vibrancy. Even retouching can help enhance the photo.

Ensure that your photos are straight, with correct white balance and blemish or dust-free. How much post-production you do depends on your preference and the photograph.

Always remember that the key to good post-production is subtlety. Too much, and it will look fake and negatively impact the photo.

To learn all about post-production in Lightroom, try our Effortless Editing course.

Post-production on-screen interface. Editing blue hour photograph. Photo by Kav Dadfar

Beautiful blue hour photographs are captivating in colour and light.

A good blue hour photograph wouldn’t look amiss hanging on a living room wall or as a double-page spread in a magazine.

The great thing about blue hour photography is that it is also one of the easier scenarios to photograph. Composing and taking the photo is easier without harsh shadows or bright sunshine.

But as with all types of photography, you have to ensure you plan well and are willing to put the effort in. If you’re willing to get out there and capture this magical blue hour, you will no doubt be pleased with the results.

 

 

 

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How to Care for Your Photography Equipment in Cold Weather

Tags: Photography for Beginners, Winter Photography

By David Shaw

 

Protecting your equipment for winter photography is essential. After all, you don’t want to ruin all that expensive camera gear.
I live in Fairbanks, Alaska. That’s about 65 degrees north latitude, or just a little over a degree south of the Arctic Circle. We are deep in the interior of this most northern of US states, far from the temperature-mellowing presence of the maritime areas.
My point is this: it gets cold here. Not just chilly, “I need to put on a sweater” kind of weather, but honest-to-god, bone-chilling, spit freezes before it hits the ground, kind of cold.
Yearly, our little northern city will reach temperatures colder than -40F (-40C). We will go for weeks at a time where, even during the day, our temperatures do not climb above -20F (-29C).

You might think that I wouldn’t even want to step outside in conditions like that, let alone take all my equipment out to take winter photography. But, you’d be wrong.
The light during the short days of winter is absolutely sublime. The sun never rises far above the horizon and the low-angle, warm-toned light is often too much for me to resist.
Winter is also the time that the aurora borealis dances overhead, during our long nights. Frequently, I will spend hours out, alone, in the dark and cold, photographing a display of northern lights.

To venture out in those conditions for any length of time, you and your winter photography gear need to be prepared.
You need the right clothes to keep yourself warm, and you need to make sure your camera equipment is ready too.

Winter Photography Clothing

Two students on one of my aurora photography workshops model the right kind of clothing 

for a cold night out photographing the northern lights.

You’ve got to dress right. It doesn’t matter what the light is doing if you get frostbite on your fingers, and can’t operate the camera. When dressed for extreme winter photography, I feel a bit like an onion, wrapped in layer upon layer.
From inside to outside my system goes like this:

• long underwear;
• fleece or wool sweater and pants;
• down or synthetic vest;
• 800 fill down jacket with hood;
• windproof Thinsulate pants;
• two pairs of thick wool socks topped by expedition quality winter boots;
• a musher’s style hat complete with ear flaps;
• a balaclava or face mask;
• thin nimble gloves with a pair of expedition over-mitts dangling from wrist straps.

Lastly, I’ll often throw a couple of chemical hand-warmers into my jacket pockets. When temperatures drop to -40F, it’s best not to mess around.

Camera Batteries

Keeping a camera operating in the cold can be one of the biggest challenges to winter photography when the mercury drops. Cold temperatures increase the internal resistance in a battery, limiting how much electricity it can discharge.
On a warm day, a battery can dump all of its available power, but when it drops down to 0F (-18C), you may only get 50% of the available power. At -40, it’s a relatively small fraction.
In other words, much less time to shoot before your battery gives up the ghost.
The solution is pretty easy: carry multiple batteries. I keep at least a couple of spares in an inside pocket, where they will stay warm. When one dies, I swap it out for a warm battery.
By alternating back and forth, you can really extend the life of the battery, and keep shooting hours longer than you would otherwise be able to.

The more power hungry your camera, the more batteries you will need. I’ve recently switched from Canon to Sony and Lumix, and one of the things I miss is the long battery life of my Canon DSLRs.
With the comparatively small batteries of the Sony and power-hungry mirrorless system, I have to carry twice the batteries, maybe more, as I did with Canon. My Lumix however, despite also being mirrorless, has a larger battery and a much longer life than the Sony.
My point is, even really good cameras have their limitations. You need to know your gear, and plan for it. I can work with a shorter battery life as long as I have spares available.

Camera Mechanics in the Cold

Within your camera’s manual, you’ll usually find a temperature range within which it is designed to work. Never does that range include some of the conditions in which I frequently work. Yet, despite shooting for many hours at a time in temps as low as -45F, I’ve never had a camera seize up.
However, I have had students, on aurora photo workshops, experience that. Frequently this is a battery issue, just not enough juice to drive the shutter and other mechanic parts of the camera. But occasionally it’s a deeper problem.

On a workshop a year or two ago, a client’s Nikon DSLR completely seized. Nothing worked. No shutter, no focus, nothing. The screen on the back flickered with a warning code, and then died.
When a fresh, warm battery refused to bring it back to life, we packed it in for the evening. After a night stored safely in a dry bag (see below) he turned it on. The camera popped to life, no worse for wear.
When shooting in the most brutal occasions, sometimes you may just need to stop and warm up your gear. Your gear will likely suffer no ill effects.

Bad Breath

This is what happens if you bring a cold camera indoors unprotected by a plastic bag. The lens and camera body are completely covered in frost.

Cold temperatures require you to be careful not just with your batteries, but also with how you handle it. The cold comes with other risks. One in particular, can ruin your day of photography, and that is – watch your breath. I mean it.
A mistimed, warm, humid, breath will condense on your lens, resulting in a layer of milky frost on the glass. It doesn’t matter how much money you spend on your lenses, no amount of sharpness will make up for that kind of damage. Wiping at it usually just smudges it more, and defrosting it inside (see below), can take hours.
Watch where you breathe, if you turn your camera around to check lens settings, don’t exhale. I also usually wear a neck gaiter or balaclava that I pull up over my mouth and nose. When wearing a mask, with your mouth covered, your breath is directed up, where it frosts on your eyelashes instead of your camera.

Use That Lens Cap

Breath is the usual culprit of fogged lenses, but when shooting at night, there is always the chance that natural frost will form. To avoid this, use your lens cap when you aren’t shooting. If you are walking from one location to another, taking a break, or searching for a new composition, put the cap back on your lens.
When I’m out shooting the aurora at night, my cap is on my lens, even if I’m just walking a short distance to a new shooting location.

Back Indoors

Last, and perhaps most importantly, is the return indoors. You know how on a hot day, your cold beer glass gathers condensation? Ever watched how those drips can form and run down the bottle, pooling in a messy ring on the hard-wood table?
Imagine that happening to your camera gear. It can, and it will.

If you bring a camera indoors that you’ve been using in cold temperatures, the equipment will be cold. After a frigid night photographing the aurora borealis, an unprotected cameras will grow frost crystals in seconds after coming inside.
This condensation can wreak havoc with the camera’s electronics, and cause moisture to build up and fog in the internal workings of lenses and bodies alike. I know from experience, it’s ugly, and it can wreck a camera.
Fortunately, it’s easy to deal with. When you step back indoors to take a break, warm up, or finish up for the day, place your camera and lenses into an airtight bag. Simple.

Though a zip lock style plastic bag like this will work, even better is a roll-top style dry bag, 

like those used by boaters.

Ziplocks are good, but I favour lightweight roll-top dry bags like those used by boaters to keep their gear dry. These are tough, reusable, and work like a charm.
Once sealed up tight in a ziplock or dry bag, condensation can’t form on your gear. Just let your camera warm up to room temperature before you pull it out.

The cold scares a lot of photographers, and make no mistake, a frigid, mid-winter Alaskan night is nothing to mess around with.
But with a few precautions – warm clothes, spare batteries, avoiding frost, and protecting against condensation – you can take advantage of the stellar beauty of crisp, clear, days and nights.

 

18 Exciting Winter Photography Tips and Ideas

Tags: Photography for Beginners, Winter Photography, Tips and Ideas

 

 

By Taya Ivanova

 

Winter may not seem like the best time of year to have exciting photo shoots and take gorgeous photos.

In reality, it’s the best season for creating surreal, and dreamy images.

To make the most out of winter photography, take a look at our 18 tips and creative ideas.

  

1. How to Prepare Yourself and Your Camera for the Cold Weather

You’re probably already aware that winter can be cold! You have to prepare for that if you are interested in winter photography.

Your camera can work slower in cold weather conditions. Spare batteries for being able to shoot everything you planned, as they rapidly run out.

Also, take a hot beverage with yourself in a thermos. And of course, dress properly, wear the warmest clothes you can. Especially if you are planning to stay put in one place, rather than hiking!

Fingerless gloves can make your task easier because you will be able to adjust your camera settings more easily.

After shooting outdoors, make sure to let your camera to try out. Moist can find it’s way into your lens and the camera body.

Although it doesn’t feel the same as rain, snow can soak your gear as well. Even if it’s not snowing, when you go into a warm place, you can immediately see the moist on your glass.

Don’t pack it immediately, let it dry in a warm (but not too hot) place. This way you can avoid getting camera lens fungus.

These are the base of every other winter photography tips for outdoor ideas.

2. Use Your Camera Settings for Enhancing Soft Lights

Shooting in snow is a great challenge as a great part of your images is going to be bright and white.

You can overexpose your photos in wintertime. It means that you can let more light into your camera. Open the aperture wider, or use a slow shutter speed.

This way you can reach a soft effect. The soft ambient light works well with overexposing. Also, it looks good in a landscape, when everything is covered in snow.

A fast shutter speed or a small aperture can make your images dark and lose their sparkly atmosphere.

You can also experiment with the white balance settings of your camera. Snowy scenes can turn out magical by modifying the color temperature a little bit.

3. Have a Winter-Themed Portrait Photo shoot

Winter photography goes hand in hand with warm outfits. Faux fur animal hats are perfect for outdoor photo shoots.

Asking your model to stand in the snow might seem like a bad idea. But if you use the right outfits and props, there is nothing wrong with it. Snow makes your images more fabulous, like you were illustrating a storybook.

Portrait photography doesn’t always have to feature fancy dresses and accessories. A cozy outfit can actually make your photos look more heartwarming than a summer portrait.

There are typical accessories you can use. Scarves, hats, hooded coats, gloves or boots all can be stylish elements of your images.

You can decide what kind of effect you want to reach and ask your subject to dress accordingly.

You can create a contrast between the snow and the clothes by asking to dress in vivid colors. But you can make him or her a part of the background and the scene by using cold colors, such as blue and grey.

To add warmer tones to the snow, you can even try using different lamps or candles.

4. Take Photos of Couples to Bring Warmth into Your Winter Photo shoots

Winter photography is becoming more demanded when it comes to engagement photos or other couple photos.

This is because a little snow adds a lot to the atmosphere of the images. Also, in most countries, snowy days are rarer than warm and sunny ones. So winter photos in snow-covered environments make the images to look less mass-produced.

The contrast between the cold temperature and the smiling faces will help you take heartwarming photos. Use the cold weather to bring the couple closer to each other. Hugs, shared coats, holding hands in gloves all look nice in these images.

If you have a significant other, you can take a cute self-portrait with him or her.

Make sure to take this photo shoots as short as you can, to prevent frozen smiles. Always prepare in advance, and keep a few possible poses in mind.

5. Use Winter Fog to Take Gloomy Photos of People

Winter photography tips are not just about sparkly snow and warm, cozy evenings. When it seems like the sun won’t appear anytime soon, you can take moody photos.

For example, you can use winter fog as an eerie background. It enhances the lonely and cold side of winter. Cold days can be gloomy and a bit depressing wit their long nights.

For capturing this, your model can stare off into the distance with their back to your camera. His or her figure should be small compared to the background.

The brightness of the snow will give you enough light to create images similar to the one below.

6. Take Your Wildlife Photography Skills to the Next Level by Photographing in Winter

Winter might not the most ideal time for sitting outside for hours, waiting for a wild animal to pass by.

But snow-covered environments can give a great frame to the animals you do spot. Of course, there are some white animals out there. But a lot of them can’t hide as well as in other seasons.

If you don’t want to wander in the cold winter weather, you can even attract animals to your garden or window.

Place food for birds in a feeder, and they are going to come to you.

You can start feeding them when the first frost comes. Then continue it until spring. If they get used to a place where they can find food, they are going to go back regularly. So don’ just attract and then abandon them.

Winter is ideal for bird photo shoots because of its perfectly white tones. This makes it the perfect background for simple yet eye-catching photos.

Because winter photography usually consists of dull colors, things can blend together in an unflattering way. This might take attention away from your subject.

To blur out background distractions, use a large aperture like f/1.4.

7. Make the Most Out of Christmas Photography Using Items You Love

For many people, one of the highlights of winter is Christmas. All the reds and greens are a breath of fresh air during this gloomy season.

Even if you’re not a fan of shooting among cold winter conditions, you’ll love taking Christmas-themed photos.

Christmas-themed flat lays are a great way to highlight the best parts of winter photography. You can photograph your favorite objects, like cups or tree decorations, by using a bird’s eye view.

Of course, not only flat lays work here. Shoot sidewards to reach a shallow depth of field. Blurred lights in the background bring warmth even in cold weather.

To make this idea as fun as possible, take photos of the things you love about Christmas.

You can capture a handmade decoration or a childhood memory. The Christmas table setting is also something you can shoot to get stunning images.

Once the photos are ready, you can turn them into album photos. You and your family will treasure them for years to come. You can even make postcards of these.

8. Use Food Photography to Capture the Winter Mood

Winter is the perfect time to stay in and cook something delicious. You can slow down a bit and take some time for food photography.

This is one of those photography ideas for winter that you don’t have to leave your house for.

There are typical Christmas foods and typical winter beverages. You can almost smell them just by looking at their images.

You can make mulled wine, hot chocolate, tea, or even coffee, served in a winter-mug. Or you can bake some gingerbread, a cake or anything that reminds you of winter.

It would be a lot to cook proper Christmas dishes before or after Christmas just for fun. So you should experiment with smaller tasks just like cookies.

And you can capture the dishes at Christmas if you have the time before your family eats everything.

These arranged food photography sessions are going to mean a nice preparation for the holidays.

9. Take Macro Photos to Capture the Beauty of Winter

Winter isn’t always fun. This can make it difficult to be excited about photography during this time of year.

But winter isn’t all about gloominess and cold temperatures.

To inspire yourself, start a project that focuses on the beauty of winter. One of the best ways to do that is to photograph snowflakes and frost.

Frost can be found anywhere and always looks stunning. Combined with sunshine, it can result in breathtaking photographs.

This challenge will help you find beauty in simple places and will hopefully cheer you up on a gloomy day.

10. Freeze Soap Bubbles for Incredible Results

When it’s very cold outside, you can blow some bubbles and create magic!

All you need are soap bubbles, a macro lens, and good lighting.

Soap bubbles can be difficult to work with, especially if it’s windy outside. Make sure you take photos when the weather is calm.

Blow the bubbles in a location where they can gently land. Branches, flowers, and bushes are perfect for this.

For the best lighting results, shoot when the sun is out.

Photos like this make winter photography more than just a challenging genre.

If you’re lucky, your bubbles will end up getting covered in frost. This will make it seem like you managed to capture snowflakes in a drop of water.

11. Create a Contrast With Autumn and Spring to Enhance The Power of Winter

You can find frozen leaves in winter, the remains of autumn. They are not only beautiful but they make a nice contrast with the previous season.

The first signs of spring, such as little flowers growing from the snow-covered land can also enhance the contrast between two seasons.

These unique contrasts can remind the viewer of the essence of winter. It can freeze the world in a beautiful way, but it doesn’t only mean death. Beautiful things can grow after.

Look for these small signs and tell stories of nature and the circle of life by capturing them.

12. Focus on the Connection Between Buildings and Snow

The coldness of winter puts a spotlight on things we might overlook at other times of the year.

For example, it’s impossible not to notice a vibrant light in a colorless, snowy scene.

If you’re a fan of architecture, you can make your subjects stand out even more with the help of snow.

You can use all the negative space to lead a viewer’s eyes to a building.

You can even emphasize shapes that aren’t that visible when they’re surrounded by trees, a blue sky and a busy street.

Architectural photography is usually not strongly connected to winter photography ideas. But if you try it, you’ll realise how different buildings can look at this time of the year.

13. Take Landscape Images to Show The Magic of Winter

In winter, nature changes. Snow makes everything look totally different. Go out for a walk into a forest with your camera and capture the beauty of this season.

Prepare for the cold weather, but if you keep moving, a small hike can be a great activity.

You can decide what you would like to enhance with your images. Of course, it depends on the weather.

You can shoot to enhance the golden lights. But this is not the only way to go.

When it comes to winter photos, you might be tempted to make them as warm as possible to make up for the lack of colors. What if you went against that idea?

Make your cold winter photos even colder. Adjust your camera’s white balance. Experiment with different cool tones.

This exercise will help you think outside the box and encourage you to break the rules sometimes.

14. Get Up Early for Magical Lights

As everything in winter, sunrises are magical.

If you are lucky and you look ahead a sunny day, the first lights are going to look mesmerizing. Morning lights are usually colder than the lights of a sunset.

Probably the best combination is morning fog with the first signs of a sunny day. The first rays can brighten the whole scene, and make mist look like it’s glowing.

You don’t necessarily need a snowy landscape to create stunning sunrise photos. Any kind of winter weather worth a shot.

15. Capture Sunsets to Create Dramatic Contrast

One of the best ways to take stunning winter photos is to create contrast.

If possible, use a vibrant sunset or sunrise to create outstanding photos of nature.

The dramatic difference between warm and cool tones will make your photos look striking and atmospheric.

This is ideal for landscape photographers who want to capture the gritty and vulnerable sides of winter.

Also, during the blue hour in winter you can find perfect contrast with the white of the snow. Usually, the sky is lighter than the landscape itself. The dark blue sky of the blue hour is going to make a bit surreal contrast with the snow.

16. Take Creative Snow Falling Photos to Make Playful Images

Falling snow is often used in winter photography. This idea is perfect for having fun and improving your action photography skills at the same time.

You can capture the snowfall itself, but it’s even better to combine it with a portrait photography session.

Your aim is to take sharp photos of falling snow and make your model or models stand out.

To make this process easier, take photos using burst mode. Burst mode is a feature that allows photographers to take multiple photos while holding the shutter.

You can also play with shutter speed to blur the falling snow a little bit.

You can use this technique to take adorable and funny photos of people enjoying winter.

17. Take Adorable Photos of Your Pet in Winter Attire

Our winter photography tips are not just for humans and Christmas decorations.

For this idea, you need to own a pet. If your pet loves spending time outdoors in the winter, you’re lucky!

Adorable pet photos are always in demand. You can turn your pet portraits into stunning works of art every time you go out.

You can use colorful outfits and accessories to make your photos stand out.

If you like the results, you can even use these images as Christmas postcards to your family or friends!

Make sure to reward your pet with treats during and after your photo shoot.

18. Don’t Forget to Take a Wintery Self-Portrait!

It’s as important to photograph others as it is to take self-portraits throughout the process.

During this cold season, don’t forget to take a few photos of yourself surrounded by a stunning winter landscape.

Even if your face isn’t visible in your self-portraits, your results will document your journey.

You can even set a home studio and practice with self-portraits. You can create your own cozy memories by shooting at home surrounded by your favorite Christmas decorations.

But you don’t necessarily have to have a Christmas-themed portrait of yourself. Your favorite pullover can be more than enough.

They might even remind you of how much you’ve progressed as an artist.

Winter is coming, folks.

Before it arrives, satisfy your creative needs with plans, mood boards, and ideas. These will make your winter photography a success.

Consider our winter photography tips, and experiment with them to get outstanding images. Snowy days are usually rare in most parts of the world. Your images are going to be more unique just by showing some snow.

When winter is here, you’ll be ready to take your best photos yet.  Share this article.

 

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