"All camera and lens manufacturers have to be innovative," says Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki, but "technology competition among manufacturers may not always be beneficial to customers... Easier to use interfaces, compact and lightweight bodies for enhanced portability, or some other specifications might be more important."
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In the second part of a wide-ranging interview conducted at the CP+ show in Yokohama in late February, Yamaki talked about current state of the market, the need for innovation and the challenges of delivering that innovation.
State of the market
"Last year was not so bad," he says, when asked about the state of the market: "It looks like the trend of the shrinking market has hit the bottom." But he suggests this may not continue: "For the time being, many photographers are now switching from DSLR to mirrorless, which will sustain the market. However, after they switch to mirrorless cameras, I worry that the market could shrink in the coming years."
"One reason for my concern is the increasing average price of cameras and lenses. I truly appreciate the passion of the customers who are still spending so much money on cameras and lenses. However, I’m afraid that not so many customers can afford such high-priced cameras and lenses, so we’re still trying hard to keep the retail price reasonable."
"I’m afraid that not so many customers can afford such high-priced cameras and lenses"
"Especially these days, the younger generation takes huge amounts of photos with smartphones. While we can expect some of them to switch from a smartphone to a camera, many may find the price gap too wide, and challenging to make the switch."
Yamaki also expresses concern about some of the tech trends he's seeing: "Investing in the development of more advanced technology is crucial. However, it’s equally important to focus on our customers."
"We've seen some cameras with very technically impressive specifications, but I worry that they're not always capabilities that many photographers really need. Moving forward, I speculate that more user-friendly specifications might mean more to customers. Easier to use interfaces, a compact and lightweight body for enhanced portability, or some other specifications might be more important."
The challenges of innovation
Sigma has launched some ambitious and unusual lenses in recent years, including the 14mm F1.4 DG DN. Yamaki describes astrophotography, for which it's designed, as the most challenging subject.
Image: Sigma
He uses the recently announced 500mm F5.6 as an example of customer-focused innovation. “Canon and Nikon had similar lenses for DSLRs. They achieved it by using diffractive lens elements," he explains: "Instead of using one powerful diffractive element, we used multiple special low-dispersion [SLD] glass. We used one SLD and three FLD elements. By using multiple special lenses, we could achieve a similar effect. That’s how we can make it so compact and lightweight."
But this approach isn't simple, he says: "It requires lots of very high manufacturing technology and skill, but because we have a very good factory and our optical designers trust the capability of our factory, we were able to go for this design.”
"In most cases, we are the first to use new types of glass, and once they see Sigma use that lens element, they start using it."
"This trust is really, really important," he explains: "Lens polishing is still a unique process that has a lower yield. Normally, in something like electronics, the yield ratio is something like 99.99996 percent, or something like that. But when it comes to lenses, for example, in our case, because our yield is so high, our yield ratio from the start of the process to the end is close to 90%. So if we plan to build 1,000 units of a specific lens, we have to start polishing 1,100 pieces, and during the process, about 10% of the lens elements will fail and have to be scrapped.”
A question of trust
"That’s the reason why other companies hesitate to use new glass elements. They are uncertain about the yield ratio. In most cases, we are the first to use a new type of element, and once they see Sigma use that lens element, they start using it. I’m very happy to play such a role. Sigma is kind of the guinea pig in the lens industry: they use Sigma as an experiment, and if we prove it, they use it."
This commitment to pushing the use of new glass types reflects Yamaki's wider vision of the company's role. This can be seen in the ambitious lenses it's recently introduced aimed at astrophotography, he says.
"First of all, I believe it’s one of Sigma's missions to create niche products. If we only concentrate on standard products and release lower-priced versions, it’s not good: we would not be able to contribute to the development of the photography culture. As a lens manufacturer it’s our mission to develop such niche lenses that satisfy a specific target group."
"Secondly, most lenses are so good, maybe much better than people’s expectations. But only astrophotographers are never satisfied: they’re so keen for quality! They’re looking at the shape of stars in the corners. Star images are the toughest, most challenging subject, or let’s say, the most nasty lens chart. You can see all kinds of aberrations in star images. That’s why we want to show what we can do with our capability. So lenses for astrophotography is my personal strong passion to show the capability of Sigma's technology."
The future of APS-C
Yamaki says the audience for its I-series of full-frame lenses, such as the 17mm F4 DG DN pictured, is similar to that for the DC DN range of APS-C primes. However, it doesn't sound like there are plans for I-series-style versions of the DC lenses.
Image: Sigma
With all this talk of niches, we steered the conversation towards the DC DN primes. We wanted to know whether he sees the users of these lenses as distinct from those of the mid-priced i-Series full-frame primes, which feature metal bodies and aperture rings.
"I see they are very similar customers: those who value compactness and image quality. These customers often live in big cities and use public transportation a lot. So they cannot carry around big, heavy equipment in the car. They have to carry it around in their bags."
Despite this, it doesn't sound like there are any plans to refresh the DC DNs with more i-Series-like designs: "Those who want full-frame can use the I series lenses, while those who are happy with APS-C cameras can use the many lightweight DC DN lenses," he says.
But, while we won't expect APS-C primes with aperture rings for X-mount or the Nikon Z fc any time soon, Yamaki's comments about his commitment to APS-C bode well, given the announcement that it'll make lenses for both Nikon's Z mount and Canon's RF system:
"Our plan is to have a relatively complete range of lenses for APS-C sized sensors."
This article was based on an interview conducted by Dale Baskin and Richard Butler at the CP+ show in Yokohama, Japan.
More bad news for Panasonic: in addition to the latest statement from the company's president and reports for the marketing department trying to influence reviewers, Panasonic is now also being accused of using stock photos in their latest Lumix S9 camera campaign. One of the photos seems to be taken with a Nikon camera by... a Nikon Ambassador. Currently, this issue has only been confirmed for Lumix Japan, but it's possible that similar promotions are being conducted in other countries. In summary, some of the photos on the Lumix S9 product page are stock photos, and the camera screen images seem to be composites.
Update: Lumix Japan has issued an apology for this issue. The PDF document includes an apology and mentions that they will review the content of the Lumix site. However, the PDF document is very brief (it lacks company names and other details), leading to further criticism for not being in an appropriate format for an official release.
Also: this image is part of the introduction for the LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm lens, but it appears that the photo of the girl on the right was taken with a Canon EOS 5DsR and a TAMRON 150-600mm G2 lens. The caption implies that the photo was taken with a Lumix camera and lens. This could potentially be considered a violation of Japan's Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations.
"In April 2024, Kodak achieved a 22.5% sales volume share in the overall digital camera market, which combines compact digital cameras (compact digital cameras), mirrorless single-lens cameras, and single-lens reflex cameras. This was the first time that Kodak had ranked first in monthly market share by manufacturer since BCN began compiling digital camera data, according to the "BCN Ranking," which compiles actual sales data from electronics retailers and online stores.
As of 2021, Kodak's market share was hovering around 5%. It began to pick up in 2022, surpassing 10% for the first time in April. Since then, it has remained stable at the single digits, and has been competing with Sony and Fujifilm for market share. The turning point came in March 2024, when its market share soared to 20.1%, reaching 22.5% in April, overtaking Canon to become the top market share company for the first time in BCN's tally."
Early Bird Sale - Save $10 on a single VL-120Bi Light (L065CNA1) and $40 on a single VL-120C Light (L074CNA1). Save an additional 5% when you buy 2 or more. Offer ends June 9th.
Elevate your video lighting with the Ulanzi 120W Bi-color / RGB V-Mount Video Light. Perfect for wedding videography, skit videos, e-commerce livestreaming, and product photography, this versatile light ensures uniform, soft lighting with high-efficiency COB lamp beads.
Featuring dual power options, use a V-mount battery outdoors for mobility or a DC power adapter indoors for stable power. Adjust the color temperature steplessly from 2700K to 6500K (CRI＞95) and dim from 0% to 100%. In HSI mode, fine-tune hue, saturation, and intensity across a full 360° color spectrum.
Control your lighting up to 30m away with the Ulanzi Connect APP, customizing settings like CCT, dimming, FX, and light groups. Enjoy 20 preset light effects with the RGB version or 6 with the Bi-color version. User-friendly features include an LCD display, stepless knob, 360° rotating L-stand, and Bowens mount compatibility.
Versatile Lighting: Ideal for weddings, skits, livestreaming, and product photography.
120W Output: High-efficiency COB lamp beads, 20700 Lux at 6500K@1m.
Dual Power Options: Use V-mount battery outdoors or DC adapter indoors (battery/adapter sold separately).
Adjustable CCT and HS: Stepless CCT (2700K-6500K) and HSI fine-tuning (Hue 0°-360°, Saturation 0%-100%).
User-Friendly: LCD display, stepless knob, 360° L-stand, Bowens mount, and up to 30m remote control with Ulanzi Connect APP.
Early Bird Sale: $40 off, plus an extra 5% off when you buy 2 or more. The offer ends June 9th.
The Ulanzi VL-200Bi 200W V-Mount Video Light offers versatile lighting for every scene, perfect for wedding videography, skit videos, e-commerce livestreaming, and product photography. Featuring high-efficiency COB lamp beads, it provides uniform, soft lighting with a powerful output of 48300 Lux at 6500K@1m with a reflector.
With dual power options, use a V-mount battery for outdoor mobility or a DC power adapter for stable indoor use. Adjust the color temperature steplessly from 2700K to 6500K (CRI＞95) and dim from 0% to 100%. The premium heatsink ensures continuous shooting, with an automatic fan and mute mode for quiet operation.
Control your lighting up to 30m away using the Ulanzi Connect APP. The user-friendly design includes an LCD display, stepless knob, 300° rotating L-stand, Bowens mount, and DMX interface for multi-light control.
200W Powerful Output: High-efficiency COB lamp beads provide uniform, soft lighting with 48300 Lux at 6500K@1m (with reflector).
Dual Power Options: Use a V-mount battery for portable outdoor shoots or a DC power adapter for stable indoor use.
Stepless CCT Adjustment: Adjustable color temperature from 2700K to 6500K (CRI＞95) and dimming from 0% to 100%.
Advanced Cooling System: Automatic fan activation above 50°C, with a mute mode for silent operation.
Remote Control and Smart App: Control settings from up to 30 meters away using the Ulanzi Connect APP.
Every week, we ask newsletter subscribers a question about gear, creativity or life. We recently asked readers: If you could go back to your 20-year-old self, what camera-related advice would you give yourself?
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Subsequently, the DPReview editors also got in on the act:
1. Shaminder Dulai
Start organizing your photo and video archive and making it searchable. Make sure to save local versions of client work; websites will disappear and take your work with them. A good archival system makes it possible to earn a passive income from these photos and videos in the future and curate your work for grant applications and shows.
Don't get caught up in the gear; there will always be something better that comes along. Make things. Whatever you can get your hands on, just use it and make stuff. The more you practice and embrace the failures, the more you'll learn and improve.
There will be people who will try to discourage you; they'll tell you you don't have the right gear, the right skills, or the right name, and some will even steal your ideas and pass them off as their own. These will be hard lessons, and you'll need to learn to put yourself before others. It won't be easy.
Also, buy as much Apple stock as you can afford and spend more time with your parents. Ask them the questions you always were too afraid to ask.
2. Dale Baskin
I'd probably give the same advice I would give a 20-year-old today: Don’t obsess about having fancy gear or the newest camera. Buy something used in good condition and save some money, then spend the money you save on fun experiences that allow you to focus on learning the art of photography.
3. Richard Butler
Focus on the lenses you'll actually use. Look at the photos you've taken to see what you're trying to capture. Consider whether the discipline (and compactness) of a prime would be better than the seemingly obvious F2.8 zoom.
What's your take? Let us know in the comments.
If you want to participate in the next question, sign up for the newsletter. It's the best photography, camera and gear news, delivered right to your inbox.
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A quote from Nikkei's article "Digital camera penetration falls below 50%; smartphones emerge; domestic market unable to produce next generation":
"The penetration rate of digital cameras among households at the end of fiscal 2023 will fall below 50% for the first time in 19 years since the end of fiscal 2004. The demand for compact digital cameras has fallen as smartphone ownership has increased. Japan once had a strong presence in digital home appliances, but is now in a notable decline."
The penetration rate of digital cameras was 77% in 2012.
The latest Camera and Imaging Products Association (CIPA) data indicate that domestic shipments of digital cameras have fallen from 11.11 million units in 2008 to 910,000 units at present:
As we develop optical excellence, we will continue our interest in vintage and legendary optics. Thus, we proudly announce our development of the 50mm f/1.5 “S21”.
Our initial theoretical statistics and performance show excellent results. The MTF chart displays a performance similar to the original MTF. Our aim is to continue developing our lens to have an image circle to cover 44x33mm sensors and improve render performance and dispersion statistics while retaining the classic rendering character of the famous “S21” lenses.
After completing 50mm f/1.5 "S21", with our continued interest in "S21" style optical performance, we will also begin to plan other focal lengths based on the optical performance and characteristics of the 50mm f/1.5 "S21" for both photography and cinema purposes.
The latest Vivo X100 Ultra smartphone comes wiht an optional SmallRig handle accessory that makes it look like a compact camera - so we basically abandoned compact cameras in favor of smartphones, just to make smartphones look and handle like compact cameras (just buy a Ricoh GR since the FujiX 100VI will be out of stock for years):
The handle is ready to install with one click with a safety lock, ergonomic handle, comfortable curvature, efficient control, and easy to hold the camera with one hand.
The SmallRig intelligent handle is linked with shooting control, focus, and exposure adjustments.
The SmallRig handle comes standard with a decorative ring and a 67mm magnetic filter adapter ring.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
We had a chance to shoot with the Fujifilm X-T50 for quite a while, so we put together a first-look video, outlining what it can offer, as well as shooting a sample gallery using a variety of Film Simulations.
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As always, all the Raw files are available to download if you wish to see how your preferred software handles them.
Please do not reproduce any of these images on a website or any newsletter/magazine without prior permission (see our copyright page). We make the originals available for private users to download to their own machines for personal examination or printing (in conjunction with this review); we do so in good faith, so please don't abuse it.
Skylum announced a new photo editing app for professional portrait photographers. Set for release in September 2024, the new editing app, is designed to empower photographers by automating routine face retouching processes through an efficient, AI-optimized workflow that runs locally on the user’s device. This innovative tool will make retouching as easy as applying presets, saving valuable time for professional and semi-professional photographers alike. The early bird offer for preorders starts on June 25th, 2024. Additional information:
Skylum, a leading innovator in photo editing software and the company behind the award-winning, AI-powered program Luminar Neo, is proud to announce Project “Barcelona”, a new desktop application specifically for professional portrait retouching.
Recognizing the increasing demand for time-saving tools in portrait photography that would enable professional and semi-professional photographers to focus on creative growth and client engagement, Skylum is collaborating with renowned portrait photographer Julia Trotti to develop this specialized software solution. Set for release in September 2024, Project “Barcelona” will empower photographers by automating routine face retouching processes through an efficient, AI-optimized workflow that runs locally on the user’s device, making it as easy as applying presets. With the added advantage of precise and adjustable masking tools, it provides enhanced control and accuracy for perfect results every time. This, in turn, will allow portrait photographers to balance the time-intensive task of photo retouching with shooting and growing their photography business.
Designed with the specific needs of portrait photographers in mind, the new app’s key features include:
Skin Toning: Make subtle changes to the skin tone of specific areas thanks to an accurate facial skin segmentation model; remove the red hue or unify the overall color. On top of that, the new app's state-of-the-art face mesh model provides unique makeup correction capabilities, allowing the application of extra textures like blush, highlight, and contour, and changing the color of lips, brows, and other elements.
Eye Enhancement:Add iris flare, remove redness, and adjust eye shape with a comprehensive suite of tools to perfect a subject’s eyes in portraits.
Teeth Whitening: Ensure radiant smiles with advanced teeth whitening and brightening capabilities.
Makeup Application: Enjoy customizable options for creative makeup styles and colors to compliment any complexion, clothing, or backdrop.
Bokeh Effects: Create stunning depth-of-field effects with the bokeh feature, adding dimension and allure to portraits.
Body Enhancement: Adjust bodily proportions to correct posture and account for unflattering angles, making sure portraits capture subjects in their best light.
"In the development of Project “Barcelona” (public name to be announced soon), we’re working closely with acclaimed photographer Julia Trotti to infuse our software with professional insights that meet the specific needs of portrait photographers everywhere," says Ivan Kutanin, CEO of Skylum. "Just as Luminar Neo provides convenient editing solutions for a broad set of photography challenges, this new app uses cutting-edge AI technology to help portrait photographers achieve top-quality retouching and inspire them with new creative possibilities."
Version 2024.5 will introduce several new features including a vastly improved Super Select AI that will identify and select any object, speeding up adjustments for areas like clothing, hair, and skin. The upgraded Quick Mask AI Tool offers easier point-and-click editing for blending layers and filters. Performance is getting a major boost with faster raw file opening, smoother zooming, panning, and brushing, achieved through better GPU utilization and reduced memory usage.
Additional information:
ON1, the leading provider of innovative photo editing software applications, is excited to announce the upcoming release of ON1 Photo RAW 2024.5, a new update with huge performance gains and precision masking tools. This exciting update unleashes powerful new features designed to elevate the photo editing experience for photography professionals and enthusiasts.
“We strive to improve performance with every release. Usually, we can eke out a boost here and there which positively impacts your workflow. However, this update is the big one. It is the most pervasive performance boost we’ve had. You will feel it almost everywhere in Edit. Opening photos is faster, brushing is faster, and zooming is faster. If you work with many layers and filters, you will feel the difference,” says Dan Harachler, VP of product.
ON1 Photo RAW 2024.5 underscores ON1’s commitment to developing cutting-edge technologies that support photographers without compromising their creative vision and control.
WHAT'S NEW IN PHOTO RAW 2024.5
New and Improved Super Select AI – Our innovative point, click, and edit tool just got better. The enhanced Super Select AI tool can now identify and select any object, not just those it recognizes. This makes adjustments to areas like clothing, hair, skin, and individual flowers much faster. Simply click on an object or region, select an adjustment, and you're done. No more creating layers and adding filters and masks.
New and Improved Quick Mask AI Tool – Similar to the Super Select AI tool, the upgraded Quick Mask AI tool offers point-and-click editing for masks, simplifying the blending of layers and filters.
Optimized Performance – This update brings the most significant performance boosts yet! Almost everything in Edit feels faster. Opening raw files is now up to twice as fast, making it almost instantaneous. Opening .ONPhoto files (your creations from HDR, Pano, or multiple layers) is over twice as fast. Zooming, panning, and brushing are now buttery smooth, even on complex photos with many layers and filters. These improvements result from innovative methods we've developed to utilize the GPU and reduce memory usage.
Smaller Installer and More Frequent Updates – This release also includes a re-engineered app and update delivery method. The product installer is now much smaller, making it faster to download and install. Upon launching the app, it automatically checks for updates and downloads any missing or updated components. This allows us to update camera support, AI models, and extra content more frequently, making updates much smaller.
Added Camera and Lens Support – As with all updates, support for new raw formats and profiles for the latest cameras and lenses.
Price and Availability
Version 2024.5, coming this June, will be a free update for all 2024 owners and subscribers. They will be notified via the in-app update when it is available. New customers and those upgrading from previous ON1 versions can get ON1 Photo RAW MAX 2024.3 or Photo RAW 2024.3 at a discount today and will receive version 2024.5 for free once it is available. Anyone can order a non-subscription license or subscribe. ON1 Photo RAW MAX 2024 is also available in the ON1 Everything Subscription Plans.
About ON1 Photo RAW
Elevate your photo editing game with a 30-day free trial of ON1 Photo RAW—no credit card required. Perfect for photographers of all skill levels, ON1 Photo RAW offers an intuitive yet powerful platform that blends speed, versatility, and quality into one AI-powered application. Try ON1 Photo RAW for free and experience why it’s the top Lightroom Alternative, giving you the ultimate control to bring your photographic visions to life.
The newcomer in the field of camera lens, Thypoch announces its second series - Eureka, after Simera 35mm f/1.4 and Simera 28mm f/1.4 is becoming an on-the-slip topic for manual lens lovers. Distinct from the Simera series which highlights the modern imaging style, Eureka focuses on bringing back the historically classic lenses with contemporary engineering. The name “Eureka,” rooted in ancient Greek to express elation upon discovery, reflects Thypoch’s aspiration for users to experience similar delight with the Eureka lens.
As the inaugural lens of the Eureka Series, Eureka 50mm f/2 is an artistic revival of a collapsible full-frame lens in the 1950s. When in use, it extends to 41.2mm, but can be collapsed to a compact 27mm, fitting easily into a pocket alongside compact cameras.
Simulating vintage coating to create a unique old-time flare
Optics Performance
The incorporation of a 6-element, 4-group typical unsymmetrical Double-Gauss optical design within Eureka 50mm f/2 construction ensures that every shot is rendered with precision and clarity, inviting photographers to explore the boundless potential of their craft (PhotoRumors). Moreover, the inclusion of an extra-low dispersion (ED) element is able to effectively minimize chromatic aberration, and a high refractive index (HRI) element corrects curvature of field and spherical aberrations, presenting sharp, clear images even at its wide-open aperture of f/2.
Additionally, the Eureka 50mm f/2 is compatible with the 44mm x 33mm format of the Hasselblad CFV100C, ensuring exceptional image resolution of up to 100 megapixels.
With a 12-blade aperture diaphragm, Eureka 50mm f/2 guarantees circular and aesthetically pleasing bokeh, creating a dreamy and poetic atmosphere. Together with the maximum aperture f/2, users can fearlessly embrace low-light conditions, capturing every nuance of light and shadow.
Eureka 50mm f/2’s nod to historical craftsmanship not only awakens the imagination of those yearning for the golden era but does so with a modern twist that enhances usability without sacrificing quality or aesthetic appeal. Its compact design enhances convenience for on-the-go
Pricing and availability
Eureka 50mm f/2 comes with a front cap, a rear cap, a UV filter and a photo book. The Aluminum Version weighing 120g is priced at 579 USD / 549 EUR, and the Brass Version weighing 218g at 859 USD / 809 EUR.
The Aluminum Version will be shipped in early June, and the Brass Version in late August.
There's nothing like unwrapping a new camera for the first time.
Having a brand new camera is an exciting time for a photographer. But before you head for the hills, the studio or a far-flung destination, it’s a smart idea to adjust a few important camera settings first. A few tweaks and adjustments up front can mean the difference between fluid work and frustration.
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How you set up your menu and customize your buttons and dials is a very personal matter. It depends on what you shoot, which features you use and how you like to work. No matter what you’re focused on, there are a few common settings that all photographers need to get set right straight out of the box.
The Great Menu Expansion
Perhaps the most consistent change in cameras in the digital era is the size and complexity of the menu system. As an example of this growth consider Canon’s first mainstream DSLR, the Canon D30 from the year 2000, whose menu featured a total of 31 items on one long scrolling list. Canon’s recent pro-level R3, on the other hand, offers 433 menu items organized into 8 categories or tabs.
Canon and other manufacturers have done a reasonable job (some better than others) at organizing all these features into relatively logical categories like: Image quality, Playback, AF, and Wireless. However, they give you no clue as to which items you should adjust straight out of the box – which ones are better to turn off or keep on most of the time.
Perhaps the most consistent change in cameras in the digital era is the size and complexity of the menu system.
For this reason, many photographers tweak a few items as they need them and leave the rest of the menu for a time when they have nothing better to do than read a camera instruction manual – which is likely never. They then wind up living with discomfort in their shooting experience that would be easy to fix.
This article provides a short list of must-change items for all photographers. The out-of-the-box factory settings (or worse, the previous owner’s settings) may not have these settings adjusted for your needs. While I could go on all day about this, let’s start with a few hot items you’ll want to adjust on your new camera.
Diopter
Yes, the topic of this article is on menu settings and the first item isn’t in the menu. Point noted, now let's move on. The diopter is the focus adjustment for your camera's viewfinder. Somewhere near the eyepiece is a small knurled knob, possibly with plus and minus labels. Turning this knob will adjust lens elements in the viewfinder to adapt the clarity of the view for people with different vision needs.
You'll see clearly once your diopter is correctly adjusted.
When the diopter is adjusted properly, you'll have a way better time seeing both your subject and the information displayed in the electronic viewfinder of a mirrorless camera or the focusing screen of a DSLR. If the diopter is slightly off you’ll likely still see a sharp image but your eyes will need to strain to keep everything in focus. A properly adjusted diopter will make viewing comfortable and strain-free.
These little knobs can easily be adjusted by accident and it's not uncommon to look through your viewfinder and be suddenly shocked at how bad your eyesight has gotten. While some knobs have better locks than others, almost every camera I’ve used has needed this adjusted at the start, and again at various intervals. This is a rather unglamorous way to start the personalization of your camera, but without it the whole world could be a blur to you.
File Format
There is perhaps no setting as important as the file type. We’ll sidestep the whole Raw vs JPEG debate here, and we’ll simply state that whatever you decide is right for you is something you need to set up on your camera right away.
A Raw file, for the newbies out there, contains all the original capture information in an image, far more than the efficient subset contained in a JPEG. It allows you greater leeway in post-processing to recover details from shadows or highlights and to change fundamental aspects like white balance or color. The downside is that the file size is a bit on the big side (compared to JPEG) and requires special software to view and work on the image. While your camera manufacturer provides free software to do so, many people prefer to use popular photo-editing software from companies like Adobe or Capture One.
Whether you value the flexibility of Raw files, or the convenience of JPEG, make sure you've picked a file format before heading out the door.
The JPEG file is a small convenient file that can be opened and viewed by pretty much any computer or viewing device made in the last 25 years. The downside to the JPEG is that the file is processed and compressed. While convenient for sharing online and fine for printing unaltered, it lacks the information depth of color and tones that a skilled photo editor would appreciate when working in the digital darkroom.
Thankfully, most camera manufacturers know that file type is an important setting, and it’s usually located at or near the top of the menu. You'll also often find a shortcut to this feature in the Quick or Function menu or Control grid screen.
You can shoot Raw and JPEG at the same time, but this should only be done if you truly need it. If you have a Raw file you can make a JPEG anytime you want, in any quantity, with any adjustment you like, so long as you have a computer, the right software and the time to do it. The best time to simultaneously shoot both Raw and JPEG is when you have an immediate need for the JPEG and a long-term desire for the Raw.
Thankfully, most manufacturers know that file type is important and it’s usually located at or near the top of most menus.
Get this set right first, and if you change your photography workflow from time to time be sure to come back and revisit it. The current file type status is often displayed in the viewfinder or on the rear screen for easy monitoring.
Card Format
Photos from your camera will likely be stored on a removable memory card, and like any storage area (digital or real) it should be cleared of unnecessary clutter before use. Each camera manufacturer has a slightly different way of communicating with the card and storing images on it. To create a clean, reliable line of communication between camera and card it is highly recommended that you 'format' a new card inside the camera before heading out to capture photos.
Formatting your digital storage medium with a new camera ensures they'll become fast friends.
Be advised that formatting a card will delete all the photos on it, along with any folders, seen or unseen, and will set up a new storage structure and path. Formatting is also recommended when heading out on a new shoot, so long as the photos from the last shoot have been downloaded and backed up first. There’s nothing like starting with a clean slate.
Date and Time
Mundane and trivial to some, the capture date and time of every image is stored in its metadata (extra information that can be viewed by software) and having it correct may potentially save headaches in the future. Many cameras now have simple adjustments for traveling to different time zones and adjusting for daylight saving time so that you don’t need to fiddle with the actual time setting. I’ve found that cameras are not particularly accurate in their timekeeping over the long haul, so if you're fussy about having exactly the right time stamp on your photos you may need to revisit this feature every few months or so.
Having the correct date and time set on your camera can help you remember when you captured photos.
Copyright Info
Another item in the image metadata that may be beneficial at some point in the future is setting your name and any other pertinent personal info. Be advised that this data can be overwritten by anyone with access to your digital file. This setting is for information that may be helpful to you or others, but it is not in the realm of lock-tight security options.
Adding your name in the copyright field provides a very low level of security; think of it simply as a note that it is you who took the photo, or at the very least an image that came from your camera. This can be convenient if your images have been casually mixed with others and you need to identify the owner or creator.
Embedding copyright information can help identify your photos or even recover your camera.
You can also use this setting to put in specific copyright information like 'All Rights Reserved,' to let anyone else with access to the file know what your intentions are. Once again, though, be advised that this can easily be overwritten by the laziest of hackers. A potential use for this area is your contact information, usually in email form. Should your camera be lost or stolen it could provide a link back to you. True, the bad guy won’t care about this, but the honest one who does want to do the right thing will have information on how to contact you.
Set up and head out
None of these settings will help you create great photos, but they can make the experience of shooting with your new camera a bit easier. Paging through the labyrinth of the menu system isn’t the first choice of activity for a photographer, but trust me, there’s a lot of useful stuff in there. Getting your camera set up specifically for your needs is like getting a custom tailored suit – it will prepare you for whatever may come and give you confidence when you head out into the world.
What settings and adjustment do you make straight out of the box? Tell us in the comments.
John Greengo specializes in photographic education through online training, books and international photo tours. His photographic teachings have been viewed by millions around the globe.
His website offers a growing collection of highly visual photography courses. Classes cover a wide range of photographic topics including landscape, travel and gear-specific tutorials. His impressive collection of camera guides provides viewers with detailed instruction on every aspect of the camera's operation.
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