Camera and Gear Tips

With the start of the new year, here are some tips that will help save time and headaches:

• Always reformat memory cards in-camera, after every use. (Don't format or erase files in the computer.) I already know several people who have lost or almost lost images because they don't format their cards. This is especially important when you buy a new card.
• Backup images before formatting your memory card.
• Label your memory cards with your name and phone number. Hopefully an honest person will return your cards. Otherwise you might be out of luck.
• Label your batteries with your name and phone number. Most cameras in the same product line now use the same batteries, so you won't mix up your batteries with someone else. The Nikon D80, D90, D300, and D700 all use the same battery. The Canon 20D, 30D, 40D, and 50D also all use the same battery.
• Don't buy cheap, generic memory cards. Cheap cards are not as temperature or shock resistant as their higher quality counterparts. They tend to have crappy warranties. Better cards typically have lifetime warranties. Even good, high end cards cards are so cheap now, why settle for anything less?

• Rename your images during import. When transferring new images, it's much easier to have Bridge automatically add the date to your filename and replace the generic DSC_001 or IMG_001. You can also have Bridge add your name, or any word of your choice when importing images. This can be done under File > Get Photos From Camera. If you don't already import your images with Brige, I highly recommend it.

Contrary to depth of field, most lenses are sharpest at 1-2 stops down from their maximum aperture, for current 35mm and digital lenses. Large and medium format lenses may be different Diffraction causes images to become softer the more you stop down from the sharpest aperture of your lens. See examples here. Another example here.