Recently I’ve been getting the same questions from people who have recently upgraded their cameras to new DSLR’s and want to know more about them. Specifically, they’re photographing sports and it’s not turning out as awesome as they’d hoped when they made the jump from a point and shoot, to a “real” camera. I really don’t mind answering the questions because I really do want to help, but it always comes down to understanding what the basic functions of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. I usually explain to people its a balancing act between those 3 settings and finding the right sweet spot for whatever sport you’re photographing and what your camera/lens can handle.
So I found this cheat sheet online and I wish I could give credit to whoever made it (it’s got the Canon logo so I’ll assume it’s theirs) but I think it does an awesome job and explaining what changing your camera settings will do to your image. So in the words of Fast Times at Ridgemont High‘s Brad Hamilton, “learn it, live it, love it”.
After you memorized this and your pics still aren’t quite where you want them, you’re going to want to upgrade cameras and lenses….trust me, all the big stuff isn’t for show, you’ll need it. Enjoy!