tutorial for Powershot SX50HS

[LindaBirder]

I need a tutorial or a step by step instruction that I can follow.  I have downloaded the complete manual and thoroughly read and studied it.  My last Canon was the AE1program purchased in 1984 and used for 20 years, always on the automatic setting.  Since 2004, I have used a Kodak automatic camera.  I am overwhelmed by the settings on this wonderful new camera I just received as a gift 5 weeks ago.  I found one tutorial for setting C1 & C2 to be used respectively for birds in the distance and macro shots.  This is exactly what I need but not exactly the settings as described in the tutorial.  Also, the videographer does not explain how to set the settings but assumes the viewer already knows that.

[Vetteran]

Have you set the AF Frame to Tracking? Point the camera so that the subjest is in the square frame then press the button that is beside the bin symbol. P mode and RAW is best. Using Digital Photo Professional or Lightbox will give better results than the camers's internal processing. (You check that that is true by setting it to take RAW and JPG.)

In P mode you can also set single/multiple shots and bracketing for either exposure or focus.

[Vetteran]

No need for an adaptor as it will focus to 0!

If you have the AF Frame set to Flexizone then select the Macro mode, not needed if set to Tracking.

Tripod for close work.

Depth of field is limited with this lens.

[northernclaw]

I use Photoshop CS3 and shoot RAW anyway. . Linux has a couple of good RAW readers, but I have to use Adobe's DNG converter for RAW. Linux also doesn't have a way to calibrate the monitor, yet. I've tried DPP and don't like it. It doesn't have the controls I want. I haven't seen any improvement since the version I got in 2003.  It doesn't print the way I like, either. I let Adobe control the colors. I don't bracket, I chimp then adjust adjust by changing to Av, Tv or manual mode.
The tracking might be interesting. The 20D doesn't track so it doesn't occur to me to use it. I learned on a totally manual film SLR and used existing light.

Some can't carry a tripod and other goodies on a hike. We have to make do.

[Vetteran]

True, on a hike you can't be too loaded. Make do is ok. Gorillapod? Limited to bright(ish) light fast shutter speed will do the trick.

DPP is free so cannot be as good as Photoshop, Lightroom etc. It is good enough to show the improvement of converting RAW to jpg externally rather than using the camera's setting. Began with Box Brownie about 60 years ago. Crikey! am I that old? 

[northernclaw]

Think our family had a box brownie. I remember pushing Tri-Ex Pan and developing it myself using an old Asahi Pentax. I've always shot RAW with the DSLR. Save files as CR2 and PSD then convert to JPG from PSD. . JPG too lossy for my liking. The DLSR only uses JPG for preview if you shoot RAW. I really like Adobe RAW. I delete all the JPG files and convert to RAW to DNG for the SX50. The 20D RAW is included in CS3. I don't like the camera making my decisions if I feel like experimenting. Have a Manfrotto Monopod. I can use my flash units on the SX50. I have the real small one. I know DPP is free, but so is GIMP. GIMP is open source native to Linux, but is available for Windows and Mac.

[LindaBirder]

John, you have hit on something that I have trouble with.  In P, I have it set to Flexizone.  The function dial does not move the focus box.  It will only go to the various functions such as self timer.  How is the focus box moved?  Thank you!

[LindaBirder]

Thank you but I do not have any interest in post processing other than cropping.  It is much more time & expense than I care to invest.  I use Picassa for organizing & cropping.

[LindaBirder]

Vetteran,

Thank you very much!  I was wondering why I could never achieve any depth of field.  It helps very much to know what the camera limitations are.

LindaBirder

[LindaBirder]

Northernclaw & Veteran,

Sorry, this is off topic as far as I am concerned.  My original goal is still my goal - just to learn to use the various modes & functions of this camera.  Thank you anyway.

[John_]

Hi Linda, there are a few ways to do that and rather than me rambling on in my own words I think this is what your asking: