I have developed a list of things to check, and some tips, that help me avoid missing important shots, time wasted trying to figure out what the he__ the camera is doing, or having to spend hours in post and getting substandard results fixing the effects created by a mistaken setting.

This list and the tips below it, are really for those new to DSLR's.

Because the old crusty pros and even us experienced amateurs are much wiser and would never make a mistake with camera settings. ;) However all are invited to comment, deride, endorse, etc.

(1) WB
(2) ISO
(3) Aperture
(4) Shutter

(5) Metering
(6) Focus settings & image stabilization
(7) Shooting Format (Raw/JPG - quality, size)
(8) Shutter Mode (Single, continuous, 10s timer,…. etc)

(9) Battery Level
(10) No Shots remaining on card


1-4 every time you put the camera to your eye <- DO THIS
1 - 10 when you pull the camera out of the drawer/before a session
5-8 when “default” settings were changed for a special case*
9-10 periodically during the day/night/session

*TIP: When changing default modes (5)-(8) for a special case, always put the settings back to default when done

TIP: Never leave the camera sit without a memory card. Replace the card immediately after downloading images.

TIP: When the memory card is removed for downloading, leave the camera access door open as a reminder.

TIP: if you like to keep images on the memory card after downloading, when replacing the card, shoot a black frame. The next time you insert the card in the computer for download, sort by date or number, then the black frame makes it easy to see where the new images start.

TIP: Do not "touch" images stored on the memory card. Do not rename them or erase them on the memory card using the computer. Do that work on the images stored on the computer hard drive. Reformat the card using the camera if you want to clear the card for the next shoot.

Ah, but don't you need to make sure the batteries are fresh in your Sekonic, and if you are shooting color transparency you'd have two basic choices, daylight or tungsten, and you'd have to make more subtle color changes after taking some measurements with one of these handy little devices.

Not to mention the fact that color response on color reversal film is fluid, and requires a test roll, to which you determine the correct basic filter pack for the entire emulsion run. Then add additional filtration for the lighting conditions. So you'd have to keep a bag full of Wratten CC gels, to get the right color.

I used to use the Minolta and Spectra Cine 3 Color Meter - both analog and quite fussy - back in the day.

Trust me, after all of that, I welcome some of the creature comforts of shooting digital, and given that I spend have my time shooting wildlife, mostly birds with long lenses, I do welcome Autofocus - I could never be as accurate or consistent with my old Novoflex Follow Focus lenses as I am with my current AF lenses and bodies. You've seen some of my work so you know what I am talking about.

On the other hand, I do miss microprism and split prism focusing screens, especially when I use my prime lenses - 24, 45 and 85mm PC-E - which is primarily what I use when I am not shooting wildlife.

Hard to check? Maybe it's harder to check WB on some cameras than others.

Some people say that WB doesn't matter with raw. I personally don't agree. First I like to spend the minimum time in post. When I open a raw file it opens displaying the camera's white balance setting, which I can change if I want. But I personally don't want to have to change it on 500 pictures because it was set wrong in the camera. And if I was shooting different lighting situations, like outside all day, morning mid-day evening, sunny cloudy shady, and I forgot to set WB accordingly, then that is a real mess to fix. I consider that a complete waste of time.

Second, even with raw, there are differences in the WB choices based on post processing software used. Again, it takes some additional time to get it right in post.

But some people like working and spending time in post and that's fine if that is what they like.

Listen I'm no expert and this is a good tip! I shoot with the white balance on auto but all the rest is very relevant to me. I can't count the number of photos, check that pictures, check that shots, yea that's more like it, that I've wasted because of the wrong setting. The time wasted on the computer processing images one after another trying to salvage something out of the wrong setting. This helps out a guy like me. I'm going back and reread the tips again to keep it fresh in my mind. Thank You JD750

I even had a problem that the UHH guys didn't figure out. I was using aperture priority and when I changed ISO strange things were happening. The shutter speed was not as expected and I was getting ev compensation, and the photos were not identical. Nobody could figure it out, but I called Arlington Camera and talked to somebody who knew Nikon's in an out and he told me that I must have turned bracketing on. Sure enough, I'd turned bracketing on at sometime in the past. One thing about these cameras, you really have to get to know them and how they work. The check list is a very good idea.