Description
The Canon 80D is the main video camera (DSLR) ETS uses for media production. This camera kit includes the body, and three interchangeable lenses, including:
- Canon 18-135mm F3.5-5.6
- Canon 50mm F1.4
- Canon 50mm F1.8
Note: These lenses are compatible on both this 80D and the secondary T3i. Make sure to return them to the correct camera bag (eg. these three lenses listed all belong to 80D’s bag).
Camera Body
This DSLR is capable of taking both photos and videos. To switch between video mode, flip the switch on the right side to the viewfinder.
If you haven’t had experience on how to operate a DLSR, do not panic. Automatic mode is a good way to start. To switch Between modes, use the dial located on the top left of the camera. Push down on the lock-release button in the middle of the dial and turn to “A+” (green) to shoot in auto mode.
If you are keen to learn more about taking photos with DSLR and have more control on the camera instead of using auto mode, the “photography triangle” is the way to get started. The following short video provides a beginner guide.
Once you have a basic understand of ISO, aperture and shutter speed, you are ready to take more control over on the camera. “Av” and “Tv” cover most situations that you will encounter. “Av” mode is aperture priority, allowing the user to choose the desire aperture; “Tv” mode, similarly, allows the user to choose the desire shutter speed and adjust the other factors for you.
Lens Choice and Handling
One of the most powerful features of a DSLR over a phone camera is the ability to change lens. Different lenses create different angle of view and depth of field.
To change a lens on a Canon camera, look for the lock-release button located on the right of the lens from a front view. Before you press the button, make sure to have other lens ready to minimize the exposure time of the sensor and the rear of the lens. Press on the button, hold on to the lens and rotate it anti-clockwise to take it out. When placing the other lens in, align the white (or red) dot on the back of the lens to the corresponding dot on the camera mount. Also make sure the lens is all the way locked in (with a click sound).
Of the 3 lenses included in the 80D’s kit, the 18-135mm is the most versatile one due to its long zoom range and wide viewing angle.
- Canon 18-135mm F3.5-5.6
- suitable for most situation
- zoom lens
- can zoom out to a wide angle and zoom in to a telephoto angle
- not suitable in low light situation
- Canon 50mm F1.4
- prime lens (meaning that it cannot zoom in or out)
- great for detail shots and portraits
- perfect for low light condition
- Canon 50mm F1.8
- very similar to the 50mm F1.4
- slightly smaller aperture
- use when F1.4 is in use on another camer
Verdict
We will not go any deeper than this for now. Understanding photography is easy, knowing what settings to use for every situation in a split second is hard, but all it takes is experience. The following camera simulator is the sandbox for you to test out different settings. It is the easiest way to visualize what each setting does.
http://www.canonoutsideofauto.ca/play/