What To Know
- Whether you’re shooting in low light, capturing unique angles, or simply want a more convenient way to take photos, understanding how to turn on and utilize Live View is essential.
- Live View on the Canon 80D essentially transforms your DSLR into a mirrorless camera, allowing you to see exactly what the lens is capturing on the LCD screen.
- The Live View mode allows you to control the camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet, opening up new possibilities for creative photography.
The Canon EOS 80D is a powerful DSLR that offers a range of features, including the incredibly useful Live View mode. This mode allows you to compose and shoot images directly through the camera’s LCD screen, eliminating the need to look through the viewfinder. Whether you’re shooting in low light, capturing unique angles, or simply want a more convenient way to take photos, understanding how to turn on and utilize Live View is essential. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, enabling you to unlock the full potential of your Canon 80D.
Understanding Live View Mode
Live View on the Canon 80D essentially transforms your DSLR into a mirrorless camera, allowing you to see exactly what the lens is capturing on the LCD screen. This is particularly beneficial in situations where using the traditional optical viewfinder might be challenging or inconvenient.
Here are some key advantages of using Live View mode:
- Easier Composition: The ability to see your subject directly on the LCD screen makes it much easier to frame your shots, especially when working with complex compositions or in tight spaces.
- Precise Focusing: Live View offers advanced focusing options, including the ability to manually select focus points and utilize the camera’s autofocus system for accurate subject tracking.
- Live Histogram and Exposure Settings: You can monitor the histogram and adjust exposure settings in real-time, ensuring your images are perfectly exposed.
- Remote Shooting: The Live View mode allows you to control the camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet, opening up new possibilities for creative photography.
How to Turn on Live View Mode on your Canon 80D
Turning on Live View mode on the Canon 80D is incredibly simple. Follow these steps:
1. Switch to Live View Mode: Locate the “Live View” button on the back of your camera, usually positioned near the LCD screen. Press this button to activate Live View mode.
2. Confirm Activation: The camera will switch to Live View mode, and the LCD screen will display the live feed from your lens. You’ll notice a small “Live View” icon at the top of the screen indicating the mode is active.
Using Live View for Photography
Now that you’ve successfully activated Live View, let’s explore how to use it effectively for your photography:
Focusing in Live View
Live View offers several focusing options, allowing you to achieve sharp and well-focused images:
- Autofocus (AF): The Canon 80D’s Live View mode features a sophisticated autofocus system. To use autofocus, simply press the shutter button halfway down. The camera will automatically focus on the subject within the selected focus area.
- Single-Point AF: This option allows you to select a specific focus point on the LCD screen. This is ideal for precise focusing on a particular subject, especially when shooting macro or close-up images.
- Manual Focus: For complete control over focusing, you can switch to manual focus mode. This is useful when shooting in low light, where autofocus may struggle, or when you want to achieve a specific depth of field.
Exposure Control in Live View
Live View provides a range of tools for controlling exposure:
- Exposure Compensation: Adjust the exposure compensation dial to fine-tune the overall brightness of your images.
- ISO Sensitivity: Change the ISO setting to control the camera’s sensitivity to light. Higher ISO values are ideal for low light conditions, but can introduce noise.
- Aperture and Shutter Speed: You can adjust the aperture and shutter speed settings using the camera’s control dial or the touch screen.
Additional Live View Features
The Canon 80D’s Live View mode offers several additional features to enhance your photography:
- Zoom Function: Use the zoom function to magnify the image on the LCD screen, allowing for precise focusing and composition.
- Grid Overlay: Enable the grid overlay to help you compose your images using the rule of thirds.
- Image Stabilization: The Canon 80D’s image stabilization system works effectively in Live View mode, minimizing camera shake and ensuring sharp images.
Tips for Shooting with Live View
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of Live View mode:
- Use a Tripod: Since the camera’s mirror is flipped up in Live View, the camera can be susceptible to shake. Using a tripod is highly recommended, especially for longer exposures or low light photography.
- Utilize the Touch Screen: The Canon 80D’s touchscreen interface allows you to tap the screen to select focus points, adjust settings, and even take photos.
- Monitor the Histogram: The live histogram provides real-time feedback on the exposure of your images. Make sure your histogram is balanced to avoid blown highlights or clipped shadows.
- Experiment with Different Focusing Modes: Try out the various autofocus and manual focus options to find what works best for your shooting style and subject.
Unleashing the Creative Potential of Live View
Live View mode opens up a world of creative possibilities:
- Time-Lapse Photography: Capture stunning time-lapse sequences by setting the camera to interval shooting in Live View.
- Macro Photography: Live View’s focus magnification and ability to manually select focus points make it ideal for macro photography.
- Remote Shooting: Connect the camera to your smartphone or tablet to control it remotely, allowing you to shoot from a distance or capture unique perspectives.
The End of Your Live View Journey: Mastering the Mode
By understanding the basics of Live View mode and implementing the tips provided, you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning images with your Canon 80D. This mode offers a versatile and user-friendly way to shoot, enabling you to explore creative techniques and capture the world around you with greater precision and control.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Can I use Live View mode for video recording?
A: Yes, the Canon 80D’s Live View mode is also used for video recording. Simply press the red video record button to start recording.
Q: Is Live View mode suitable for shooting action photography?
A: While Live View mode can be used for action photography, it may not be the ideal choice due to the slight lag between the live feed and the actual image capture. For fast-moving subjects, using the optical viewfinder and continuous shooting mode is often recommended.
Q: How do I exit Live View mode?
A: Simply press the “Live View” button again to exit Live View mode and return to the optical viewfinder.
Q: What is the difference between Live View mode and the optical viewfinder?
A: The optical viewfinder provides a direct view of the scene through the lens, while Live View mode displays a digital representation of the scene on the LCD screen. The optical viewfinder is generally preferred for fast-action shooting, while Live View mode is ideal for composing images, focusing precisely, and utilizing advanced settings.
