What To Know
- A larger aperture (smaller f-number) lets in more light, creating a shallower depth of field, where the subject is in focus and the background is beautifully blurred.
- A smaller aperture (larger f-number) lets in less light, resulting in a deeper depth of field, where more of the scene is in focus.
- A larger aperture lets in more light, allowing you to shoot in low-light conditions without needing a slow shutter speed.
The Canon EOS 1200D is a fantastic entry-level DSLR that offers a lot of creative control, and understanding aperture is key to unlocking its full potential. Aperture, the size of the opening in your lens, directly affects the depth of field (DOF), the area of your image that appears in focus. By learning how to change aperture on your Canon 1200D, you can create stunning images with blurred backgrounds, sharp landscapes, and everything in between.
Understanding Aperture and Depth of Field
Imagine your lens as a window. The aperture is like the size of the opening in that window. A larger aperture (smaller f-number) lets in more light, creating a shallower depth of field, where the subject is in focus and the background is beautifully blurred. A smaller aperture (larger f-number) lets in less light, resulting in a deeper depth of field, where more of the scene is in focus.
How Aperture Affects Your Photography
- Blurred Backgrounds: For portraits, product photography, and capturing subjects against busy backgrounds, a shallow depth of field helps isolate your subject and create a visually appealing blur.
- Sharp Landscapes: If you want to capture sharp detail across the entire landscape, a deeper depth of field is essential.
- Low Light Photography: A larger aperture lets in more light, allowing you to shoot in low-light conditions without needing a slow shutter speed.
Changing Aperture on Your Canon 1200D: The Basics
The Canon 1200D offers two primary ways to change aperture:
1. Using the Aperture Priority Mode (Av): This mode allows you to set the aperture, while the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed to achieve proper exposure.
2. Manual Mode (M): This mode gives you complete control over both aperture and shutter speed.
Using Aperture Priority Mode (Av)
1. Turn on your camera: Make sure your Canon 1200D is powered on.
2. Select Aperture Priority Mode (Av): On the mode dial, turn it to the Av setting.
3. Choose your aperture: Use the main dial on the back of the camera to adjust the aperture value. The f-number will be displayed in the viewfinder and on the camera screen. Remember, smaller f-numbers (e.g., f/2.8) create a shallower depth of field, while larger f-numbers (e.g., f/16) create a deeper depth of field.
4. Compose and take your photo: The camera will automatically adjust the shutter speed based on the aperture you selected and the available light.
Using Manual Mode (M)
1. Turn on your camera: Ensure your Canon 1200D is powered on.
2. Select Manual Mode (M): On the mode dial, turn it to the M setting.
3. Set your aperture: Use the main dial on the back of the camera to choose your desired aperture value.
4. Set your shutter speed: Use the front dial on the camera to adjust the shutter speed.
5. Check your exposure: The camera will display the exposure level in the viewfinder and on the screen. You can use the exposure compensation button to fine-tune the exposure if needed.
6. Compose and take your photo: You now have complete control over both aperture and shutter speed.
Understanding Aperture and Shutter Speed Together
Aperture and shutter speed work together to control the exposure of your image. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Aperture: Controls the amount of light entering the lens.
- Shutter Speed: Controls the duration of time the shutter remains open, allowing light to hit the sensor.
When you change aperture, you also need to adjust shutter speed to maintain proper exposure. If you increase the aperture (smaller f-number), you’ll need to decrease the shutter speed to compensate for the increased light. Conversely, if you decrease the aperture (larger f-number), you’ll need to increase the shutter speed to allow sufficient light.
Tips for Using Aperture Effectively
- Start with your lens’s widest aperture: This will give you the shallowest depth of field and allow you to experiment with blurring backgrounds.
- Use a tripod for low light: When shooting with a larger aperture, you might need a slower shutter speed, which can lead to camera shake. A tripod helps stabilize the camera and prevent blurry images.
- Practice and experiment: The best way to learn how to use aperture effectively is to practice. Try different aperture settings in various lighting conditions and see how they affect your images.
Mastering Aperture: Beyond the Basics
As you become more comfortable with aperture, you can explore advanced techniques like:
- Depth of Field Blending: This technique involves taking multiple images with different apertures and then blending them together in post-processing to create a composite image with a specific depth of field.
- Using Aperture for Creative Effects: Aperture can be used to create artistic effects like bokeh (the pleasing blur of out-of-focus areas), starbursts (the points of light created by using a small aperture), and shallow depth of field for dramatic portraits.
Moving Forward: Continuing Your Photography Journey
Learning how to change aperture on your Canon 1200D is a crucial step in mastering your photography. By understanding the relationship between aperture and depth of field, you can create visually stunning images that capture your unique vision. Experiment with different aperture settings, explore different shooting modes, and don’t be afraid to push the boundaries of your creativity. With practice and dedication, you’ll soon be capturing professional-quality images with your Canon 1200D.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: What is the maximum aperture on my Canon 1200D lens?
A: The maximum aperture of your lens will depend on the specific lens you are using. Most kit lenses will have a maximum aperture of around f/3.5-5.6. You can check the specifications of your lens for the exact maximum aperture.
Q: Can I change aperture while shooting in automatic modes?
A: Some automatic modes on the Canon 1200D might allow you to adjust aperture, but it’s not the primary focus of those modes. For full control over aperture, use Aperture Priority (Av) or Manual (M) mode.
Q: How do I know which aperture to use?
A: The best aperture setting depends on the subject, lighting conditions, and your desired effect. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for you.
Q: How does aperture affect the quality of my images?
A: Aperture can affect image sharpness and detail. At wider apertures (smaller f-numbers), you might experience a slight decrease in sharpness due to diffraction. However, this effect is usually minimal and can be mitigated by using high-quality lenses.
Q: What are some other important camera settings to learn?
A: Other important camera settings include shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, and white balance. Learning how to adjust these settings will give you more control over your images and allow you to capture stunning photos in various situations.
