12 Things You Didn't Know Your DSLR Could Do

7. Take notes without a notebook, by using voice memos.

What is a microphone doing on the back of the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III, below? It allows the the shooter to add an audio clip to be attached to an individual frame.

This feature allows you to record a voice clip and embed it in the image file. It eliminates the need for a notepad or handheld device for recording the stuff that doesn’t get into the EXIF data: Names of people and places, how you got to the location, hair-raising happenings, etc. (While this capability is now limited to mostly higher-end DSLRs, we suspect it will eventually migrate downwards, as most DSLRs now have built-in mics for video recording.)

Tip Use the voice clip to record info for future reference: “Come back when mist is predicted” or “Get here early for the eastern light on the mountain.

8. Take a time-lapse sequence using the interval timer.
Curiously, you used to see on-board interval timers more often in compact cameras than in DSLRs, which usually required a separate controller to make the camera shoot automatically at regular intervals. But times are changing, and more and more DSLRs include built-in intervalometers.

Creating time-lapse videos from still shots is popular these days, and some cameras will even bundle shots into a video clip for you—no video editing software needed.

Tip:Make sure your camera’s battery is fully charged before making a long sequence, or consider using an AC adaptor.{C}{C}{C}{C}