12 Things You Didn't Know Your DSLR Could Do

9. Go wild and crazy (or, better yet, subtle and sophisticated) with filter effects.

This image was shot on the Pentax K-01 using its in-camera HDR mode, which combines 3 exposures.

We all know these imaging effects are in there, and yes, we have called some of them cheesy and over-the-top (witness the Pentax K-5’s cross-processing effect). But you know what? They’re fun, and can be useful, too. Filters such as fisheye effect and miniature effect can add zing to city scenes when you don’t have the right lens to do it for you; soft focus can help challenged complexions; pastel or watercolor effects can tone down harsh midday light. And remember, if you shoot RAW + JPEG, you’re not stuck with the rendition—it’s applied only to the JPEG.

Tip: Preview what a monochrome rendition will look like by setting JPEG capture to b&w, then use filters such as red, green, or yellow to alter tonality.

10. Try another kind of flash memory: TTL flash-exposure lock.
Just as cameras have an exposure lock setting that lets you set exposure for one area of the scene and then recompose, many DSLRs have flash-exposure lock. You should use it similarly: When a person or other important subject will be positioned at the edge of the frame, use the lock to preset flash exposure for the subject (it uses a preflash), then recompose.

Tip Flash exposure lock works with accessory TTL flash units—on- or off-camera—as well as the built-in unit. {C}{C}{C}{C}