There is nothing better than opening a present on Christmas day and finding precisely what you hoped for - especially if that is a brand new, state-of-the-art camera. At CameraWorld, you will find a whole host of impressive cameras, so it’s understandable if that is what you were hoping for under the tree. Cameras can be expensive, so they are often given as a special gift on a special day, such as Christmas.

However, they require a little setting up, and you can’t jump in. Of course, the effort of setting up a camera is worth it, but it might require a little bit of time. You need to take the time to familiarise yourself with your camera, the settings, and all the accessories. Though you might be tempted to start snapping away at your lucky subjects instantly, your camera settings will likely need to be adjusted, and the camera will need to be charged. You will also need to set the time and the date and ensure the firmware is up to date.

To help you out and to ensure that your first day with your new camera goes smoothly, we have listed five of our top tips for setting up your new camera on Christmas day.

Top Tips for Setting Up Your New Camera

A lot goes into setting up a camera, especially some of the newest digital options, but that shouldn’t put you off. The sooner you set up your camera, the sooner you will be able to get stuck into everything it’s capable of. 

  1. Read the Manual - When you receive a new camera, you might be tempted to dive straight into using it and capturing images. However, it’s essential to read the manual. Cameras are complex pieces of equipment, and even experienced photographers are likely to find a new camera confusing at first. They have a whole host of functions, settings and capabilities, and no two cameras are identical. To ensure that you are getting the most out of your new camera, take the time to read the manual and get to grips with what it can do. You don’t need to sit down and read the entire manual at once, but it’s a good idea to take a look at the key pieces of information. As you use your camera more, additional things will become relevant.
  2. Charge Your Camera - Getting a new camera is exciting; you open the box, take it out and dive straight in. In fact, we wouldn’t blame you for snapping photographs straight away. However, remember to charge your camera. Many people are left disappointed when they are midway through using their new camera, only to realise that the battery is running low. If you charge your camera straight away, you will have enough battery to make the most of it on your first outing.
  3. Play Around with the Settings - It might take a while to get used to the settings on your camera, especially if you have one capable of a lot. Thoroughly understanding all of the settings on your camera is a vital part of ensuring you get as much out of the device as possible. The easiest way to understand what every button and setting does is to play around with it. After all, photography should be fun. Take the time to change the focus and ISO, and work your way through the navigation menu to see what settings can be changed. Once you are out and about photographing, you don’t want to run the risk of missing a perfect shot because you are unfamiliar with the various settings.
  4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help - There is a lot that goes into setting up a camera, so don’t be afraid to ask for help should you need it, especially if you are doing so for the first time. Instead of running the risk of getting something wrong or setting the camera up incorrectly, seek help from someone who knows what they are doing. You could ask a friend or family member who is experienced with cameras, or you could look for assistance online. There’s a lot of information out there about setting up a new camera, so you won’t be short of choice.

When it comes to setting up a new camera, practice really does make perfect. Though you might have had a lot of experience with camera equipment, every make and model is slightly different, and you need to spend time setting it up properly. Even if you are only using the camera for basic photography, practise using various settings, experiment with exposures and try out different types of photography, such as action shots or portrait taking or capturing the perfect landscapes.

There are also some other things you should consider doing when setting up your camera, but these are quick and easy. For example, you should set the time and date. This will ensure that your photos are always time-stamped correctly and help you organise them by date. You might also need to update the firmware, as not all new cameras are running the latest software. Updating the firmware is quick, easy and relatively straightforward.

Your ‘One-Stop Shop’ for New Cameras

At CameraWorld, we have a wide range of cameras and camera accessories for you to choose from. Whether you are looking for a brand-new camera or specialist accessories for your gift from Father Christmas, you will always find what you’re looking for at CameraWorld. We even have instant cameras, lenses and secondhand cameras for you to enjoy.

Regardless of your camera type, setting it up correctly is a key step and shouldn’t be overlooked. To find out more about your new camera or for help choosing accessories and equipment, get in touch and speak to the CameraWorld team.