Going Handheld

📷 Handheld Photography & Video with the Canon T5

🔧 Before You Start:

  • Battery charged?
  • SD card inserted and has space?
  • Lens cap off?
  • Mode dial set (Manual, Aperture Priority, Video, etc.)?
  • Auto-focus enabled (AF/MF switch on lens)?

👐 How to Hold Your DSLR for Stability

Even without a tripod, you can get stable shots using proper hand grip and body posture.

✋ Step-by-Step Hand Grip:

  1. Right Hand: Wrap your right hand around the camera grip. Your index finger should rest lightly on the shutter button.
  2. Left Hand: Place your left hand underneath the lens. This helps support the camera’s weight and makes fine zoom or focus adjustments easier.
  3. Elbows In: Tuck your elbows gently against your chest or sides — don’t flare them out. This reduces arm shake.
  4. Feet Placement: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. You can step one foot slightly forward for better balance.
  5. Breathe Steady: Exhale slowly when taking the shot — even hold your breath momentarily at the shutter press if needed.

🎥 Shooting Handheld Video Tips

✅ Do:

  • Hold the camera gently but steadily — a tight grip causes micro-shakes.
  • Use your body as a stabilizer — try resting your arms against your torso.
  • Use the pull-out screen to frame your shot at waist or chest height. This is steadier than holding the camera at eye level.
  • Enable image stabilization on the lense.

❌ Don’t:

  • Jerk the camera — keep movements slow and deliberate.
  • Zoom while recording, unless you’re on a tripod or using a power zoom lens.

🖼️ Composition & Rule of Thirds

Use the pull-out screen to frame your subject:

  • Turn on the grid lines in the camera settings (Menu > Display Settings).
  • Position your subject’s eyes or face near one of the top grid intersections.
  • If your subject is looking left, leave space (headroom) on the left side of the frame.
  • Same for looking right — give space in the direction they’re facing.

📸 Example:

You’re photographing someone looking to the left. Don’t center them. Place them on the right third of the screen, leaving open space on the left so the viewer sees where they’re looking.

🎞️ Video-Specific Tip: The Gentle Touch

Handheld video is more sensitive to movement than photos. Instead of gripping tightly:

  • Let the camera float slightly between your hands.
  • Lean on walls or objects for stabilization if available.