Quote:
Originally Posted by R_Fredrick_Smith
One can always improve on any set of instructions. I have no problem with the Canon manual. The instructions are precise and exact and they work just fine. Step 3 could be worded better, but essentially they are saying you could use any White Balance setting on the top LCD when shooting the reference photo, but if you choose it (CWB) to start with, then you'll not have to then choose it again later. And you notice in their instructions, they do not choose it again later.
Your instructions are perfectly okay, but just like the Canon instructions, have confusing elements. Which proves how difficult it is to write instructions. For example you say "Take a picture of a white object". Someone might think they could use a 3 dimensional object rather than a white surface. Of course Canon says this also which is a confusing element. That is to say, if you use a white ball as your reference, you will likely not get as exact a CWB as you would with a actual white card. And even then, a gray card will work better, because it is not as likely to have a hot spot. We could write several pages discussing this, but that would likely be more confusing in a manual than helpful. So Canon uses the pedantic approach which is "technically" accurate.
But actually the sort of pedantic instructions in the Canon Manual are good because they force you to work slowly through the initial phases of learning the step by step approach and then you can work out your own refinements.
I tried to explain all this to a model I was shooting and this was her reaction!  |
Hi Roger,
I am not going to get into a "yes it is, no it ain't" argument. Simply put, I needed help understanding Canon's instructions, and I am reasonably adept person with computers. Technical language doesn't throw me easily. When another person gave me instructions 1 through 4, I immediately understood what I needed to do with the camera.
So I can understand and sympathize with those who don't understand the instructions--because I didn't either.
Let's see if glamourpics prefers the steps 1-4 that another person gave me or prefers Canon's instructions.
I must note to others that you have been extremely helpful to me when I asked questions about white balance. You are gracious and generous with your knowledge. I always find your advice helpful. And for that I am grateful.
Best regards,
Kevin