Canon 30D - Manual (Page 25)

Page 25 of 35 © Ken Rockwell 2006
SHOOTING MENU
Quality: Here's where you select file type, image size, and JPG compression
level.
• I use Large Normal, which is L with a stair-step icon. Default is Large
Fine, which is next to it as L and a quarter-circle icon. Fine makes a file
with the same resolution and number of pixels, but with twice the file
size (half as many pictures per card) and with 1% better quality. L is an
image 3,504 x 2,336 pixels. My friend Paul Renner uses a 20D and
people pay him top dollar for prints many feet on a side at this
resolution.
• M is a slightly smaller image size, 2,544 x 1,696 pixels. I use this to
save file space if I'm shooting hundreds and hundreds of shots of
sports or at a party. I can print these files at 12 x 18" (50 cm wide) and
they still look great.
• S is a smaller image at 1,728 x 1,152 pixels. I use it only if I want a
small shot to record a sign in front of a location for reference. Even
then, this will print just lovely at 8x12" (30 cm wide).
I don't use RAW. This makes huge files that must be processed later in your
computer before you or anyone else can see them or do anything with them.
The RAW + (...) settings record two files, a raw file (.CR2) and a JPG per your
choice.
More at my RAW vs. JPG page, and examples of how these look at my D200
File Format Examples page.
Red Eye shines an annoying light into the face of your subjects. Bars light up
in the finder and come together in about a second letting you know it's time to
take the picture. Unlike Nikon, you can take the picture anytime you want. I
never use this feature. I leave it at its default of OFF. It doesn't work well to
reduce red eye and annoys your subjects. If red eye (people's eyes glowing
red in flash pictures) is a problem, try getting closer or using a regular flash
instead of the built-in.
Beep. This is on by default, annoys everyone and screams AMATEUR!!!
across every room and auditorium when others hear the idiotic noises. Please
turn it to OFF.
Shoot Without Card. I leave this on its default of OFF. If you set it to ON it
will let you think you're taking pictures, even if you have no memory card! You
could shoot an entire wedding and get nothing. Leave it set to OFF.