Ultimate hardware tips

Angela Nicholson

Photographer and journalist Angela Nicholson started reviewing cameras for Amateur Photographer in 2004 and was our Technical Editor before leaving for new pastures in 2010. Last year she founded SheClicks, a community for female photographers. Angela also runs a camera news and review site at www.camerajabber. com. See squeezymedia.com.

Camera

1 Update the firmware

As well as ironing-out bugs, manufacturers sometimes issue firmware updates to make cameras compatible with new accessories and lenses or to add useful new features. The easiest way to find out if your camera has a firmware update is to head to the manufacturer's website and visit the support pages. With a little searching you'll find out how to check your camera's firmware version, if there's been an update issued, and how to download and install it.

2 Check the autofocus

If you have a DSLR and you buy a new lens, it's worth checking that the autofocusing system is working accurately. You can do this by photographing something like a shelf of books at a 45° angle at a wide aperture. If the focus