Looking for a handy reference tool to improve your photography skills?
We’ve researched the Photography Cheat Sheet card from New York City Photo Safari, and it might be just what you need for mastering your camera settings.
This credit card-sized reference tool packs a lot of vital photography information into a small, pocket-friendly format. It covers essential concepts like aperture, shutter speed, exposure triangle, and manual mode settings that work for Canon, Sony, Nikon, and even film cameras.
Made of waterproof PVC plastic, this durable card can withstand the elements while you’re out shooting.
We like that it includes information for photographers of all skill levels, from beginners just learning manual mode to advanced users who need quick reminders about neutral density filter calculations.
The compact size means you can keep it in your wallet, pocket, or camera bag without adding bulk or weight to your gear.
With a strong 4.6-star rating from over 260 users, many photographers seem to find this reference card quite helpful.
Bottom Line
If you struggle to remember camera settings or want a quick reference for photography basics, this cheat sheet card is worth considering.
The portable format and comprehensive information make it a practical tool for photographers at any skill level.
Check out the Photography Cheat Sheet card on Amazon today!
Overview of the DSLR/Mirrorless Photography Cheat Sheets
Photography can be overwhelming with all its technical settings. These credit card-sized reference cards from New York City Photo Safari offer a handy solution for photographers at any skill level.
We found the PVC plastic material makes them waterproof and durable enough to withstand outdoor shooting conditions.
The cheat sheets provide quick visual references for essential camera functions including aperture, shutter speeds, ISO settings, and the exposure triangle. They’re designed to fit easily in a wallet or camera bag, measuring just 3.37″ x 2.125″.
Even advanced photographers will appreciate the included Neutral Density filter calculations. The cards work with any camera brand including Canon, Nikon, and Sony, making them versatile for most photographers.
While some users mention they’re a bit pricey for their size, most photographers—especially beginners—find them valuable for remembering key settings during shoots.
These compact reference cards serve as helpful reminders when your mind goes blank in the middle of a photography session.
Essential Photography Knowledge At Your Fingertips
Photography can be complicated, especially when you’re trying to remember all those technical settings in the field. These credit card-sized cheat sheets from New York City Photo Safari solve that problem.
We found the plastic cards to be durable and waterproof – perfect for outdoor shooting conditions.
The sheets include easy-to-understand visual references for key photography elements like aperture, shutter speeds, and ISO. The exposure triangle explanation is particularly helpful when shooting in manual mode.
What makes these cards stand out is their pocket-friendly size. At standard credit card dimensions, they fit easily in a wallet or camera bag.
We appreciate that they work with any camera brand, including Canon, Nikon, and Sony.
Even advanced photographers will find value in the included ND filter calculations. While some reviewers felt the price was high for a small card, most users praised how helpful these quick references are, especially for beginners who sometimes blank on settings during shoots.
Durability Meets Convenience
When heading out for a photo shoot, you need reference tools that won’t fail when you need them most. The Photography Cheat Sheet is printed on PVC plastic, making it waterproof and able to withstand the elements.
We found this especially useful for outdoor photographers who might encounter unexpected weather.
The credit card size (3.37″ x 2.13″) means it fits easily in your wallet, pocket, or camera bag without adding noticeable weight or bulk. This thoughtful design ensures you always have key photography fundamentals with you.
For beginners, having instant access to aperture, shutter speed, and exposure triangle information prevents those frustrating moments when settings are forgotten. For advanced photographers, the ND filter calculations add extra value.
We appreciate that the card works for any camera brand, including Canon, Nikon, and Sony models.
While one reviewer found it overpriced for the amount of information provided, most users consider it a helpful companion for on-the-go reference.
Visual Learning for Quick Mastery
Learning photography gets much easier with visual aids. This credit card-sized cheat sheet uses clear diagrams to help photographers understand key concepts quickly.
We found the visual representations of aperture, shutter speed, and the exposure triangle particularly helpful for grasping these fundamental ideas.
The card’s design emphasizes learning through images rather than text. Beginners can see exactly how different settings affect their photos without reading lengthy explanations. The visual approach helps photographers remember concepts more easily during shoots.
Many users mention how the visual format helps them overcome mental blocks when taking photos. We agree that seeing the relationship between settings is more intuitive than memorizing numbers.
For new photographers, these visual references create a faster path to mastering manual mode. Even intermediate photographers benefit from the quick visual reminders when they need to calculate exposures or adjust settings in challenging situations.
Pros and Cons
When venturing into photography, having quick reference materials can make a significant difference in your learning journey. This credit card-sized cheat sheet offers a compact solution for photographers at various skill levels.
We’ve examined what works well and what falls short with this pocket-sized reference tool.
Pros
- Portable and Durable – The PVC plastic construction makes it waterproof and tough enough to withstand regular use in various shooting conditions.
- Universal Compatibility – Works with all camera brands including Canon, Nikon, Sony, and even film cameras.
- Comprehensive Information – Covers essential photography concepts like aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, and exposure triangle in an easy-to-understand format.
- Perfect Size – At standard credit card dimensions (3.37″ × 2.125″), it fits easily in wallets, pockets, and camera bags.
- Visual Learning – Uses graphics to illustrate the effects of different camera settings, which is helpful for visual learners.
- Advanced Features – Includes neutral density filter calculations that even more experienced photographers will find useful.
Cons
- Price Point Concerns – Several users mentioned feeling the card is overpriced for the amount of information provided.
- Limited Information – Some photographers found the content basic and wanted more detailed information specific to mirrorless cameras.
- Print Quality Issues – A few customers described the card as “pinched looking,” suggesting potential production quality concerns.
- Not Revolutionary – Experienced photographers may find they already know most of the information presented.
- Single Card Limitation – The package includes just one card, which some users felt didn’t provide enough value for the cost.
Analyzing Customer Reviews
Looking at what real buyers say about these photography cheat sheets reveals some consistent patterns. We found that beginners and amateur photographers particularly appreciate having quick reference information at their fingertips.
Many reviewers highlight the convenience of the credit card size, making it easy to carry in camera bags or wallets.
The visual elements receive positive mentions, with users noting that the graphics clearly illustrate how different camera settings affect photos. For those still learning the fundamentals or those who occasionally blank on settings during shoots, this card serves as a helpful reminder.
Some criticism exists regarding value. A few reviewers expected multiple cards rather than just one, feeling the price point was high for a single reference card. Others mentioned that while the information isn’t necessarily new to experienced photographers, it provides useful reminders.
Overall, the cheat sheet maintains a strong 4.6-star rating across 261 reviews, suggesting most buyers find it worthwhile despite the occasional criticism.
Final Thoughts
This credit card-sized photography cheat sheet offers real value for beginners and even occasional photographers who need quick reminders about camera settings.
We appreciate how it packs essential information about aperture, shutter speed, and the exposure triangle into a portable format that easily fits in a wallet or camera bag.
While experienced photographers might not find new information here, its convenience is undeniable. The visual graphics make complex concepts immediately understandable, which is perfect when you’re in the middle of a shoot and need a quick reference.
Some users mentioned the price being a bit high for a single card, but most found it worth the investment for the peace of mind it provides.
Overall, this cheat sheet serves its purpose well as a handy reference tool for anyone still mastering manual mode on their Canon, Sony, or Nikon camera.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photography enthusiasts often have questions about these handy cheat sheets and photography concepts in general. We’ve compiled the most common questions to help you better understand both the reference card and key photography principles.
What are the essential settings to master for beginners using DSLR cameras?
Beginners should focus on understanding the “exposure triangle” – aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
The aperture (f-stop) controls depth of field, with lower numbers creating blurrier backgrounds.
Shutter speed affects motion blur – faster speeds freeze action while slower speeds capture movement.
ISO determines light sensitivity, with higher numbers brightening images but potentially adding grain.
This cheat sheet clearly illustrates these relationships with visual examples, making it easier to understand how changing one setting affects your overall image.
How do mirrorless cameras compare to DSLRs in terms of image quality and performance?
Modern mirrorless cameras generally match DSLRs in image quality while offering some advantages.
Mirrorless systems are typically lighter, more compact, and provide electronic viewfinders that show real-time exposure. They also often have faster burst rates and better video capabilities.
However, DSLRs usually have better battery life and a wider selection of native lenses.
The photography principles on this reference card apply equally to both camera types, making it valuable regardless of which system you use.
Where can one find comprehensive cheat sheets for understanding photography settings?
Besides this pocket reference card, photographers can find cheat sheets through:
- Photography websites like Digital Photography School and Photzy
- Pinterest boards dedicated to photography tips
- Photography books and magazines
- YouTube tutorials with downloadable PDFs
- Photography apps with built-in reference guides
This particular credit card-sized reference stands out for its portability, durability (waterproof PVC), and visual approach to explaining concepts.
What are some tips for transitioning from automatic to manual camera settings in photography?
When moving from auto to manual mode:
- Start with aperture priority (A or Av) to control depth of field while the camera handles shutter speed
- Practice with shutter priority (S or Tv) to learn how different speeds affect motion
- Use the histogram to check exposure rather than just reviewing the image
- Master one setting at a time before trying to control everything manually
- Carry a reference guide like this cheat sheet to help remember relationships between settings
The visual examples on this card make these transitions easier by showing exactly how changing a setting affects your final image.
Which professional photographers recommend DSLR over mirrorless cameras, and why?
Some professionals still prefer DSLRs for specific reasons:
- Wildlife photographers like the longer battery life for all-day shoots
- Sports photographers with investments in specialized telephoto lenses
- Portrait photographers who prefer optical viewfinders for a direct view
- Photographers in extreme conditions who value the proven durability of higher-end DSLRs
However, the industry is increasingly shifting toward mirrorless. The principles on this cheat sheet remain relevant regardless of camera type, focusing on fundamentals that apply universally.
What resources are available for free to improve photography skills and knowledge?
Many free resources can supplement this reference card:
- YouTube channels dedicated to photography tutorials
- Manufacturer websites with free guides specific to your camera model
- Photography forums like Reddit’s r/photography for community advice
- Photo walks organized in many cities for hands-on learning
- Free e-books from photography websites and camera manufacturers
- Online photo challenges that provide creative assignments and feedback
These resources pair well with the quick reference this cheat sheet provides, allowing you to deepen your understanding while having key information at your fingertips.