> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://projectpanoptes.gitbook.io/pocs-user-guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://projectpanoptes.gitbook.io/pocs-user-guide/building/hardware-build/camera-box/camera-setup.md).

# Camera Setup

{% hint style="info" %}
The settings mentioned here are specific to Canon EOS 2000D/Rebel T7.  Look for the corresponding settings if you are using a different DSLR camera.
{% endhint %}

## STEP 1: Camera Body Settings

* Date & Time: dd-mm-yyyy format *(Can be changed programmatically as well)*
* *Location*
* Mode: 'M' Manual *(Crucial)*
* ISO: 100  *(Can be changed programmatically as well)*
* Menu 1:
  * Image quality: raw *(Crucial)*
  * Beep: Disable
  * Image review: Off
  * Peripheral illumination correction: Disable
  * Red eye reduction: Disable
  * Flash control: Flash firing -> Disable
* Menu 2:
  * Exposure compensation: 0
  * Auto lighting optimizer: Disable-Off
  * Color space: sRGB
* Menu 4:
  * Live view shoot: Disable
* Menu 7:
  * Auto power off: Disable *(Crucial)*
  * Auto rotate: Off

## STEP 2: Attach Lens to the Camera Body

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/3MRLN0t-UHE>" %}

## STEP 3: Lens Aperture Setting and Focus

Set to manual focus

The aperture for the camera should be set at 1.4, or all the way "open," in order to catch as much light as possible. Once set the aperture should not have to change.

The video below describes both the setting of the aperture and how to focus the camera.

{% hint style="info" %}
This page describes the permanent settings for the camera that should be done while building.&#x20;

See [Camera Focus](/pocs-user-guide/deploying/deployment-guide/camera-focus.md) for details on focusing the camera during [deployment](/pocs-user-guide/deploying/deployment-guide.md).
{% endhint %}

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/dLHJLSKK9B8>" %}

## STEP 4: Focus Creep Band

Once the lens aperture and focus are set, carefully place the lens band to avoid focus creep over time.  The lens band should stretch partially over the focusing ring and a static part of the lens, as shown below.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQDh2lDCy-Q>" %}

{% hint style="info" %}
The cameras will need to be refocused during deployment.

See [Camera Focus](/pocs-user-guide/deploying/deployment-guide/camera-focus.md) for details on focusing the camera during [deployment](/pocs-user-guide/deploying/deployment-guide.md).
{% endhint %}

## **STEP 5:  Cover Viewfinder**

Prevents any stray light from leaking into the viewfinder.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtcZ2EvxxwU>" %}