Cameras all have different button layouts, but the most basic buttons remain the same. We’re going to go over some of the most common layouts, but keep in mind that it might not be identical to what your camera is like.
Most DSLR manuals can be found online, so if you still have questions, you can always reference a manual specific to your camera.
Canon support site.
Click on the manuals tab, or just type in your model and you will be directed to a page where you can download your manual, free of charge.
Nikon support site.
A nice big page which includes links to all of the Nikon gear you can get a manual for. I used ctrl + f on my keyboard and typed in my model to find what I was looking for.
Sony support site.
An easy to use interface. Use the product category box or just type in your model number and hey presto.
NIKON
1 - Playback: review your images
2 - Menu: access the in-camera menu
3 - Help / Protect / WB: displays description of selected option / select images to protect from deleting / control white balance
4 - Zoom In / Qual: zoom in on your image / select file type and quality of image
5 - Zoom Out / ISO / Auto ISO Control: zoom out from your image / set ISO / turn auto-ISO on or off
6 - Change Settings: quick access to different functions depending that vary depending on if you’re shooting video, stills, or in playback mode
7 - Monitor: viewing screen
8 - Info: displays shooting information on monitor
9 - Live View: displays current view on monitor
10 - Video or Stills: choose between shooting video or still images
11 - Multi-Selector: select between different options on monitor
12 - OK: select
13 - Command Dial: controls a variety of settings
14 - Autofocus Lock: focus on a subject
15 - Diopter: set sharp focus to viewfinder (sometimes you will notice all your images in the viewfinder a blurry, but not on playback - adjust this dial to fix that)
16 - Trash: delete photos
17 - Mode Dial: select which mode to shoot in
18 - Release Mode Dial: select fire rate, shutter release, and self-timer
CANON
1 - Monitor: viewing screen
2 - Playback: review your images
3 - Unlock / Direct Print: prevents control dial to accidentally change image settings (sometimes your thumb might adjust the control dial while shooting) / if set up, prints image on playback mode
4 - Control Dial: controls a variety of settings
5 - Multi-Selector: select between different options on monitor
6 - Setting: select
7 - Info: can be pressed multiple times for different outcomes, such as current shooting setting, leveler, or info about a shot in playback mode
8 - Quick Control: select and set shooting functions displayed on monitor
9 - Menu: access the in-camera menu
10 - Zoom In / AF Point Selection: zoom in on your image / select a focus point
11 - Zoom Out / AE/FE Lock: zoom out from your image / lock the exposure (used when area of focus is different than exposure metering)
12 - Main Dial: selects shooting mode and adjusts a variety of settings
13 - Autofocus: focus on a subject
14 - Live View / Record: image will appear on monitor / will start recording in video mode
15 - Diopter: set sharp focus to viewfinder (sometimes you will notice all your images in the viewfinder a blurry, but not on playback - adjust this dial to fix that)
16 - Mode Dial: select which mode to shoot in
17 - Power Switch: turn camera on or off
18 - Trash: delete photos
SONY
1 - Monitor: viewing screen
2 - Playback: review your images
3 - Trash: delete photos
4 - Select: select
5 - Control Wheel: press up to change the display screen, press right to change the white balance, and press left to choose how many frames per second and set the self timer, also used to scroll through selections
6 - Fn / Send to Smartphone: select functions to assign to this button so that you can quickly and easily change settings / transfers images to be viewed on a smartphone during playback mode
7 - Record: records video
8 - AF or MF / AEL / Image Index: switch to autofocus and manual focus / lock the exposure (used when area of focus is different than exposure metering) / view multiple images at the same time during playback mode
9 - Exposure Compensation Dial:
10 - Shutter / Power: capture image / turn camera on or off
11 - Rear Dial: controls a variety of settings
12 - Mode Dial: select which mode to shoot in
13 - Custom2 / Zoom In: assign a commonly used function to this button (default is focus mode) / zoom in on your image
14 - Diopter: set sharp focus to viewfinder (sometimes you will notice all your images in the viewfinder a blurry, but not on playback - adjust this dial to fix that)
15 - Menu: access the in-camera menu