Shutterbugs read this :)

[Bioture]

Any of you into amateur photography? I've finally come to my senses and decided to enter the shutterbug arena. I bought a sony a100 with 18-200mm lens, f36am flash, 4 gig mem card, etc etc.

is there a DSLRs for dummies guide out there? The manual isn't helping out. I've been taking photos on "auto" and they turn out pretty good, but how do I go up from there?

[Dameon Angell]

You can try taking a class at your local community college? Besides that, I'm not sure. I remember them having a ton of technical books and the like at Fry's Electronics. That or try to hit a camera store? I do video stuff, so I'm not much help to ya.

[Snipe!]

Any of you into amateur photography? I've finally come to my senses and decided to enter the shutterbug arena. I bought a sony a100 with 18-200mm lens, f36am flash, 4 gig mem card, etc etc.

is there a DSLRs for dummies guide out there? The manual isn't helping out. I've been taking photos on "auto" and they turn out pretty good, but how do I go up from there?

first time i read it, i thought you said amateur pornography

[Scurvy]

i'm considering a double major with a focus in fine arts photo. unfortunately (for you) i'm more of a traditional guy camera-wise. any decent digital slr is way out of my budget right now. so i can't help get you jumpstarted, but post some of your stuff for constructive crits

[Bioture]

first time i read it, i thought you said amateur pornography

yes... that wouldn't be a bad idea...

[Saturn V]

There are tons of DSLR books out there. They are, at best, somewhat informative. The single best way to understand everything is to mess around with the camera (sounds cliche, I know, but it's true).

Here's a good explanation of f-stop. If you have specific questions, msg me in game or on here.

I got a Nikon D50 a few months ago, and I learned a ton in the first week. At first, I was using Programmed mode, but now I shoot mostly in Aperture priority mode. Also, join Flickr and find groups about your camera and beginning DSLR or photography groups. They can be very helpful.

[Scurvy]

f-stop goes hand in hand with about every other aspect of manual settings. shutter speed, depth of field, etc. it would probably be beneficial to read up on basics for traditional b&w.

highly reccomend photo/imaging by David H. Curl if you're interested in basic photograhic theories, concepts, etc.

it covers camera funcitons, basic composition tips, etc...all of which could be fairly easily translated to your dslr

[Bioture]

There are tons of DSLR books out there. They are, at best, somewhat informative. The single best way to understand everything is to mess around with the camera (sounds cliche, I know, but it's true).

Here's a good explanation of f-stop. If you have specific questions, msg me in game or on here.

I got a Nikon D50 a few months ago, and I learned a ton in the first week. At first, I was using Programmed mode, but now I shoot mostly in Aperture priority mode. Also, join Flickr and find groups about your camera and beginning DSLR or photography groups. They can be very helpful.

cool thanks! I'm trying out the aperature priority mode now. seems like the pictures come in a bit crisper, and the edges are smoothed out. Will post pics soon. Gotta find some webspace so I can keep the original sizes of the pics.

[Jeansi]

As soon as your bank account survives the blow, also get a polarizer filter. Best thing ever for outdoor photography.

Also, check out www.camerapedia.org. Some good basic stuff if you're wondering about some specific term.

[R1pp3r]

I have a somewhat old Nikon D70 and I learned a lot by using the manual. Sure, it's good to read articles and take courses etc. but I think the best way to learn is by experimenting. Read about the functions and experiment with them.

[Pressure Drop]

Any of you into amateur photography? I've finally come to my senses and decided to enter the shutterbug arena. I bought a sony a100 with 18-200mm lens, f36am flash, 4 gig mem card, etc etc.

is there a DSLRs for dummies guide out there? The manual isn't helping out. I've been taking photos on "auto" and they turn out pretty good, but how do I go up from there?

did you ever have a digital camera before?

buying a DSLR as a starting camera is a bit flush

i've used slr's in the past but never owned one, also that was longer ago before DSLRs - that made them a bit more complicated i think? Had to set the shutter speed and aperture/f-stop yourself and no autofocus. Though i liked the focusing it was fun with the multipanels but it took time I've used some relatives DSLRs and they seem alot lighter and can do a hell of alot of the work for you now.

i got a compact camera a while ago, its doing me good so far, i like the portablity off it and its got a decent optical zoom for a small camera (25-200mm equvilent) course its no where near as good as an slr but it fits in my pocket

[Bioture]

did you ever have a digital camera before?

yes I've had several point and shoot digital cameras, but this is my first dslr. I had a very old 35mm minolta slr 5 or 6 years ago, but quickly got tired of manually setting up shots and developing pictures that didn't come out quite right.

quick q - my lens came with a W-shaped lens hood. when should I use this? I've tried pics with it on and off and couldn't figure out what its for (other than the fact it kinda looks spiffy)

[Pressure Drop]

yes I've had several point and shoot digital cameras, but this is my first dslr. I had a very old 35mm minolta slr 5 or 6 years ago, but quickly got tired of manually setting up shots and developing pictures that didn't come out quite right.

quick q - my lens came with a W-shaped lens hood. when should I use this? I've tried pics with it on and off and couldn't figure out what its for (other than the fact it kinda looks spiffy)

Think its only function is to reduce lens glare

and yea i love digital cameras as your not wasting film ! big advantage

[Pressure Drop]

on my camera i've been messing around with the ISO funtion to begin with in indoor various lighting

then exposure (like a bright sky against a house) and now whitebalance

though i'm doing it in an ad hoc sorta way i'm learning about my camera as i go.

Generaly i use auto and tweak it if i got time and test out different options on my camera or quickly use a preset mode or lighting condition otherwise.

[geekbot]

Some basics:

http://geekbot.freeshell.org/?iPage=DigitalPhotography