need help with our new\camera

[tomerin]

we just bought a fuji finepix 5100. our first digital camera was a compact fuji finepix so when we broke that one we decided to stay with the brand.

here is our dilema. there are so many buttons and options that i am a bit overwhelmed as to what to do. i love taking pictures at WDW. i have some great ones that one day i will find the time to post and share.

i need advice as to what settings is optimal in WDW for daytime shots, nightime etec. i am sort of getting the hang of this camera but the arpeture setting, iso openings and all of the other camera jargon is confusing this point and shoot type of guy.


one other question please. are there any books that deal with the bascis of photography that could explain it to me in a language i could understand.


thanks
tom

[Kelly Grannell]

You don't need to buy a book, just go this page. Although it's geared towards Canon dSLR, photography basics are photography basics and not brand/camera-type specific.

http://web.canon.jp/Imaging/enjoydslr/

[handicap18]

For me I liked reading a book better. I found "Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera" by Bryan Peterson to be a HUGE help. I've just about finished reading it and I'll definately be going back to read it again especially for reference. He does a great job of explaining aperture, shutter, ISO and lighting and how they all come together.

Everyone takes info differently. I liked reading a chapter or two before going to sleep.

[Kelly Grannell]

Actually, I prefer a book as well, but I'm cheap :P

[manning]

What is your time line? If you are going to Disney tomorrow I would shoot mostly in P mode. However take the manual with and read and experiment. One advantage with digital you get instant feed back and you can delete the picture and try again. One of the cardinal rules is "know your equipment like the back of your hand."

Here is a suggestion, if you are not aware of it, to make your pictures more pleasing. It is called the rule of thirds. Take a piece of paper and draw a rectangular box 6 inches wide and 3 inches tall. Now draw two vertical lines each two inches apart across and two horizontal lines 1 inch apart. You have divided the box into thirds top to bottom and left to right. Where the lines meet is where you want to place your main subject. If you are shooting people have them looking generally to the center or into the picture, not out to the edge of the picture. Try it and see what you think. As a rule you don't want the subject dead center.

[BeautyLLM]

I second the suggestion for Peterson's "Understanding Exposure." It is well written, easy to understand, and he gives you little assignments to practice what you've learned.

Also, read and re-read the manual. It will help alot. Most of all...enjoy! :)

[tomerin]

just wanted to say thanks too all :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2