got a surprise and I need your help!!

[babytrees]

My mom surprised me on Monday and told me to get any dSLR I wanted (I am well into adulthood...but I do get spoiled every once in awhile)...well I played with every one of them in the store and went with what felt right in my hands...the Sony a330...all tricked out. Now, I am having fits over whether I made the right choice.

Are there any recommended tutorial sites to go to or books?? I am going to go to classes but I don't want to wait and I have been playing but the thing kind of scares me

 

[zackiedawg]

Don't let it scare you! The neat thing about modern cameras is that they can be used just as simply as a P&S camera if you want - just stick it on Auto mode (the green camera icon) or P mode, and point & shoot. Plus, it'll outperform the standard compact P&S cameras because of the larger sensor with better resolution and better high ISO capabilities.

In the meantime, there are plenty of books you'll see recommended around this site (I've never used any, so I won't endorese one)...and even this site itself is a great place to pick up tips. Always feel free to ask about a mode, button, or function you don't understand...someone here can probably help. And check out the Sony Alpha photo thread, where you can get inspiration and a glimpse of some of the wonderful stuff you can get out of your camera as you get to know it and master it.

And with digital - I'd encourage you to play. Take a bunch of pictures in different modes - see what they do. The A330 is better than most in that the camera itself has some excellent help screens, descriptions, and various graphical displays to show you what different modes and functions do...it's really great for folks new to photography or DSLRs to get a little built-in help right on screen.

I've got the ancestor to yours - the A300 - and love it. I'm on about 1 1/4 years and have taken thousands of shots in every conceivable environment and style. All DSLRs are pretty amazing and capable -so much more than compact cameras. You'll find as time goes on that you may start to develop a bit of 'lens lust' for some additional lenses that will increase your capabilities, but for now, with the much improved kit lens your camera came with, you should be able to learn quite a bit about photography...just shoot often, and always ask what you don't know!

 

[babytrees]

We saw your camera at Best Buy that night....mom was ticked that we paid so much until she realized it was an ancestor. I was able to get one other lens for $50 and I want just to practice portraits mainly.

I was able to get the most out of my point & shoot and had been lusting after a Dslr...I just didn't think I would pick one in an hour.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I took a look at the A330 at Best Buy and was quite impressed with the photos it would take on auto so you shouldn't have to worry about getting started with it. And as Justin mentioned the great thing about digital is you can play around with different settings and see how you're doing right away. If the picture doesn't work then delete and try again! The on screen help on that model should help a lot as well.

I bought a guide for my A700 shortly after getting it and liked the added help it provided on all the settings that are available. Since the A330 is so new I don't know if any are written for it yet but I'm sure there will be soon.

Have fun with your gift!!!

 

[babytrees]

Thanks, Kat!! I will keep a lookout for the guide...part of the reason I was taken with this camera was the on screen guide...espescially since the instruction booklet is worthless.

 

[Sewfun]

I bought the A350 in May and had gone to Barnes and Noble before I even had the camera in my hands to see if there was a book out for it. I found one for the A200/300/350. This book might be helpful on your model as well. The name of the book is David Busch's Sony Alpha DSLR-A350/A300/A200 Guide (Paperback). I still use it alot for the information in it. I just checked Amazon.com and a book for your camera is on the way!

Tammy

 

[babytrees]

thanks!!!