I guess I am not quite as "bright" as I thought.

[crz4mm2]

I'm not new to digital. Have been using digital cameras for a long time.
Had a Canon Rebel. LOVED it. Used it and used it. I am totally a "hobby" photographer who longs to be something more.
I decided to "treat" myself to a D7.....
Damn this camera is kicking my ***....
I finally broke down and bought the 'dummies' book. sigh.

I hope an old dog can be taught.....

 

[C&B Young]

Better to get a camera you'll grow into than one you'll grow out OF in a few months... and I speak from experience here!

 

[crz4mm2]

Thanks. I am way over my head here.. BUT I am learning!!

 

[boBQuincy]

I am considering upgrading from a Rebel to something else but I feel that I am missing something here. What is it about the 7D that is so much more complicated than a Rebel? Both have the same basic mode settings: M, Av, Tv, P, and the green rectangle. What is it that makes a 7D that much more difficult to use?

 

[photo_chick]

For me, moving from a 35mm Rebel to a digital Rebel was a jump in some ways. It took a few weeks for me to really get a handle on the controls. It took a solid six months for me to get comfortable with the AF system because it really reacts differently than my film camera does. I had a similar learning curve, though not nearly as extreme, going from a Rebel XT to a 50D.

My point is, there's always an adjustment period. Be patient with yourself. you'll get there.

 

[Marlton Mom]

I think the fundamentals, like Bob said (basic mode settings: M, Av, Tv, P, and the green rectangle) are there but it's the variability of combining the more advanced features, Like when to use active d lighting, using various picture controls and the assortment of picture control preferences that are kicking some butt (Mine especially)

I'm also finding that when you add the variability of ASA/ISO versus it's fixed nature with film it really changes the way the image can come out. I know that sounds like a 'duh" but when you are so used to just the 2 factors (aperture, shutter) and you add a third (ISO) now you have a whole new dimension (noise level) that you have to be mindful of.

Instead of only mentally worrying about shutter speed and aperture you now have to be mindful of ISO, shutter speed and aperture because you now have the ISO as a variable factor for each exposure, depending on which mode you are using the camera in.

It took me for ever to realize how the ISO changing (depending upon how you had the camera set) was really playing around with my pictures in a way I didn't like (In auto mode it can go all over the place).

Now I know how to chain that ISO beast back to the setting that I would like so I can concentrate on thinking in "2D" so to speak (Shutter, aperture) instead of "3D" (ISO, aperture & shutter). The fall out is, that for a low light setting, I will be using a tripod more...... but that is just fine with me, I'm a middle aged, slow, old tripod leaning type of a gal!

Then there is the whole active D lighting thing and you have to understand that concept before you can get the most out of your camera (for a particular image that would benefit).

The other thing that can drive a person insane is that only certain features or variables are available in certain modes. You really have to know which modes will accept the changes you want to make and which modes are not available for that feature.

The world marches onward, ever more overwhelming in it's complexity. Remember when phones just used to make phone calls. Now they compare prices and tell you about traffic. It's like that with cameras. I have decided that I want to dive in to the deep end and embrace the technology aspects of today's world. The only trouble is that it's such a deep end that I have no hope of ever becoming proficient in all areas. I have finally realized that it's OK to be a specialist, and to just get a grip on the things that matter most to me. I'll leave the rest up to my 12 year old son. It's his time and it's his world for the most part anyway. All of this technology will become second nature to him and then one day the world will change, or he will decide that he doesn't wish to keep up with it and and the torch will be passed onwards.

Just my 2 cents!
Marlton Mom

 

[crz4mm2]

My 51 yo brain doesn't hold as much as it used to I can't remember how to change certain things and how to change them back. jeez.
Good thing I have a couple of books to help!

I know it will be great once I get used to it,but man, I did well with my old Rebel...

 

[pjacobi]

Like when to use active d lighting, using various picture controls and the assortment of picture control preferences that are kicking some butt (Mine especially)

You're making it overly complicated!

Ignore all the picture controls. Shoot in Raw mode and concentrate on getting the best exposure and focus.

When you process the Raw images, then you can choose the right picture style, while relaxed and accompanied by a warm beverage.


-Paul

 

[Marlton Mom]

You're making it overly complicated!

Ignore all the picture controls. Shoot in Raw mode and concentrate on getting the best exposure and focus.

When you process the Raw images, then you can choose the right picture style, while relaxed and accompanied by a warm beverage.


-Paul

I know what you're saying and I do shoot in Raw, it's just that I find myself spending an inordinate amount of time in post processing and I'd like to be spending that time taking pictures that are closer to what I had intended straight out of the camera!

As for the warm beverage I intend to make my millions by "inventing" the worlds first (and last) Tripod cup holder.

~ Marlton Millionairess

 

[BorisMD]

I am considering upgrading from a Rebel to something else but I feel that I am missing something here. What is it about the 7D that is so much more complicated than a Rebel? Both have the same basic mode settings: M, Av, Tv, P, and the green rectangle. What is it that makes a 7D that much more difficult to use?

Bob,

I would argue that the 7D is actually easier to use. At least, I feel that it is easier to use than my Rebel XT. This is primarily due to the better LCD and ease of use of the menus. With the XT, the menus were small and difficult to read, whereas with the 7D, the visual part is better, and so are the controls -- you get to use the multifunction wheel on the back instead of the compass point buttons.

I really like the larger size of the 7D. It fits my hands better. It also has a much quieter shutter actuation. That always drove me nuts with the old XT.

There are some other points of improvement, but none that someone of my meager skills has really noticed make a difference in the final product. The rate limiting step is still behind the camera .

Regards,

Boris

 

[Revan]

I felt the same thing when I got mine and bought "Canon 7D: From Snapshots to Great Shots" by Nicole Young - it was a really helpful book. The instruction manual that came with the camera is terrible and I wanted to be able to use every feature in the camera too.

 

[crz4mm2]

I felt the same thing when I got mine and bought "Canon 7D: From Snapshots to Great Shots" by Nicole Young - it was a really helpful book. The instruction manual that came with the camera is terrible and I wanted to be able to use every feature in the camera too.

I got David Busch's book. And the one for "dummies" LOL.
Thanks. I might look at that one too. I have to sit down and "do" it. Always had to do things with my own hands to really learn.

 

[boBQuincy]

I tend to agree with Paul on this, I use RAW and ignore any picture settings (I leave the JPG set to Neutral). It's not that my 60 year old brain cells can't get hold of the settings (I am an engineer and software developer, at ease with technical stuff) but prefer to get the RAW image and work on it later rather than play with settings in the field.

I guess in this type of use there is little difference between complexity of operation with Rebels and a 7D. Now I can go out and buy a new camera!

 

[crz4mm2]

I tend to agree with Paul on this, I use RAW and ignore any picture settings (I leave the JPG set to Neutral). It's not that my 60 year old brain cells can't get hold of the settings (I am an engineer and software developer, at ease with technical stuff) but prefer to get the RAW image and work on it later rather than play with settings in the field.

I guess in this type of use there is little difference between complexity of operation with Rebels and a 7D. Now I can go out and buy a new camera!

Well now there's an idea

 

[2Tiggies]

The world marches onward, ever more overwhelming in it's complexity. Remember when phones just used to make phone calls. Now they compare prices and tell you about traffic. It's like that with cameras. I have decided that I want to dive in to the deep end and embrace the technology aspects of today's world. The only trouble is that it's such a deep end that I have no hope of ever becoming proficient in all areas. I have finally realized that it's OK to be a specialist, and to just get a grip on the things that matter most to me.

This has to be one of the most encouraging things I have read. I am also still in the overwhelmed stage, although no newbie to digital photography. Your whole post was incredibly helpful to me, but he above extract just put everything into perspective.

Thank you.

 

[Marlton Mom]

This has to be one of the most encouraging things I have read. I am also still in the overwhelmed stage, although no newbie to digital photography. Your whole post was incredibly helpful to me, but he above extract just put everything into perspective.

Thank you.

Thank you for the kind words.

I always marvel at the way the world has opened up to new ways of learning due to the technological beast that we are all trying to tame. Before the web, you either learned it in books, school or on the job and that was it. Now there is a plethora of ways to assimilate knowledge on a particular subject. The internet rocks because it provides us with many learning connections. We can watch video tutorials, enroll in on line classes, communicate with others through bulletin boards (like the Dis!) and tap into knowledge data bases.

It's all there for the asking. We just have to take that first step and then keep putting one foot in front of the other. Before you know it you'll be cruising along, performing at a level with your equipment that makes you happy.

I think it's important to realize not to get overwhelmed. Just pick a direction that works for you, (books, web tutorials etc) and start putting one foot in front of the other. Pretty soon you'll be moving along more quickly and with greater confidence!

It's ironic that we feel that we are so far away from embracing all this technology, when it's the technology that is putting us closer than ever to understanding things.

YOU GO GIRL!

~ Marlton Mom