I hope this does not offend new users/just learning DSLR, but....

[Anewman]

When Canon EOS cameras came out, many complained that now you dont even need to know how to focus. and still call yourself a photographer.
Persons talk about "its the photographer not the camera," well we cant have it both ways. Settings or how one arrived at those settings(auto or manual) should matter very little.
I know a piano player that can not read music but sounds awesome, I can read music but can not play a piano.

 

[safetymom]

If you get a chance to go to the Nikon School that they offer different times around the country it is a great class.

I took it when I had a point and shoot Nikon and will be taking it for my D70.

 

[handicap18]

When Canon EOS cameras came out, many complained that now you dont even need to know how to focus. and still call yourself a photographer.
Persons talk about "its the photographer not the camera," well we cant have it both ways. Settings or how one arrived at those settings(auto or manual) should matter very little.
I know a piano player that can not read music but sounds awesome, I can read music but can not play a piano.

An arguement to that would be that I could give you 6 "correct" exposures at say an ISO of 100. Which one of those 6 exposures is AUTO or Program going to give you though?

Waves crashing on the surf at ISO 100, f/4 and 1/500 sec is going to be a VERY different than ISO 100, f/22 and 1/15 sec. Both are correct exposures. But each final picture is going to look quite different and give a different creative look. (not to mention the other 4 possible correct exposures between these 2)

 

[MICKEY88]

to quote, the professionals I learned from...

"it's not the violin, it's the violinist"

 

[Anewman]

An arguement to that would be that I could give you 6 "correct" exposures at say an ISO of 100. Which one of those 6 exposures is AUTO or Program going to give you though?

Waves crashing on the surf at ISO 100, f/4 and 1/500 sec is going to be a VERY different than ISO 100, f/22 and 1/15 sec. Both are correct exposures. But each final picture is going to look quite different and give a different creative look. (not to mention the other 4 possible correct exposures between these 2)

Very good arguement, does it matter if the exposure given by auto is acceptable to that photographer. It may not be what WE prefer but if the person behind the shutter is happy...

 

[Metallicat]

How can someone spend upwards of $1200 that is basically (for them) a really expensive point and shoot?

My problem is that I didn't ask for a complicated camera. My DH ask what I wanted for Christmas and I said a digital camera. so he buys me something that is out of my league. I would have returned it, but he kept on saying to keep it because it is suppose to be a great camera. never mind that it would take a genius to figure this thing out. I would have rather have gotten an el-cheapo camera and a mini vacation to WDW than this hard to figure out camera anyways. don't want to hurt the DH's feelings so I guess I'm keeping it. sigh.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

I know a piano player that can not read music but sounds awesome, I can read music but can not play a piano.

It's the pianist, not the brand of piano you're playing.

You're comparing piano playing skills between two people. It's like saying "I know a photographer who doesn't know anything about the theory but takes great pictures and I know all about the theory but can't take a good picture"

 

[Muushka]

If you get a chance to go to the Nikon School that they offer different times around the country it is a great class.

I took it when I had a point and shoot Nikon and will be taking it for my D70.

I see they have 2 classes offered (Sat and Sun). Do you know if both are recommended? Thanks!

Also, just for clarification, the class I went to last night was specifically for Nikon DSLR users. They have other classes for other specific cameras. Also, in case I did not make it clear, this class was supposed to be one that was built upon, with 3 basic classes before it, (Imaging 101, Imaging 201, Edit, Print and Share or Intro to Digital Age).

Even though we didn't attend the first three classes, we were both very familiar with all that was reviewed! And for those first time SLR users, please do not be discouraged. The fact that you realize that you have a camera that is far above a 'point and shoot' is a great beginning. Questions are good and should be asked. These boards are great for that, those first 3 classes are great for that too!

I have been attending a lot of 'learning' events lately and find that so much time is wasted because of people either not listening, or people wanting to be heard or people just plain not realizing that their question is one that should be asked in a different forum. Just call me Grumpy .

 

[ndelaware]

OK, hi Grumpy.

 

[ndelaware]

My problem is that I didn't ask for a complicated camera. My DH ask what I wanted for Christmas and I said a digital camera. so he buys me something that is out of my league. I would have returned it, but he kept on saying to keep it because it is suppose to be a great camera. never mind that it would take a genius to figure this thing out. I would have rather have gotten an el-cheapo camera and a mini vacation to WDW than this hard to figure out camera anyways. don't want to hurt the DH's feelings so I guess I'm keeping it. sigh.

Metallicat, it's not that hard, so keep your chin up. And there is always the "green" box or auto mode til you figure the camera out.

 

[Anewman]

It's the pianist, not the brand of piano you're playing.

You're comparing piano playing skills between two people. It's like saying "I know a photographer who doesn't know anything about the theory but takes great pictures and I know all about the theory but can't take a good picture"

Yes that is EXACTLY what I am saying, just because one knows nothing about exposure does not mean they can not take great pictures with a DSLR.

 

[ducklite]

If you get a chance to go to the Nikon School that they offer different times around the country it is a great class.

I took it when I had a point and shoot Nikon and will be taking it for my D70.

I went to Nikon school. There are two different classes, one concentrates on the camera and it's various modes, flash, and compostion, the second was on software--they spent a lot of time showing you how to edit photo's in various formats, NEF/RAW and .jpg.

It was somewhat informative, although IMHO there were way too many people there. There must have been 500 or so in the classes I took, and they weren't able to get to everyone's questions.

They primarily work with the D50, D-70, and once it's more readily available, the D-200.

I think a true beginnier would be lost (many were) and someone a little more advanced would be bored (I was).

It's probably best for the casual user who has experiemented a little with the different settings, and is looking at learning how to get a little more out of them.

IMHO, before you take that course, you need to read a book like "DSLR for Dummies" (I made that up, not sure if that exists) or something.

Also, for the second class, if you aren't computer literate (and I mean more than turning your computer on and surfing the DIS) don't bother.

What cracked me up was they specifically said "You do'nt need to bring your camera," yet there were people hauling in HUGE camera bags of gear. I couldn't help but think--you've spent $15,000 on camera gear and don't know how to use it?

Anne

 

[Laur*Tink*85]

you can actually manually adjust the aperature and shutter on a lot of digital point and shoots so im surprised people in a 4th level class for dslrs were still confused!

 

[Lachesis00]

I'd like to hear more about these classes Ritz offered. We have Ritz here but I've never seen classes offered.

 

[Muushka]

I'd like to hear more about these classes Ritz offered. We have Ritz here but I've never seen classes offered.

They give you coupons when you buy a camera there. They did collect them at the class.