I need to learn how to use these cameras plz, JVC Everio & Sony Cybershot!!

[dsnycrzy]

Hello,
For as long as I have been to WDW I have used my Sony Handycam using Hi8 tapes (I know, a dinosaur now). Last year I bought 2 new items. 1st was a Sony Cybershot DSC-T110 and the 2nd was a JVC Everio GZ-MG555U HD Camcorder. The problem is...I am clueless as to how to use them. I took pictures with the JVC since it takes still shots and they look horrible! But I seen rave reviews on it. The camera takes ok pictures but they seem so bright!

Anyone own one and can give me some pointers. I purchased both from eBay and the online manuals are useless to me, like trying to read another language.
Thanks

 

[photo_chick]

The best thing I can suggest is learn the basics of photography. It applies to any camera and will actually carry over somewhat to video. Learn what shutter speed, aperture and ISO do and how they work together to make the exposure. It will go a long way to helping you understand what you're doing with any camera.

 

[dsnycrzy]

Thanks Photo_Chick I will try that. And ask some friends that are into photography as well.

 

[photo_chick]

Thanks Photo_Chick I will try that. And ask some friends that are into photography as well.

That would probably be a good idea if you can get together with someone who knows about photography. They can show you hands on what to do where on your cameras. It's really difficult to do that over the web.

 

[dsnycrzy]

I was hoping for some quick YouTube videos giving me tips but there isn't any. One friend was the manager of the portrait studio in Sears (recently went out of business) and the other friend is like a brother and he comes over to upload pictures from photo shoots he does. They have big fancy cameras so I didn't think my basic items would touch there radar.

 

[ThurlFan]

They have big fancy cameras so I didn't think my basic items would touch there radar.

The principles are the same, regardless of the level of equipment. I would wager that if you swapped cameras they could still photograph circles around you (no offense intended). They will be able to teach you a lot, even (or especially) using your camera. The first things I would start with are learning to control your shutter speed, and learning to control your flash (i. e. when do you want it to go off and how do you make sure it does or doesn't).

As an aside, I have a fancy new HD camcorder also and it takes pretty iffy stills. On the flip side, many devices sold as primarily still cameras do take excellent video.

Good luck!

 

[dsnycrzy]

Thanks Thurlfan, I will ask them. But on a more immediate note, after that "YouTube" comment I made to Photo_chick, I decided to go on there and look for photography lessons and BINGO!!!! The guy Im watching not his 1st of 5 classes is on those things you mentioned. I watched and learned a lot! I started looking to change my iso settings and found that, I learned about aperture and shutter speed. I started taking picture of my only moving subject (DS1 who is a night owl like me) and I did different angels and focusing on him & blurring the background and vice versa. I was so happy to learn something new but it doesn't surprise me that the disboards lead me down that road. Thanks Photo_chick!
And Thurlfan, the guy demonstrates on big fancy cameras as well as the basic "point & shoot" as he calls it and now I understand what your saying too, thanks so much.

 

[wiigirl]

That would probably be a good idea if you can get together with someone who knows about photography. They can show you hands on what to do where on your cameras. It's really difficult to do that over the web.

Thats what I did....it helped a lot.

 

[photo_chick]

I was hoping for some quick YouTube videos giving me tips but there isn't any. One friend was the manager of the portrait studio in Sears (recently went out of business) and the other friend is like a brother and he comes over to upload pictures from photo shoots he does. They have big fancy cameras so I didn't think my basic items would touch there radar.

If they really know what they're doing with a camera they'll be able to walk you through basic operation on any camera.

For me it's a matter of getting my hands on the camera and looking at what modes it has, how the menu is laid out, etc.. Sometimes if I don't have a manual I'll shoot a few shots in the various auto scene modes to see what they're giving priority to because the icons on them are not universal.