learning a camera

[tinkabella627]

I was just wondering how you all learned how to use your DSLR cameras? I want so bad to be able to understand all the functions but when you (me) don't understand the basic lingo it is really hard to understand the books that come with the cameras. I don't have a dslr and can't justify buying one until I fully understand what I am doing. So how did you all learn?

 

[VVFF]

I was just wondering how you all learned how to use your DSLR cameras? I want so bad to be able to understand all the functions but when you (me) don't understand the basic lingo it is really hard to understand the books that come with the cameras. I don't have a dslr and can't justify buying one until I fully understand what I am doing. So how did you all learn?

Read until you come across a term you don't understand. Then research that term. Much like you would if you were learning a language.

READ READ READ.

Some may say that photography cannot be learned by studying...but to some degree it can.

 

[YesDear]

First you have it backwards. You get the DSLR SO you can learn how to use it. You get a camera and practice, practice, practice. I believe most of us started by having a desire to learn photography and capturing images.j

I also believe you can not learn to do something really well by reading except reading.

 

[ssanders79]

I read my camera's manual and experimented/practiced until I became comforatable. Practice, read, practice.

 

[C&B Young]

I agree with the advice to read and practice. For practice a big help is if you have a point & shoot camera that already has some manual settings - that is what helped me get a hands-on understanding of how things like aperture and shutter speed affect picture taking. As far as reading goes, I found Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson, and the Digital Photography Book series by Scott Kelby to be a big help. And of course there's lots of reading that can be done online. Good luck with what will become a fun and addictive hobby!

 

[zackiedawg]

I kind of disagree with the general consensus above (other than C&B Young!), if only because I took a different route and that's what I know. It is definitely common today to tell people to get the top, the best, the complex...and then learn how to use it. But yesterday, often folks would start with the basic, then work to the middle, then earn the top through experience, learning, and hard work. So I know I'm a yesterday-type guy in a today world, where everyone has to be brimming with the absolute latest-and-greatest and best of everything right from day one. I accept that - It's my fault, so take everything I say as just my old-fashioned fogie opinion!

I honestly believe that half of all people buying DSLRs today shouldn't have...I really think they'd be better served with a cheaper, smaller, more versatile package that is sort of like an Air Force trainer jet...it can perform very well, but is simplified and streamlined, and becomes an excellent tool by which one can learn the basics, and start to understand the controls, before moving up to the multi-billion dollar super fighter jet. Sure...I know DSLRs can be cheap, and sure, there are entry level models...and yes, they all can shoot in auto mode too. But I just guess I'm old fashioned enough in my mindset to feel like a DSLR should be something to aspire to after you've already determined you are wanting to pursue photography as more than just vacation snapshots.

The problem is...DSLRs are larger, heavier, and more expensive. Even the used body, or cheaper entry level body, is already at or above the price of a decent high end P&S ultrazoom or prosumer. And you haven't even added lenses. Maybe you get the kit lens, and get to learn what photography is like between 17-80mm, and starting at F3.5. Until you can afford more lenses. And while learning...especially coming from being a complete novice who just really wanted a good camera for basic needs but got tallked into a DSLR because it's what you simply MUST HAVE...you have to lug around this massive hunk of plastic and metal...which can take away some of the spontaneity and fun of photography. Whereas for under $450, they probably could have had a tiny, lightweight, convenient superzoom that can shoot from 27mm to 560mm, from F2.8, and still have manual controls enough to go through the learning process and begin to understand the effects of shutter, aperture, and ISO changes on their photos...and when to make those changes. The simple live-view systems of P&S allows the newbie to physically see changes taking place in real time, just like video, on the LCD screen as they adjust white balance, or select spot meter and move it around the scene at light and dark subjects watching the camera adjust the settings and drastically change the image. One can grow so much in photography with just a cheap, simple tool like this - even grow themselves to the point where they can produce sale-worthy photos, get hired for jobs, and be published in national magazines...and have the versatility of a 2 or 3 lens collection in a palm-sized package.

Are there shortcomings? Of course - the DSLR has to be better at some things - that's what makes it worth aspiring to! The best part is the journey...learning and growing and getting better, until you finally reach the big reward and truly find yourself so skilled and capable that you've hit the limitations of that camera and can then decide how much you like photography. If you're not overly passionate about it, but just enjoy being able to shoot well when needed on vacations and at events, maybe you'll just stay with what you've got...or upgrade to a cheap basic DSLR to gain some low light capability. If you find yourself very passionate about it, then move up to a good DSLR and start the lens lust - finding the specialty lenses that let you express yourself and pursue the photographic style you enjoy.

Hey...just one man's opinion. I'm quite sure there are dozens of photographers out there who are so amazing they're going to change the world with their brilliance and bring about world peace, who bought a DSLR first with no skill and learned on it. What do I know? I'm just being honest about my feelings on the subject.

I am very happy I bought a good prosumer camera in 2003, that was the very first camera that truly taught me photography. I learned all that I know today about metering, composition, depth, aperture, shutter, ISO, white balance, and more from that prosumer camera. This despite the fact that I have had SLRs since 1977. I just never really knew how to use them - I pointed, made the meter go to the middle, focused best I could, and snapped.

I then moved from that prosumer to an ultrazoom...and this took my skills learned with the previous camera, and expanded upon them...teaching me how to change and adjust the settings throughout the huge lens range - and begin to understand the technique required for everything from macro and wide to super-telephoto. With that ultrazoom, I actually did several hired shoots, sold photos, and got published 3 times, twice nationally - this type of camera can take you so far it's unbelievable. Only after nearly 6 years of learning, growing, and pushing to the very limits of what I could do with those cameras, did I decide the DSLR was where I should go next. I was ready - I know I loved photography, I was ready to make sacrifices for my newfound passion, I was ready to dedicate an entire walk-in closet to only camera gear, spend thousands of dollars for new lenses and bodies every year. I honestly felt like I worked for it and earned it...and was happy I did. And I particularly enjoyed shooting with it the very first week, and giving field lessons to some DSLR shooters who hadn't really learned much and were struggling to get good shots from their shiny new toys...this despite being brand new to DSLRs myself.

Anyway...that's my old fogie opinion that will likely prove extremely unpopular here, likely a lonely opinion with few supporters!

 

[disneyboy2003]

I totally agree with Justin / zackiedawg above.

I, myself, started with one of those Sony 10x zoom cameras several years ago. I had no clue about photography, so I started out with its auto mode and was decently satisfied with the pictures it took.

At the same time, that camera had those other settings that were just hanging out and never being used (ie. P/A/S/M). Over time (a long, long, long time), I finally got comfortable on the "S" setting (shutter priority) and began learning about exposure (shutter, aperture, ISO, etc). Only then did I figure I could learn more with a DSLR.

The flip side of having that Sony camera is that if I had found the principles of photography too hard to learn, I could still be satisfied with decent pictures in auto mode, knowing I didn't spend thousands of dollars to figure that out.

I'll bet the same learning curve / upgrade path can be said about any technology. If you've got a beginning interest in astronomy, people recommend you start out with a decent pair of BINOCULARS first--NOT a telescope. That way, if astronomy didn't work out for you as a hobby, you'd at least have a decent pair of binoculars and not be out $$$ on a telescope collecting dust. Or, before you buy a Corvette, learn to drive on a more basic car.

Like many folks here, I also learned photography by reading, reading, reading and lots of trial and error (mostly error...as my wife can attest to). But that's how you learn. Go to your local bookstore. There are TONS of introductory books on photography and DSLR. The Dummies series is probably the most basic and a good place to start. There are also TONS of Web sites dedicated to introductory photography, too.

Also realize that digital photography--in this day and age--is more than just pressing the shutter button. You'll have to also learn how to use software to tweak / improve / add creativity to your images so that your pictures look less like snapshots and more like photographs. So that's a whole other learning curve you'll need to tackle, too.

All of this learning takes time. Heck, there are schools and institutes dedicated just to photography! Luckily with digital photography, you can see immediate results of things you've learned, so even the journey and the learning process can be very rewarding.

Good luck!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Me personally, I still have SOOO much to learn.
I've been lurking on the photo boards for quite some time and have picked up on hundreds of tips so the reading thing gets my vote. Also, I've had a bridge camera for the last year and actually got the courage to take it off AUTO once in a while
I'd like to throw one more thing out there that hasn't been mentioned yet. Youtube. Some of the things I've read, I wouldn't have a clue about if I hadn't spent many hours lurking here and absorbing as much as my tiny brain could handle. Some of the video's on youtube go into detail and show you hands on what they are talking about.

 

[tinkabella627]

Thanks everyone for the replies! I want to be able to take good pictures more as a hobby thing. Sure I would love to be so good that someone would pay me, but well, that doesn't seem logical anytime soon lol. I really want to know how to use a camera well for the future when I have kids. This way I can make nice albums and take pics of them doing misc things, sports, etc. I saw the dummies books before and contemplated getting it because I am hoping they really do dumb it down.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Thanks everyone for the replies! I want to be able to take good pictures more as a hobby thing. Sure I would love to be so good that someone would pay me, but well, that doesn't seem logical anytime soon lol. I really want to know how to use a camera well for the future when I have kids. This way I can make nice albums and take pics of them doing misc things, sports, etc. I saw the dummies books before and contemplated getting it because I am hoping they really do dumb it down.

Be careful, this hobby thing can turn into an addiction real fast.

 

[kaffinito]

disneyboy2003 and zackiedawg both make excellent points. You really can't just read about how to use a DSLR with out practicing with one. It really is a lot of trial and error (ditto on the error part ) and a lot of studying.

It doesn't make sense to get a DSLR if you have a pns now that you only use on Auto. That's what I did and believe me the learning curve is a wickedly cruel thing when you go from Auto on a pns to a DSLR ! I did a lot of reading with a Dummies book and my DSLR in my lap. I read Understanding Exposure the same way and then practiced, practiced, and practiced.

I would take zackiedawg's advice and get a good advanced pns with P,S, A and M modes first then learn everything you can about that. Then you can go get a DSLR because then you'll know what you're looking for and really need in a DSLR. His fighter jet analogy is a really good one - why buy the most complicated piece of machinery when growing into a good piece of machinery makes better sense, both for the learning experience and for your wallet!

 

[tinkabella627]

disneyboy2003 and zackiedawg both make excellent points. You really can't just read about how to use a DSLR with out practicing with one. It really is a lot of trial and error (ditto on the error part ) and a lot of studying.

It doesn't make sense to get a DSLR if you have a pns now that you only use on Auto. That's what I did and believe me the learning curve is a wickedly cruel thing when you go from Auto on a pns to a DSLR ! I did a lot of reading with a Dummies book and my DSLR in my lap. I read Understanding Exposure the same way and then practiced, practiced, and practiced.

I would take zackiedawg's advice and get a good advanced pns with P,S, A and M modes first then learn everything you can about that. Then you can go get a DSLR because then you'll know what you're looking for and really need in a DSLR. His fighter jet analogy is a really good one - why buy the most complicated piece of machinery when growing into a good piece of machinery makes better sense, both for the learning experience and for your wallet!

I have a more advance pns now with all those modes... and it is a lot to learn/remember. But I figure if I can learn it, then I can move on.

 

[Phil'sFrontier]

I think people are putting to much into this. Sure DSLR's are big expensive cameras and such. But one can be had for under a grand, so its is not that big of an investment considering what some here spend on Disney vacations. I got a dslr because I like the idea of switching lenses or having a few different lenses. Also I like the speed, and advanced controls(which aren't really that complex). Another big one is the sensor size, which makes for a much higher quality photograph.

I learned a lot through the iTunes podcast store...which is all free last time I was in. It's a great way to learn through audio or video podcasts.

 

[kaffinito]

I have a more advance pns now with all those modes... and it is a lot to learn/remember. But I figure if I can learn it, then I can move on.

That's what I should have done. Instead I had to do it the hard way! When you're ready for a DSLR it will be a lot easier for you to pick out one with the functions/lenses you like.

If I had to do it over again I would probably have still ended up with the Nikon system, but I would have gotten fewer but better lenses to begin with.

 

[tinkabella627]

That's what I should have done. Instead I had to do it the hard way! When you're ready for a DSLR it will be a lot easier for you to pick out one with the functions/lenses you like.

If I had to do it over again I would probably have still ended up with the Nikon system, but I would have gotten fewer but better lenses to begin with.

That's the other thing that scares me... I have no idea what lenses do what and what all those names/abbrevs even mean!! By the time I am ready for a DSLR something new and more confusing will have been out for 5 years

 

[wenrob]

I think people are putting to much into this. Sure DSLR's are big expensive cameras and such. But one can be had for under a grand, so its is not that big of an investment considering what some here spend on Disney vacations. I got a dslr because I like the idea of switching lenses or having a few different lenses. Also I like the speed, and advanced controls(which aren't really that complex). Another big one is the sensor size, which makes for a much higher quality photograph.

I learned a lot through the iTunes podcast store...which is all free last time I was in. It's a great way to learn through audio or video podcasts.

This made me laugh out loud. A DSLR is a HUGE investment once you learn it and understand it then realize you NEED this lens and HAVE TO HAVE that lens. And don't forget this flash, that tripod and this bag and and and...

Seriously, the initial camera may not be much but once you figure out your style (which takes a lens purchase or five) then you're buying lenses that fit it and they're not cheap. A DSLR is an investment, not only cash wise but in time.

I started off with a D40 but I can honestly say I wasn't fully using my camera until I got the D90. I didn't have to scroll through menus for settings, they all have their own little buttons and I couldn't live without the LCD on the top. I also had the Canon S2 IS and never took it off Auto because again had to scroll through menus for settings. So I think it depends on your personality on what kind of camera you start with. I think I would be much further along had I had it from the beginning.

I do think you need a camera with manual settings to play with, there's nothing like trial and error to make things click for you. And read, read, read,study, study, whether a book, the internet or podcasts etc. Photography is a learning process that never ends no matter how good you are.

 

[kaffinito]

That's the other thing that scares me... I have no idea what lenses do what and what all those names/abbrevs even mean!! By the time I am ready for a DSLR something new and more confusing will have been out for 5 years

I know what you mean! When I started with a DSLR I was so confused it was embarrassing. It really is easy once you get used to it though. If a lens has a small f/ number then it has a larger hole for light to get through so it's better in lower light. Got it? Just keep reading about lenses and you'll pick up the rest soon enough - I promise!

This made me laugh out loud. A DSLR is a HUGE investment once you learn it and understand it then realize you NEED this lens and HAVE TO HAVE that lens. And don't forget this flash, that tripod and this bag and and and...

I started off with a D40 but I can honestly say I wasn't fully using my camera until I got the D90. I didn't have to scroll through menus for settings, they all have their own little buttons and I couldn't live without the LCD on the top.

Photography is a learning process that never ends no matter how good you are.

I am so with you on the D90. I really couldn't go back to using a D60 again. I love having the dedicated buttons. If I had known when I started out I would have liked fixed lenses more than zooms I would have gotten those to begin with and saved a LOT of money!

And I so agree with you that the learning process is ongoing. Even the pros who've been shooting for years still study and discuss different photography techniques.

 

[Chikabowa]

My suggestion is to buy the camera in which you want to grow into. Nothing is worse than putting out a $500-$1000 investment only to outgrow the camera in 6 months.

So, even if you don't know how to use it yet, buy the camera that you feel will fit your future needs and then invest. From there, start learning to grow into your camera. You'll find that once you do start learning everything that your growth won't be stunted or limited by the camera in which you've purchased.

 

[tinkabella627]

I know what you mean! When I started with a DSLR I was so confused it was embarrassing. It really is easy once you get used to it though. If a lens has a small f/ number then it has a larger hole for light to get through so it's better in lower light. Got it? Just keep reading about lenses and you'll pick up the rest soon enough - I promise!






I am so with you on the D90. I really couldn't go back to using a D60 again. I love having the dedicated buttons. If I had known when I started out I would have liked fixed lenses more than zooms I would have gotten those to begin with and saved a LOT of money!

And I so agree with you that the learning process is ongoing. Even the pros who've been shooting for years still study and discuss different photography techniques.

ok so...in dark rides I want a lower f? (i am thinking of my current camera here, not those fancy shmancy lenses yet lol)

so the d90 has buttons for everything? no scrolling through menus to find a certain feature? i may have to remember that

 

[disneyboy2003]

That's the other thing that scares me... I have no idea what lenses do what and what all those names/abbrevs even mean!! By the time I am ready for a DSLR something new and more confusing will have been out for 5 years

Any good Introduction to Photography book should already have a chapter dedicated to lenses, what those numbers mean (ex. aperture, focal length), and when to use what lens. So hopefully, that can help clarify some lens terminology.

You're right that technology changes so quickly in digital photography. But the principles of good photography remain the same. What Ansel Adams taught us about photography in the early to mid-20th century still hold true today, regardless of how much technology is stuffed into today's cameras.

That's why so many people here recommend the book "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson as a good introductory photography book. You can find it on Amazon or at your local library.

One more thing about technology. No amount of technology will help you with good composition in your photos. Even with the most expensive digital camera, only YOU the photographer can properly place your subject to make your photograph interesting.

So what I'm trying to say is that what you learn about photography now will actually NOT be obsolete 5 years later.