New Camera, Best DH!

[Disneychix]

So my husband surprised me last night with a Canon DSLR camera-My 1st DSLR!!

Problem: we leave for WDW in 2 days-Is there any hope that I will be able to take good enough pictures with this camera to warrant taking it with me? I'd hate to leave it home but I'm so nervous about taking it!

 

[MarkBarbieri]

You can always use the green square (full auto) mode. A DSLR in full auto mode will take much better pictures than a point and shoot.

 

[krb2g]

Take the camera! If your husband gave it to you 2 days before your trip, I'd guess that part of the point of the timing of the gift was so that you'd be able to use it on your trip. I second the recommendation of auto mode. You might also want to get Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure and read that and your camera's manual on the trip down to Disney.

Edited to add: I used to be really nervous about taking my DSLR places, but I found a camera bag I liked, and that's helped a lot. I'm still gentle with the bag (obviously) but knowing that my camera is in a padded, camera-specific bag that I can easily carry with me really helps with my peace of mind. You will be able to take (and secure, whether in mesh pouches, or on the floor of the car, with your leg through the bag's strap) the camera with you on all the rides.

 

[badgirlgiz]

My husband did the same thing but to solve the problem I also took my old camera just in case and after a couple of days I got yhe hang of the new one and used that the rest of the vacation all was well and got some great shots that my old camera could not give me.

 

[C&B Young]

I agree with Mark, even in Auto or P mode I think you'll be much happier with what your DSLR does vs. a point & shoot. Plus there's really no better place to try out new gear than Disney World! Which Canon did you get?

 

[Disneychix]

Thanks for the reassurance! I am going to try and get a book (wish the darn library was open on Sunday!) and read up a little.

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

Thanks for the reassurance! I am going to try and get a book (wish the darn library was open on Sunday!) and read up a little.

Don't forget to read the Camera manual on the trip to WDW! There's actually A LOT of good information in there!

 

[klmall]

Congratulations! Enjoy it and just as PP have said, put it in Auto and forge ahead! Simple tips that you probably used with your PnS camera such as pressing the button down half-way to focus before completely pressing down will make a difference. Stopping to balance your body for a moment and composing your shot before shooting will help. I remember reading before I got my first DSLR in 2009 that simple shooting techniques on a DSLR can result in great shots you never thought possible without even touching the advanced modes and it is true!

Have a great trip!