New camera

[TinkerbellW]

Well, not new!
As a newbie to dslr and not sure how I'd get on with it, I've purchased a second hand (great condition) canon EOS 400D. Anything I should be wary of or any tips how to get the best out of it?

 

[cbellasmomma]

Subbing in - I need to know too!

 

[mom2rtk]

Start with reading Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson.

Then get out and shoot!

 

[havoc315]

Well, not new!
As a newbie to dslr and not sure how I'd get on with it, I've purchased a second hand (great condition) canon EOS 400D. Anything I should be wary of or any tips how to get the best out of it?

There is no magic formula. Learn the camera, but even more important than learning the camera -- learn photography. Learning how to change the aperture will be meaningless, if you don't know what it means. So read, shoot, learn, read, shoot. A book like Understanding Exposure is a great start. Just looking at images on this board, on flickr, etc... that's a great step, to see how great photos get composed. Practice, practice, practice.

 

[xlxo]

The biggest thing for me with used cameras is sensor dust. Cover the open lens with a coffee filter and take a picture of bright light at f/22. Take a picture of a blank wall. Check the images for dust that's bonded to the sensor and may need a professional cleaning.

 

[SkaGoat]

The biggest thing for me with used cameras is sensor dust. Cover the open lens with a coffee filter and take a picture of bright light at f/22. Take a picture of a blank wall. Check the images for dust that's bonded to the sensor and may need a professional cleaning.

Honestly, I wouldn't do this, as a little dust on the sensor is not going to prevent you from learning how to use the camera.

I would go to your local library, find a copy of Understanding Exposure, and read that, it will teach you a lot.

 

[havoc315]

Honestly, I wouldn't do this, as a little dust on the sensor is not going to prevent you from learning how to use the camera.

I would go to your local library, find a copy of Understanding Exposure, and read that, it will teach you a lot.

Agreed..... Until you really become a high level shooter, you'll never even notice dust issues unless they are drastic, in which case, you will see them without the need to test.