Omg!

[princesshannahsmom]

OMG! I am SO excited! Long story short. DH got me a DSLR for Christmas, but I just got it last night!

It isn't the most expensive, most fancy, most high tech one out there, but I am a beginner and I think it is PERFECT for me!

I got the Canon Rebel XS 1000D.

Anywho....like I said, I am a beginner, so does anyone know a website or somwhere I can go to get a little education on using this camera? Yes, I know I can Google it, but you guys are the pros and I couldn't think of a better place to ask!

 

[Frantasmic]

Not specifically in this order, but here are some good starters for learning photography:

1. Your user's manual. Understand how to use your camera.

2. Get the book Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson

3. Wolf/Ritz Camera centers have DVDs that explain the functions of your camera.

4. Google Canon XS and Short Course. You will find a site that let's you download a course that goes through processes of what your camera can do.

5. Practice, practice, practice.

6. Get a 2nd or 3rd job to get some good lenses.

 

[ohiochap]

Find a local camera club and join, usually there are some really good photographers there that just love to talk cameras and how to take several types of shots.

As far as buying stuff, get to know some wedding planners as they know a bunch of photographers, and most professional photographers are always wanting the new and improved stuff, hence they are wanting to sell their old stuff. Just a thought.

Good Shooting, Patrick

 

[holcomb-mania]

6. Get a 2nd or 3rd job to get some good lenses.

My wife just got me this same camera and we love it so far. I looked at some Macro lenses and...decided to wait a bit. I'll make due with the two I have.

 

[cosine4]

I have found http://www.digital-photography-school.com/ to be very helpful

 

[2Tiggies]

I am going to add a very special one to the list: This board

Also a newbie to the SLR world I have been dumbfounded at times by how much time and trouble people have gone to in order to help me with information (not to mention inspiration)

I have asked some questions that are probably really silly, yet not once .... ever ... has anyone even hinted that they thought so. Just wonderful suggestions, advice and encouragement.

You still need to read, play with your camera, get familiar with the settings, try things out, but if you, like me, don't know anyone interested in photography, this is a wonderful place to spend some time.

 

[boBQuincy]

One tip is to use "P" mode instead of "A" mode (green rectangle). This allows us much more freedom but still protects us from most major mistakes. "P" mode will not automatically pop up the flash (good for when we are in dark rides) and allows use of RAW files (the best quality your camera can deliver).

Even though you may not want to bother with RAW now, it is good to have the files available for later when you want the best quality. I wish I had used RAW all the time when I was starting out.

 

[C&B Young]

Congrats on the new camera! A Rebel XS was our "gateway DSLR" too (don't ask me how much we've spent on equipment since then!). The previously mentioned books are all good starting points. There are lots of videos out there too, if you do a search on Youtube for tutorials/reviews there's a bunch of hands-on videos that explain the basics of the camera.

 

[DoleWhipDVC]

I know you didn't want someone to tell you to goggle it, but if you go up onto google and type in "canon tutorial" it will take you to the Canon website tutorials which are very informative and specific to Canon cameras. This was advice given to me last year when I bought a 40D and the site helped tons. They do a good job explaining sometimes complex info in an understandable way. Just remember to shoot, shoot, and shoot. Experimenting with the features is a blast and helps you to learn the camera while you get some cool captures. Good luck