Tell me about your first months with a dSLR

[Groucho]

i had this exact same problem ( still do if i get my point uncentered by mistake) does anyone remember what the predigital focus systems were like?

My predigital SLR focus system was "turn the focus ring, wait for the microprism to become clear, press shutter." It worked great! I almost never had an out-of-focus photo.

Granted, it takes longer, but your percentage of in-focus photos blows away autofocus. If only the aftermarket split-prism focus screens wouldn't affect metering...

Actually, I hate to say it, but Live View is really handy for fine-tuning manual focus. I may end up using it more than I thought.

But on topic, I never had an autofocus film SLR so I have no experience with them.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

OMG, my pictures were horrible. I'm still learning. I was the one who posted questions asking why my pictures were coming out black! AARRGGHH! I used and still have a film SLR, and all I can say is it's very different than the DSLR. I never knew anything about ISO. In film you just bought different film according to what kind of photos you thought you'd be taking.
In the last 8 years or so I used digital P&S in idiot proof mode, so I had to learn and relearn everything about Aperture and Shutter speed, not to mention ISO. I still don't have a complete understanding of Depth of Field. (I know; I have to reread Understanding Exposure yet again!) My main concern was getting the shots to come out in anything other than all white and all black , and then making sure they come out in focus! I'm learning and having a great time learning so I guess that's all that matters.

 

[Groucho]

OMG, my pictures were horrible. I'm still learning. I was the one who posted questions asking why my pictures were coming out black! AARRGGHH! I used and still have a film SLR, and all I can say is it's very different than the DSLR. I never knew anything about ISO. In film you just bought different film according to what kind of photos you thought you'd be taking.

ISO on digital is exactly the same as it is with film... but with film, you'd buy a specific speed film and be stuck with it for the duration, while a DSLR lets you change it whenever you want.

But the way it works is exactly the same, and the benefits/drawbacks are basically the same... lower ISO numbers like 100 or 200 will give you nice sharp daylight photos while higher numbers like 800 or 1600 will work better in low light but will be either grainy (with film) or noisy (with digital).

 

[alan]

I'm with Yekcim on this one.

I did the stoopidest thing in the world - bought a dSLR about a day before going to WDW for the first (and so far only) time, on a "holiday of a lifetime" thing that my parents-in-law had paid for, so that I could be sure to have some decent photos for them.

I should have taken my Pro1 and I'd have come back with dramatically better pictures.

Sure, I was used to a film SLR, but in the days of a 6 x 4 print then a minor imperfection in the lens or the focus didn't show up.

I have three suggestions before you go:

1. Practice.

2. Set focus to "centre only" and learn to use that - or at very least learn to check where the camera is focusing

3. most important For the first few months try not to use the 100% zoom button. It will only depress you!

I messed around for months with the SLR, the kit lens and a Sigma 18-200mm that I bought on I-drive and never seemed to focus right. I was ready to throw the SLR in the bin, I was so disheartened with the lousy photographs I produced.

And then, I borrowed a friend's 70-200mmL lens, and the scales dropped from my eyes. It was truly a damascene (sp?) moment. All of a sudden I understood everything. The picture quality I had come to love in my Pro1 was a result of fluorite glass. I bought a 24-105mmL lens and, while I don't claim to get perfection every shot, I know that the equipment is good enough that it's only my own flaws that I need to worry about.

So, I'll add a fourth element to my list. The most important thing about buying a dSLR is to accept that the expenditure is not complete when you buy your camera.

Is this the right time to say "go out and nejoy your new toy"?

regards,
/alan

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Well, a little update of sorts.

I've had three outings with my new camera over the past few days and I LOVE IT!! The thing that worried me the most - ie which lens to use for what - in using them I think I finally get it. I still am not exactly comfortable with the lenses, but at least I saw what they are meant for. (The two kit lenses are 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 Zuiko Lenses.) I know that with practice it will come together. (Would someone be able to explain why there are two pieces that move - I get the one that goes in and out, but is there a purpose for the little one at the front? )

I ordered a learning DVD for the camera which should be here today. I've still got to delve into the manual but I haven't yet, I'm still reading my generic dSLR book and have reviewed UE (which I read last year). One step at a time! The controls are simple enough to figure out for the most part (not unlike those on my S3) but I need to know exactly what every little figure in every icon means in order to get the best settings. This is where I know it's going to be a big learning curve.

Thank you for posting your stories (and advice). They made me feel a lot better, especially this one from the more recent posts, LOL:

I was the one who posted questions asking why my pictures were coming out black!

Would anyone like to see my first round of pictures? They're not spectacular, but I was happy to see I could get some decent ones right out of the box. I should say the weather's been horrible here - if it wasn't pouring it was extremely cold and windy - my hands were frozen and I was fairly hurried. I might try to get some more today seeing as it's a little warmer out. Anyway, here you go - I'm always open to cc or shooting tips.

Two flags signifying gale force winds

My girl - always a willing subject, but even she was cold

DD10

And the ones I had the most trouble with, DS10's indoor baseball practice (couldn't figure out which white balance to use, tried sports mode, etc most were fairly blurry)

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

ISO on digital is exactly the same as it is with film... but with film, you'd buy a specific speed film and be stuck with it for the duration, while a DSLR lets you change it whenever you want.

But the way it works is exactly the same, and the benefits/drawbacks are basically the same... lower ISO numbers like 100 or 200 will give you nice sharp daylight photos while higher numbers like 800 or 1600 will work better in low light but will be either grainy (with film) or noisy (with digital).

Thanks Groucho! I figured that out after a while...Digital is way cheaper too!When I first got started, I didn't know how to adjust the ISO in the camera, so that whole thing confused me, but now I get it! Took me a while, but all you patient experts on this board helped me a lot along the way. I know you all must've been rolling your eyes at some of the really dense questions I would post!

 

[Master Mason]

(Would someone be able to explain why there are two pieces that move - I get the one that goes in and out, but is there a purpose for the little one at the front? )

I am about 99% sure that what your talking about here is the manual focus ring on the lens. You should be able to switch of the auto focus and use the manual focus. This is very helpful in things like Macro photography, or shooting fireworks.

I like this one, you might try getting down lower on it to change the perspective a little if you had done that I think I would have really loved it.

And the ones I had the most trouble with, DS10's indoor baseball practice (couldn't figure out which white balance to use, tried sports mode, etc most were fairly blurry)

Can you post the exif data on this then we might be able to give you some suggestions on how to increase the shutter speed to reduce the blur

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Thank you for the feedback. I used to be able to get the EXIF data off of Photobucket, but they've changed their format and I can't seem to get it anymore. Anyone know how or another way?

 

[Master Mason]

Thank you for the feedback. I used to be able to get the EXIF data off of Photobucket, but they've changed their format and I can't seem to get it anymore. Anyone know how or another way?

If you open it up in your photo software it should tell you that information as well on your own computer

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Thank you for the feedback. I used to be able to get the EXIF data off of Photobucket, but they've changed their format and I can't seem to get it anymore. Anyone know how or another way?

Opanda Iexif is good and free to download. You can then right click the original picture for exif info

 

[Amy]

Nice first shots, Linda! I was hoping you'd post some photos now that you'd had your dSLR for a week. Can't wait to see more! I'm not quite ready to take the plunge myself, so I'll live vicariously through you.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Nice first shots, Linda! I was hoping you'd post some photos now that you'd had your dSLR for a week. Can't wait to see more! I'm not quite ready to take the plunge myself, so I'll live vicariously through you.

Hey, sista. I have the sneaking suspicion you'll be joining us someday. Thank you!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Still no EXIF data but I think I know now how to set the exposure for movement and white balance so hopefully my basball photos will be better this week.

Dozed off a bit through some of it but did watch the 65 minute DVD for my camera. It was helpful but a bit overwhelming. So much to know! You guys make it look so easy!!

Classic newbie story. I went to my local pier to reshoot the dinghy pictures. Was wondering why it seemed "different" than before, kept having to move back and even came close to falling in the water a couple of times. Went to another location and went to pull out my zoom lens and realized I'd had it on the whole time! DUH!

ETA: I have some new photos to post but Photobucket was just updated and is apparently having problems. Shutting down with any edits. Will post when I can.

 

[Master Mason]

Still no EXIF data but I think I know now how to set the exposure for movement and white balance so hopefully my basball photos will be better this week.

Dozed off a bit through some of it but did watch the 65 minute DVD for my camera. It was helpful but a bit overwhelming. So much to know! You guys make it look so easy!!

Classic newbie story. I went to my local pier to reshoot the dinghy pictures. Was wondering why it seemed "different" than before, kept having to move back and even came close to falling in the water a couple of times. Went to another location and went to pull out my zoom lens and realized I'd had it on the whole time! DUH!

ETA: I have some new photos to post but Photobucket was just updated and is apparently having problems. Shutting down with any edits. Will post when I can.

Time to upgrade to smugmug

 

[Pea-n-Me]

My favorite so far

And the infamous dinghys

 

[Pea-n-Me]

And thanks to a tip from sleuth AndrewWG, I got to shoot the Mayflower coming home to Plymouth, MA, for the summer from her winter berth. That was so much fun, thanks, Andy! (Sorry you missed seeing her coming through the canal, but hope these help.)

 

[AndrewWG]

Linda,

Those came out great! Good Job! And, hey, if I had a 5000mm lens, I could have seen you taking those pictures. Those "pilgrims" sure did move fast that day. Too fast for me to get there on time. I ended up throwing on the 70-200 + 1.4x and got some duck shots that day though. Nothing fantastic, but hey I was on the clock since I was "just running down to the Canal for a couple minutes". Of course it took me 2 hours... Here are a few.


Hooded Merganser:

Male Eider:

Female Eider:

 

[Amy]

STOP IT, LINDA AND ANDY!! Why do you have to post such great photos? A dSLR is not in our budget any time soon, and you're making me really hungry to get one NOW! I just can't tell DS18 and DS16 to forget about college because Mom wants a new camera.

Linda, I absolutely love that first picture of the seagull! Birds and flowers are my favorite subjects. Glad you didn't fall in the cold water getting those dinghy shots; Master Mason's suggestion was right on.

Andy, that shot of the female eider flapping her wings - great timing! You're just a fountain of information - you know that names of the diff. types of ducks/water fowl, and I think you're the one who knew about that moon rainbow I posted a couple of months ago. How do you know (and remember) all this stuff? Or am I showing my age because *I* can't remember??

Question about the Mayflower (nice perspective on the photos, BTW): I assume this is a replica of the original. When it's docked, is it open for tours? I've never been to the Boston area, but it's on my list of places to visit once our boys are both in college and DH and I can travel where we want to go. Just wondering if I have to remember to check the Mayflower schedule when we finally get a chance to visit to be sure it's in town and not off somewhere.

 

[Amy]

Ok, a dumb question (can you tell you've got me thinking about a dSLR ): you CAN shoot in jpeg, can't you? I see all the folks on this board talking about shooting in RAW, but I'm afraid that if (when) I make the leap, I'll have enough to learn about the camera that I'll be too overwhelmed if I have to learn about converting RAW, too.

 

[jann1033]

raw is nothing to worry about. converting is just sliding buttons till you like it but it think they all shoot in jpg & some in jpg and raw( i mean the same shot is saved in both)

I love the 3 dinghies maybe photoshop those little white things out of the background...then it would be truly fantastic like the single dinghy as well, nice reflection