Beginner but eager to learn

Marzi

Marzi

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John
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Hi all was just wanting to ask a few questions.

I have just bought my first camera this morning (Canon 550D) and can't wait to get started.

Should I start by taking pictures in Auto and getting used to the camera, then after a while start to get abit more creative once my knowledge increases?

I bought a bag and a 8gb memory card is there any other basic accessories that I need to get started?

Thanks..
 
1st welcome to the world of DSLR’s….

I would say the manual for the camera is the best place to start. Auto is a good starting point until you have been through the manual then I would move on to P then AV and TV...I would leave M until you know your camera back to front...I would also stick with the basic kit lens if that what came with is and just move around on your feet if you need to get closer to the action...(animals might not be so keen on that!).

You should also look at learning about F stops, Shutter speeds, ISO as this will all tie together so you can produce the photo/Shot you had in your mind.

Once you have a general idea on the above you will have some kind if understanding of the photographs you like to take, then you should look at investing in the kit required to meet that...

few useful sites to get you started....

http://www.adorama.com/alc/bucket/Techniques-and-How-Tos

http://www.cameralabs.com/features/Latest_Features_and_Workshops.shtml

Enjoy and plan to get hooked…..
 
Marzi said:
Hi all was just wanting to ask a few questions.

I have just bought my first camera this morning (Canon 550D) and can't wait to get started.

Should I start by taking pictures in Auto and getting used to the camera, then after a while start to get abit more creative once my knowledge increases?

I bought a bag and a 8gb memory card is there any other basic accessories that I need to get started?

Thanks..
Click to expand...

If you are a real beginner, start with the camera on P and ISO400. You will get decent point-and-shoot results in just about any situation.

Meanwhile, learn about the 'exposure triangle' of shutter speed, lens aperture and ISO and how that all works. Check your images and see what the camera has chosen in different situations and how it's turned out.

Learn how to 'focus-recompose' using the centre AF point for better focusing control and accuracy. Understand the factors that change depth of field.

Then move to aperture-priority Av and note the effect of different lens apertures. Then have a go at manual.

When you've got the hang of it all, go back to Av which is what most folks use - as a default mode at least.
 
Thanks to both of you for the info. Will have a look through the sites mentioned.

Will definetly stick with the kit lens and get my legs moving to begin with.

Really looking forward to learning it all just alot of info to take in, I'm sure it will all get easier once I get using my camera.

Best get revising...
 
Hi Marzi and welcome, congrats on your purchase. If you have a manual then take time to have a read through it, they usualy give the reader an insight into what happens when you alter things on the camera along with a picture to see it visualy. No harm in using auto to start with but try not to rely too much on it. Manual or one of the priority modes are not as daunting as you might think, there is also plenty of info online to grasp the basics of it all. As for other kit it depends what your subject matter is :shrug: you have a built in flash even is it is limited, so that will get you out of trouble for any indoor low light shots you might want to take for now. I always think a Tripod is a must, at this time of the year with sunsets etc you could find yourself wanting to use one as much as not needing one. Have fun and start posting your pics up when the batteries are charged up :lol:
 
Plenty of info on youtube, that's where I went to find out the difference between shutter speeds/aperture/iso etc.
I find it best to just press buttons and find out what they do haha. Not really one for reading as I don't take it in.

Where did you get that camera btw?
 
Yep I brought the manual to work with me so I can have a good look through :) haha I actually brought everything to work and my batteries are charging at my desk as we speak.

I will be doing abit of everything, landscapes (living in south cumbria I just have to explore the southern part of the lakes), animals and wildlife as well as taking pictures in local market towns.

Thats the thing it is quite daunting at first but once I get through all the information I'm sure I will be more confident and get better quality pictures.
 
SimonC said:
Plenty of info on youtube, that's where I went to find out the difference between shutter speeds/aperture/iso etc.
I find it best to just press buttons and find out what they do haha. Not really one for reading as I don't take it in.

Where did you get that camera btw?
Click to expand...


Thanks will have a look through youtube aswell. Looking to get as much info as possible.

Bought it from my local camera shop in South Cumbria
 
Leave it on Auto everything and take some pictures to see what the camera is doing there's nothing wrong with auto.

When you can easily and often see a picture that's worth taking then take the next step by using the semi-auto settings.
 
I would agree with P and Auto when out and wanting to get some nice shots. However, I would say when in the house and just getting used to it then leave it on manual .
 
Thanks for all the replies :)

Will leave it on auto and then trying the semi-auto settings as I get used to using it.

Going to go for a trip out tomorrow afternoon when I finish work cant wait to get started.
 
There's also a CA mode (well there is on the 500D so am assuming there is on the 550D) where you can adjust the sliders with your click wheel to get the effect you're after really simply
 
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