Camera package in the house.

ab2012

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You've just bought it and it's all boxed up with all accessories and lens.
What next?
Anyone got a quick step by step guide from getting from box to taking first photo?:)
If you have the time, that is.Thanks.
 
there's got to be more to it than that :)
Charge batteries up,I take it.
 
memo to self...buy kettle.
'owt else?
When I takes first snap will settings automatically register somewhere so I can begin comparing results with different settings?or.......another memo..buy pencil and paper.
Also, and I can never fathom this, if in autofocus, can you still alter settings????
 
The EXIF data will record all of the settings (have a search on here or google for EXIF).
 
Autofocus and auto mode is completely separate thing.

Autofocus means that you don't have to get the image in focus yourself. Half press the shutter button and the camera focuses the image to make it sharp. Be prepare to be amazed at the speed if you're upgrading from a compact.

Auto mode means the camera takes care of the exposure settings (aperture, shutter speed and ISO) to achieve correct exposure.
 
You don't say what camera you have, but on a Canon when you are in playback mode to view the images on the screen, you can hit the Info button to scroll through different viewing options, one of which will give you the histogram - (useful tool, read up on it) - and another will give you the shooting information, date, time, aperture, shutter speed etc.
 
Open box, put battery on to charge. Retreat to karzi with the manual and read it. the battery will eventually be fully charged, at which point you can put it in the camera and start shooting. Keep the manual handy, it's one of the most useful items in the box!
Reread the manual when you have time and maybe take notes on things you've had to look up and how to get effects you're after - keep a printed (?laminated crib sheet?) in the bag - it'll be quicker to refer to that than to keep looking things up in the manual's index.
 
I had someone turn up at one of my 5-week adult ed courses on 'understanding your digital camera' - they hadn't even taken the cellophane wrapper off the box. No card, no charge in battery. A bit of a waste of their 1st week. Go figure.
 
A lot of people are mentioning removing the lens cap. I don't think anyone has just pointed out that the lens needs to be attached to the camera.
 
Interesting!!:)
Not got the camera yet :(
For ages been looking at
Canon 450D,500D,550D,60D
Nikon D40
Nikon D90
So you will see why I started this topic.
I'd hate to stand for days looking at the box without daring to open it.
Probably a Canon at the lower end.dunno.I suppose I'm wanting someone to decide for me.
oh...and what's this "noise" I keep reading about?
Cheers,everyone.Thanks for the informative and amusing replies.Feel free to keep them coming. :)
 
Noise - that's what you get on the forum when you start a thread like this!
 
Or realising you never bought a memory card! :(

try getting a 50D and spending a small fortune on lenses and accessories only for it to snow and the scenery be gorgeous but mr amazon hasnt delivered your memory cards and makes u wait another week PLUS its too snowy to go out and buy a cheap spare! :(
 
Open box, put battery on to charge. Retreat to karzi with the manual and read it. the battery will eventually be fully charged, at which point you can put it in the camera and start shooting.
Remember to wash your hands.

Otherwise, set up a camera and record a legendary 'unboxing my xxxxx' video for youtube whilst still sat on the karzi?
 
You've just bought it and it's all boxed up with all accessories and lens.
What next?
Anyone got a quick step by step guide from getting from box to taking first photo?:)
If you have the time, that is.Thanks.

Read the instructions first then read them again and again if you don't understand anything. Then put the battery on charge and the memory card in the camera.

Start with P mode then when you have got this right, then go to the other modes. Make sure your focusing is correct

Happy Snapping.
 
Interesting!!:)
Not got the camera yet :(
For ages been looking at
Canon 450D,500D,550D,60D
Nikon D40
Nikon D90
So you will see why I started this topic.
I'd hate to stand for days looking at the box without daring to open it.
Probably a Canon at the lower end.dunno.I suppose I'm wanting someone to decide for me.
oh...and what's this "noise" I keep reading about?
Cheers,everyone.Thanks for the informative and amusing replies.Feel free to keep them coming. :)

If you're wanting advice on which to buy, you've got a fair range to go at there (and a huge budget difference between a 450D and a 60D).

Do you want video? Do you want a big, heavy camera or a small, light one? Do you want multiple lenses (could be worth getting a cheaper camera and more lens options with your money).

How into photography are you? That sounds a daft question but if you're looking at 60D, you're talking about a grand's worth of budget (by the time there's a lens, cards, bags etc). Are you just looking for a new camera to take nice pictures with or are you looking at it becoming a serious obsession (and therefore a thousand quid will just be the start of a very expensive relationship with your bank / camera shop)?

If you're just dipping your toe in, a 450D is a great little camera (no video though). I started on that with just the kit lens and it served me well until I knew what I was doing. Once you get bitten though, it's an expensive road.

Given you're not sure, I'd head down to a local camera shop (if there's an independent one nearby, head there) and just talk to the guy behind the counter. Have a hold of the ones you're thinking of. The 50D and 60D are much bigger and heavier than a 450D or 500D. You may prefer the feel of one (my wife, for example, hates my 50D as it's too big for her hands - but loves my old 450D).

Not sure on the Nikon ones as I've not used them but they'll be as good as Canon. Again, have a hold, have a play with them in the shop. You might love the feel of them over Canon.

You can't really buy a bad camera from those manufacturers so it's the balance between budget and what it feels like when you play with it.

And when you get it, charge the battery then go for it (worth reading up about stuff like aperture, ISO & shutter speed beforehand though if you want to take decent pics from the off - it'll certainly be less confusing if you're totally new to it and you do a bit of reading first).
 
@Paul..many thanks for that considered and helpful response. I am looking to get into photography as another hobby.I know the 60D is expensive, especially when a decent lens is added.That's why I said I'd probably go at the less expensive end, but not sure.I read up on aperture,ISO and shutter speed, but it does seem confusing, but I imagine eventually it all, or most of it, falls into place.When Imentioned "noise" in an earlier post I wasn't joking, also "stop".
"P" mode,Eddy?
And thanks to everyone else.I hope this thread hasn't upset anyone.
 
"P" mode,Eddy?
And thanks to everyone else.I hope this thread hasn't upset anyone.[/QUOTE]

Programme Mode, that means the camera will do all the speed & aperture settings.
 
Once you have the battery charged etc etc etc don't forget to turn it on before you try your first snap.
 
When I recently got my 550d the memory cards didn't arrive with it but I really wanted to test out the movie recording.

Walk a couple of miles to local pcworld, check rip off prices of some dirty unbranded class 6 cards, walk back in snow cursing!
 
When I recently got my 550d the memory cards didn't arrive with it but I really wanted to test out the movie recording.

Walk a couple of miles to local pcworld, check rip off prices of some dirty unbranded class 6 cards, walk back in snow cursing!


lol yeah i know that feeling:bonk:
 
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