Complete DSLR beginner looking for advice

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kopite

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Hey peeps,

I am getting a sony a200 DSLR for christmas.

Prior to this I owned a fuji digital camera (about 6 years old now lol) Most of my photography experience prior to getting this DSLR has been with that digital camera or disposable cameras.

Now i read loads of reviews and got advice and was advised by *** that the a200 was a good beginners camera. I`m starting to feel a little daunted by the sheer number of settings on the camera and havent got a clue where to start when learning to use a DSLR.

Basically i`m looking for advice on beginners guides I can read, Books that might be worth me getting or Other stuff that I should get hold of to try and learn what I`m doing.

As I say i`m a total noob when it comes to photography really but I have always been interested in getting into doing it.

Thanks for any help
 
I'm in the same situation mate, been using an old sony point and shoot for 5 years or so and have just brought a Cannon 450D.

Do they do a 'Dummies Guide to...' on your camera?

I've ordered one of them for now, quite cheap too!

Chris
 
Congrats on the camera.

The first book that will get mentioned is "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson. It's a good starter and is explained in plain english.

I'm sure there are other books but i wouldn't have a clue what to look for.

Pick up some magazines too they can give you some good advice.

Stick around here too, loads of helpful people. Post up some pics and they will soon let you know what can be done to improve things.

Read your camera manual, lots of useful info in there.

Take lots of photos (you'll probably bin loads too, but that's one of the joys of digital). Most of all enjoy yourself
 
The book was my bible to getting started and fully understanding how different settings affect the outcome of an image.


a bit of advice would be dont get carried away with ' i need this lens , i need that gadget' philosophy. At lot of ground can be gained by working with what you have.
 
One of the best books you can read is the manual that comes with your camera. I found when I got my first DSLR that I read it at least once a month for the first year or so. The language in it was completely alien to me so, as I learned more about my camera and its settings and how they related to the pictures I was taking I could understand more and make use of it.

I only used the basic settings very rarely thinking that if I have a camera with lots of buttons I would make use of them :)

The "Magic Lantern" guides are also useful for learning how to use your camera. These are very similar to the manual but explain with more detail.
 
Some good recommendations above. In addition, play.

One of the beauties of the digital format is that it doesn't cost anything to see what your photographs look like once you have taken them.

Start taking photographs and, when you come across something you aren't sure of, check the manual that came with the camera (which will give you a rough idea of what is what), change the settings, and try again.

It will be enough to get you up and running and, in the process, will teach you a great deal about your camera and what it can do, which is one of the first things you should try and learn.

Ask on here too. We are a friendly bunch and there will always be someone willing to help with any questions you have about problems you are getting.

Even if the answer isn't specific, it'll be a pointer in the right direction.

Most of all, above everything else, take your time, don't get frustrated, and enjoy it!
 
My missus got me the Understanding Exposure book for christmas.

I`ve read it cover to cover already and Will read it again today :D Reading it made me feel a lot more exited about getting my camera.
 
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