I have had my 10d for several months

[katt]

HI,
I have had my 10d for several months now I really love the camera I just dont know much on how to work it.
My husband bought it for me as a Mothers Day gift, because I have always like photography. But I am beginning to wonder if it is far to advanced for me. I know nothing about shutter speeds, iso and so on. I have mainly been using it as a point and shoot camera and my husband says I should learn how to do things manually to get the best possible images. Is there not suppose to be an auto zoom on this camera? Well anyhow I guess my main question would be where do I go to the learn how to operate this camera.

[robertwgross]

You can certainly begin by just using the "Green Box" full automatic mode on the camera. The camera does not have auto zoom, but the lenses should have auto focus. You want to understand that difference.

There are some easy online photo tutorials that should help you get started. Also, you may want to see if a local community college would have a basic photography class where they teach f-stops, shutters, and all that.

Just make yourself a goal of learning one new thing per day.

For some of us, it took 25 years of shooting before we could take a really good picture.

---Bob Gross---

[scottbergerphoto]

Using any camera, be it digital or film, requires a basic understanding of photography. I would suggest reading some basic books on photography. One excellent book for beginners is "The Confused Photographers Guide to The Zone System" by Farzad. It's well written and will provide a good foundation to build on. It explains how camera meters work and how aperture and shutter speeed combine to give an exposure. It teaches you how to interpret the readings from your camera's meter and translate that into the proper exposure for what your photographing. There are also a number of books in the "Kodak Series". Good Luck!

[robvonk]

Here's a 'New User's Guide to the EOS 10D'

http://www.photo.net/canon/10D/new_user.html

It's really sarcastic and don't read it if that offends you.

Besides that, it provides some usefull information on what you need to know about your new EOS D10.

Rob

[RichardtheSane]

Rob, that is a great read - even if you are an experience photographer and know youyr way round the 10D ;)

Katt, you don't have to learn to shoot in manual mode to take goor pictures. There are a large number of books out there that could help, look for the ones that discuss exposure and the relation ship between apature and shutter speed.
The AV and TV modes on the camera are probably the best to have a play with. With those you are still using auto exposure but you have more control over you final image.

As for the power zoon, no. What lens is on the camera? Is it a ZOom lens?

[Kenal0]

I Don not know a lot about my 10D and even less about photography but this book is an easy read, is a good reference and helps me find my way around the camera unlike the manual that came with it. It combines the camera functions with some photography basics in an easy to understand way.
http://www.shortcourses.com/bookstore/canon/book_canon10D.htm

Kenal0

[mjordan]

If you want a little more interactive help with learning some of the different features of the 10D and photography in general, here are a couple of sites that might be worth reading through:

http://ilp.tlcwe.com/forums/index.php

and http://www.zuga.net/forums/index.php

You have to do a free e-mail registration to post, but you can read all the posts without doing that. The first one is a little better for those really new as there are a lot of talented but in-experienced people as well as experieneced and talented. The second place is geared more towards those really serious about learning, although they have less experienced people on there and people will to help as well.

Those two along with this site give you access to some great talent and knoweleable people on the 10D and photography.

Mike

[deztoys]

Katt -

As an alternative to spending time reading, maybe the local junior college has a class. You don't say what part of the country/world you are in, but I know there are several "Meetup Groups" that are for photographers. Its primarily a social gathering for exchange of ideas etc, but you may want to check your local area for a group. Here is a link to a place to start.

If your in the Southern California area drop us an email.

Scott

http://photo.meetup.com/