Terms, Terms, Terms...Newbie help!!

[Nursedad]

Greetings folks!

I'm a total newb and just got my first DSLR (40th B'day present) with the kit lens. I've always wanted to get into photography and the time has finally come.

Wanted to see if you could provide some clarification about some of the terms I often hear used together.

"F-stop / Aperature / Exposure compensation".

How do these terms fit together? Are they similar terms for the same function or are they referring to totally different things?

I appreciate your patience as I strive to learn more about this incredibly fun hobby and of course your wisdom.

Many thanks!

:D

- - Jeff

Rebel XTi
18-55mm Kit Lens

[crn3371]

F-stop and aperture are the same thing. Here's an article that might help.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aperture#In_photography

[John_B]

Nursedad,
Lets see if I can help :)
F/stops and Aperture refer to the same thing, however exposure compensation can be many things. You can do exposure compensation via shutter speed, ISO, aperture (f/stop) and flash power. Ex a shot at f/8 with shutter 1/125 at ISO 100, then exposure compensation of +1 will make the camera to set exposure to shutter 1/60 or aperture f/5.6 to let more light into the sensor. You can also do exposure compensation by raising your ISO to 200 or if using flash by upping the flash power +1
Hope that helps :)

[Woolburr]

Hi Jeff...welcome to the forum. Lots of good information to be found in the various threads here and one of the best investments you can make is to snag this book.
http://www.pbase.com/image/70396740.jpg

[KROHN27]

This is so second grade, but i found this to be the most helpfull peice of info that got me started!

http://www.canon.co.jp/Imaging/enjoydslr/p_2_006.html

[Nursedad]

I appreciate all the replys and info. A little intimidated by all that I have to learn, but completely excited and ready for the challenge.

Went out today with my daughter and hiked one of the local parks for 4 hours. Many pictures...some okay, some horrible and a few that were incredible.

Thanks for the links and info regarding this book. I've seen this recommendation in other threads on this board and plan on ordering it tonight.

I hope the "no stupid questions" rule is in effect in here...because I plan on asking many.

Thanks again!

- - Jeff

[Nursedad]

Here's one of the good ones from today's hike...

[elise1030]

Jeff, it looks like you're off to a fantastic start! That is beautiful!!

[Nursedad]

Thanks! I really appreciate it. I've been driving around all my life looking around and saying, "that would make a great picture." Now it's time to "make" it happen.

Here's another for kickers...

[Woolburr]

Here's one of the good ones from today's hike...

That's a keeper for sure! Don't ever hesitate to ask questions here. You may get a grumble or two, but most folks will do their best to give you some honest advice. The real beauty of using digital is the freedom it provides a photographer to take multiple images and experiment with settings...all of which should help with understanding and refining your techniques. Bryan's book goes a long way towards explaining some of the basics and the relationship they play on your finished product. Reading it will go a long way towards building your photographic skills.

[Echo63]

i love your first shot,
your second one is great but i feel (my personal opinion here - you may disagree with me) that you could improve it by keeping the tips of the front two leaves in the frame. other than that you appear to be off to a great start

this forum is the best place to ask stupid questions, or even intelligent questions. the people here are friendly and helpful. i am still learning and asking stupid questions too.

[Nursedad]

i love your first shot,
your second one is great but i feel (my personal opinion here - you may disagree with me) that you could improve it by keeping the tips of the front two leaves in the frame. other than that you appear to be off to a great start.

Have to agree with your crit of the second shot. Now I'm wishing I could have that moment back.

Many thanks!