Newbee and EOS 20D settings

[goldstrikn]

Hello All,

I finally received my camera and couldn't wait to shoot. This is my first and only DSLR, I have never owned an SLR in the past, I always had a P&S ever since I can remember. So this is a new field for me. My first thoughts on this camera is that it feels like a pro-camera, but I am not sure that I am shooting with the correct settings. Please note that I do not primarily want to use the auto settings, but rather I want to get used to the Creative Zone Settings. So can some expert in this model or DSLR kindly place most common settings to use, for example:

ISO 100-400: Sunshine, good light, self portrait, etc.
ISO 800-3200: Low light, landscape, self portrait, macro, etc.
Shutter Speed: 1/250 - 1/350 - for non-moving objects, etc.
WB:
DOF:

I hope you know what I am asking. This am sure I can do a google search, but it will be an endless pages that will probably not explain in detail, or it will have boring explanations. I'd rather have an explanation coming from 20D users. Please explain it to me like a five year old. Thank you for any information.

[cmM]

Hello Gerson, Welcome to digital SLR photography.

I think many of us were in your position at some point. I understand the question you ask. The best advice I can give you is this: rather than learning mechanically (memorizing when to use certain settings - high shutter speeds in brighter light) I would take the time to learn how it all works, understanding is infinitely better than memorizing.
I would suggest you read a few articles on how exposure works, and how shutter speeds, apertures, ISO all play a part in the equation. Once you will understand the basics, it'll all make a lot more sense.

One site with great tutorials is www.luminous-landscape.com Awesome articles there. Also there is a wealth of info in the stickes in the EOS forum here, etc.

[CyberDyneSystems]

ALso right hre in the -=READ First=- Eos Sticky thread there is a link to forum members favorite 20D settings ;)

Take a look.

[down_shift13]

here's some article that may help you to understand camera settings better! http://www.megapixel.net/html/issueindex.php?lang=en then click on the article sections.

[goldstrikn]

Thank you for the links and information

[tim]

I highly recommend doing a photography course, they're invaluable. You should be able to find one in your area, with such an expensive camera it's be a shame to waste it because you don't understand the basics.

[goldstrikn]

Yes, I need to know the basics, right now I am reading a bunch of books relating to ISO,WB, Exposure, light, etc. An actual hands on course with a teacher would be essential, I will look into a course within my area. Thanks for the advice

[Pelao]

Hi

Have a look at www.shortcourses.com

They offer a short book specifically for your camera. It is basically an expanded version of your manual. Where the manual will tell you how to select a specific setting, this book will tell you why & when you would want that setting. A few evenings with this book (it's really that short) and you are in business.

The one for my Rebel was a huge help. After 15 months with the camera I am almost approaching the beginnings of a vague level of competence... :)

[goldstrikn]

Hi

Have a look at www.shortcourses.com (http://www.shortcourses.com)

They offer a short book specifically for your camera. It is basically an expanded version of your manual. Where the manual will tell you how to select a specific setting, this book will tell you why & when you would want that setting. A few evenings with this book (it's really that short) and you are in business.

The one for my Rebel was a huge help. After 15 months with the camera I am almost approaching the beginnings of a vague level of competence... :)

Thank you for that link. By the way have anyone here read the Magic Lantern Guide Book for Canon EOS 20D? I just bought it but have not opened it. If it is just an extension of my manual I will return it and save myself $20.00 bucks.

[Mark_48]

Thank you for that link. By the way have anyone here read the Magic Lantern Guide Book for Canon EOS 20D? I just bought it but have not opened it. If it is just an extension of my manual I will return it and save myself $20.00 bucks.

I was considering this book myself and got redirected not only by this board but reading the reviews on Amazon.com. Hopefully the link below gets you there.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1579906923/qid=1111532600/sr=2-3/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_3/002-7989226-7874459

Amazon also had the Shortcourses book others have mentioned which includes the CD.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1928873529/qid=1111532600/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/002-7989226-7874459

If you're looking for other books about photography and such, take a look at Overstock.com as well. They don't have the descriptions for the books like Amazon, but their prices are a shade better. They have $1 shipping this month also.

http://www.overstock.com/