What creative mode for a novice on a 300D?

[superstar]

Hello all,

I have been scouring through this website this week for helpful hints, it has very good info.

I recently purchased a Digital Rebel because I wanted a good Dslr camera. I have experience on a decent Sony digital (full size) camera that I thought I was good at taking pictures. When I got the DR, I haven't been able to take any good pics with the creative modes.

So, my question is what is a good creative mode to start out in. I have mainly been using the AV mode. I will just be taking various pics to get practice, but with the different modes and settings, it seems a little overwhelming right now. I bought the book on how to use the Rebel Digital and have read it, but I can't seem to apply any of the things I have learned yet.

Also, for a beginner, should I just use the best jpeg format vs. the RAW? I sometimes have trouble converting the RAW on my computer to something I can see and use, but I always like to use the highest quality setting I can.

Thanks, Richard

[SkipD]

Richard, the thing I learned about RAW mode that converted me to using it almost exclusively is the fact that you can change the color balance selection AFTER the photo has been taken if you are using RAW.

If, for example, you took a photo indoors (with incandescent lighting) and had the camera set for daylight or flash, the photos would have a severe yellow or orange cast. When converting RAW images to TIFF, JPG, or whatever, you can select the proper color balance selection just as if you did it on the camera before taking the shot. This really can save a photo, because the alternative is some very difficult color balance management in Photoshop (or whatever editing software you choose to use).

[PhotosGuy]

Have you seen this?
Virtual Interactive Camera: The Flash-based Virtual Camera gives users hands-on experience operating an Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera.
Four tutorials explain focusing, aperture, shutter speed and exposure.
http://www.camerasinteractive.com/index.php

Eventually , you will need to use RAW to get the most out of your pics. Here's why I like it:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=43761&highlight=sunliner

[cmM]

RAW offers a lot of flexibility. Over exposure, over white balance, etc...

As far as modes, you can use either one of them, but more important than knowing which one to use is understanding exposure and how aperture, shutter speed, ISO come together.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/understandexposure.shtml

[Pelao]

PhotosGuy,
Thanks for the camerasinteractive link. very useful.

[robertwgross]

So, my question is what is a good creative mode to start out in. I have mainly been using the AV mode. I will just be taking various pics to get practice, but with the different modes and settings, it seems a little overwhelming right now. I bought the book on how to use the Rebel Digital and have read it, but I can't seem to apply any of the things I have learned yet.

Richard, each of the creative modes has its own place. Start with the easiest one and work your way around.

When I first started using a film SLR camera 35 years ago, it had only one "creative" mode, Tv. So, for years, that is all that I knew how to think about it. Then my second camera had Tv plus Av, so I had to broaden my practicing. Eventually, years later, I arrived in the Canon arena, and there are more modes to deal with. Perfect success is not going to come overnight.

"If the job was easy, they could have hired just anybody."

What is important is to learn by the methods that work best for you. For me, I have to read the user manual two or three times, and then play with the camera, and then read some more. Eventually, it gets burned into my brain. For the next person, it might require a training video. For the next person, it might require a class with an instructor. Take your pick. It will not be an ordeal.

---Bob Gross---

[Andy_T]

Richard,

my take would be to shoot JPG until you have exposure, sharpness etc. right. It will save you some time over using a conversion workflow that you can use to take more pictures instead :lol:

You can start with 'P' mode, it will do what the 'Auto' mode does while giving you the additional options. As robert suggested, it has a lot to do with what you feel comfortable with. TV is a good way to avoid blurry images, another way would be to use AV and observe the shutter speed displayed in your viewfinder. If it's too slow, crank up the ISO or upen the lens.

Best regards,
Andy

[photopaque]

Just though i would jump onboard this thread and say thanks for the tips and links.....i am in a similar position--novice-with a 350D.
On the 'raw'subject.........i shoot under tungsten so if i forgot to switch my wb to tungsten i could alter it in raw and it would be the same as if i had with wb on tungsten?

[superstar]

Thank you very much for the information and the links. Richard

[exposingmyself]

http://www.camerasinteractive.com/index.php#

wish i had this website in photography art100 ;-)