Finally took the plunge

[magic4jc]

After couple of years of searching, reading reviews, and asking opinions, I finally took the plunge and bought my first DSLR. I am 36 years old, and have never owned or used anything but point and shoot cameras. I have been wanting, for some time now, to get into digital photography as a hobby, but I am very in-decisive. I could not afford a very "high end" camera, but wanted to begin learning and practicing with a DSLR. I struggled between brands and models for nearly two years. I finally decided on the Nikon D60 with 2 lens kit (18-55, and 55-200). I realize that this is a "canon" board. I also realize that my little camera is nothing compared to what some of you own. BUT, I have found a wealth of information here, and am very excited to learn more from all of you.

I hope that you all can share my excitement for my first DSLR. I am also interested in everyone's advise for a total NEWBY as I spend these first few days learning and playing with my new toy.

Thanks in advance for any input,
Mike

[stathunter]

Welcome to the world of DSLR. As you found there is TONS of great info here -- my best advice would be to take your gear out and photograph everything you possibly can - go out and make tons of shots then learn from the mistakes - and keep doing this.
The best way to learn is hands on - and have some fun doing it!

[Fastfwd13]

I myself just started at 34 with a Canon 50D which is pretty good for a crop sensor but quite far from the cheapest full frame. I believe that up to now the cheapest copr sensor would have given me the same results. I need practice more than I need good gear right now.

I am curious as to why this board is completely Canon oriented? Is there another popular board that is more generic that people read also? I really like this board but I wish it was used by photographers in general.

[Immaculens]

Congrats Stathunter - enjoy your hobby on a 'new level'. One of the first things I noticed was the responsiveness of a DSLR. I'm sure Nikon forums are out there which will be invaluable to your every step of your journey.

Cheers!

P.S. so what do you want to do with it?

PPS. got my first DSLR age 40.

[k_wakasugi]

Congrats Stathunter - enjoy your hobby on a 'new level'. One of the first things I noticed was the responsiveness of a DSLR. I'm sure Nikon forums are out there which will be invaluable to your every step of your journey.

Cheers!

P.S. so what do you want to do with it?

PPS. got my first DSLR age 40.

Yes, congrats stathunter... oh and you too Mike! Haha, welcome to POTN! Hope you enjoy your stay!

[johnj2803]

congratulations on your new toy! :D shoot shoot and shoot! :D its the only way to learn :D



I am curious as to why this board is completely Canon oriented?


just to answer your question. see attached image :D

[AxxisPhoto]

Congrats on the new camera! Now go shoot, shoot, shoot!

[Fastfwd13]

congratulations on your new toy! :D shoot shoot and shoot! :D its the only way to learn :D




just to answer your question. see attached image :D

I mean is there a reason to keep excluding other brands? Does this board get suppor from Canon in some ways?

[J1000]

After couple of years of searching, reading reviews, and asking opinions, I finally took the plunge and bought my first DSLR. I am 36 years old, and have never owned or used anything but point and shoot cameras. I have been wanting, for some time now, to get into digital photography as a hobby, but I am very in-decisive. I could not afford a very "high end" camera, but wanted to begin learning and practicing with a DSLR. I struggled between brands and models for nearly two years. I finally decided on the Nikon D60 with 2 lens kit (18-55, and 55-200). I realize that this is a "canon" board. I also realize that my little camera is nothing compared to what some of you own. BUT, I have found a wealth of information here, and am very excited to learn more from all of you.

I hope that you all can share my excitement for my first DSLR. I am also interested in everyone's advise for a total NEWBY as I spend these first few days learning and playing with my new toy.

Thanks in advance for any input,
Mike

If you go to Flickr or other sites to look at photos, look at the EXIF information for the photo. This will give you information on the settings for the shot. exposure, iso, aperture, etc. And of course, look at your own, both when a shot "works", and when it doesn't.

e.g.

Exposure: 0.01 sec (1/100)
Aperture: f/13
Focal Length: 180 mm
ISO Speed: 800
Exposure Bias: 0/2 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire

[johnj2803]

I mean is there a reason to keep excluding other brands? Does this board get suppor from Canon in some ways?


there are other forums solely for other brands too. its just how the internet is. When you google them you'll see them. BUT it doesn't stop anyone from joining them even if they have other brands :D

lets not get OT here :D

[essvee]

Welcome to the board and to the world of digital photography. It's never too late to learn!

Pick up a copy of Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. It's a quick read full of the fundamentals of photography in general and digital in particular. I recommend it to any newer shooter.

And don't forget, the equipment is not the biggest part of the equation to capturing quality images. It's the person holding the camera. Learn the fundamentals and you'll soon "understand" how an image was captured just by looking at it. Then, as others have suggested, peruse POTN or any of the other fine forums and sites for images you like and begin developing your own style.

Most of all, HAVE FUN!

[yogestee]

Welcome to the cauldron Mike.. As your passion grows your bank balance will diminish ;)

[magic4jc]

Thank you all for the support, encouragement, and advise. I have been out for the last couple of hours shooting, and playing with settings. So far, I've already learned much, and I'm having a blast. The guy at the camera store got me started with aperture ,ISO, and shutter speed. Right now, I'm just trying to get a good grip on those basics.

Also, "Ben's Guide for Newbies" on this forum has been much help. Again, thank you all!

Mike

[Fastfwd13]

Pick up a copy of Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson.

I have read this, a few others and many websites and I have to say that even if the info is all accurate it's just not the best for digital photography beginners.

I really liked this as a total beginner book
http://www.amazon.ca/Digital-Photography-Book-Scott-Kelby/dp/032147404X/ref=pd_ys_iyr4
Does not go in deep but it gives you something to start with

And this to fully understand my camera's specifics
http://www.amazon.ca/David-Buschs-Canon-Guide-Digital/dp/1598639048/ref=pd_ys_iyr6

(http://www.amazon.ca/David-Buschs-Canon-Guide-Digital/dp/1598639048/ref=pd_ys_iyr6)Understanding exposure is a nice to have but the advice there given about all the basics is the same as what you will find on most websites with beginner tutorials.

I personnally recommend getting familiar with focusing and depth of field as those are the 2 major obstacles I had to learn about when switching from my old point&shoot. I was already knowledgeable about ISO,shutter and aperture.

[BillyR]

Personally, I'm happy to see a Canon-oriented board, although I have no problem with owners of other makes joining in. Since I use a Canon, it's nice to have a place where I can find brand-specific info.

BTW, are we having an "age at which I bought my first DSLR" contest here? I bought my first DSLR (A Canon 20D) at age 72!

[essvee]

I'm a big fan of Scott Kelby's work. I'll have to take a look at that recommendation. Thanks!

While I think websites have TONS of great info, the problem is being able to walk around with a PC or laptop in your hand and trying things. Books still have an advantage in their portability. Unless the OP has an ebook reader!

Also, having the info organized in a logical progression, as in chapters, helps a user build upon previous knowledge.

My point was to get a decent book about fundamentals and UNDERSTAND the basics. Then when someone says "play with depth of field" the newbie will know just exactly how.

Side note: I was recently blown away by a newer user that had recently completed a high school Photo I class that didn't have that fundamental ISO/Aperture/shutter understanding. And this was a pretty bright kid!

Learn those basics!!!

I have read this, a few others and many websites and I have to say that even if the info is all accurate it's just not the best for digital photography beginners.

I really liked this as a total beginner book
http://www.amazon.ca/Digital-Photography-Book-Scott-Kelby/dp/032147404X/ref=pd_ys_iyr4
Does not go in deep but it gives you something to start with

And this to fully understand my camera's specifics
http://www.amazon.ca/David-Buschs-Canon-Guide-Digital/dp/1598639048/ref=pd_ys_iyr6

(http://www.amazon.ca/David-Buschs-Canon-Guide-Digital/dp/1598639048/ref=pd_ys_iyr6)Understanding exposure is a nice to have but the advice there given about all the basics is the same as what you will find on most websites with beginner tutorials.

I personnally recommend getting familiar with focusing and depth of field as those are the 2 major obstacles I had to learn about when switching from my old point&shoot. I was already knowledgeable about ISO,shutter and aperture.