Brand new here...Just bought a T3i...now what?

First off, hello all...

I've been using Kodak EasyShares for the last 8 years or so. I was in the market for an HD video camera and was thinking about getting a 'real' camera as well. From what I've read, the T3i is the best of both worlds (in my budget). I picked one up yesterday, with the 18-55 lens, a 16GB Class 10 UHS 'extreme' memory card, and I ordered a gadget bag and "T3i for Dummies" (which is what I am).

My question is, what are the first accessories I will/should need for this camera? I've been looking at some zooms and flashes, but I wanted to ask around a bit first. That's how I found this forum. I mainly take pictures of my 3 son's around the house, playing baseball, fishing, etc... I have absolutely ZERO knowledge about the settings, shutter speed, etc..., but I plan on this being a serious hobby that I truly want to learn. I know it takes a lot of time and patience, which is fine by me. I really want to learn the in's & out's rather than just setting it on automatic and shooting.

Any "Day 2" suggestions for a new camera guy?

Thanks,

~Steve

"Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson is your next most important purchase as far as advancing your abilities in photography. The book explains very well all about shutter speed, f-stop, etc. and how it all correlates. The very best bang for your buck at this point.

Oh... and welcome to POTN and the hobby!

Take it out of the box.

AGREED. great book. read the manual and forget other lens. stick wit the kit lens although a 50mm 1.8 nifty fifty for 100.00 is great around the house.

Congratulations! I bought my T3i a little over 7 months ago and just upgraded to the 5D Mark II today, so my advice would be to avoid spending lots of money in EF-S lenses unless you are 100% sure you will not be upgrading anytime soon!

With that said, my next suggestion would be to simply get to know your settings. Learn how to manipulate the settings to get the desired look you are wanting. After you know how to properly adjust the settings you will find limitations in the images you can create, it's when you reach this point you know it is time to buy more gear. Until then happy shooting!

Take lots of pictures and read. If you have an iPad there is an app called Bokeh which actually provides a nice brief description of how aperture affect photos and how focus works.

A new neck strap!

Chet wrote in post #13845502
Take it out of the box.

Sweet, I must be a fast learner because I did that about 20 seconds after I got home!

Welcome aboard.

Day 2?
Read the manual.
Figure out what the different modes mean (although you'll eventually settle on Av, Tv, or M depending on circumstances), and how to adjust shutter speed, aperture and ISO.

Then experiment for a while.
Remember NOT to turn the focus ring of your 18-55 lens unless the switch on the lens is set to "MF" first.

Later, maybe look at an EF-S 55-250 IS lens or if you can afford it, one of the 70-200 lenses.
Adding a flash like the 430EX and learning how to use it is another way to expand your options greatly.

Many will recommend getting a 50/1.8, mostly because it is inexpensive and sharp. I'd say hold off until you figure out if primes, and 50 mm in particular, are for you. You'll know if you find you are, or are not using your 18-55 at the long end a lot, and struggling in low light situations.

Ace and Deuce wrote in post #13845524
Sweet, I must be a fast learner because I did that about 20 seconds after I got home!

Cool! Take a breathe now and focus on charging the battery. We'll break into installing the lens putting the card in and turning it on in the next couple weeks. She's a beaut, gotta name her. Lets go with Frida.

Wow, you guys are quick here. I'll have to check out 'Bokeh' and the Bryan Peterson book. This is a bit overwhelming at first, but I can't wait to learn.

This is fun way to learn and see without leaving your seat. Can instantly apply to your camera.

http://camerasim.com/c​amera-simulator/

Ace and Deuce wrote in post #13845554
Wow, you guys are quick here. I'll have to check out 'Bokeh' and the Bryan Peterson book. This is a bit overwhelming at first, but I can't wait to learn.

It can be overwhelming! I have definitely been there! Do you have a local photography group? I'm a member of our local "Meetup" group and have learned a lot from them!

The Basics:

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=414088

The one thing I wish I got sooner was a good hotshoe flash. I can shoot at tight apertures (sharper images) with fast shutter speed (less blurry), and it's at super low ISOs (less "noise" in the photos). A huge improvement over wide open apertures with high ISOs and slow shutter speeds.

The kit lens will serve you well to get started. Get comfortable with that and then look into more lenses.

And remember, pop-up flash = looks like trash.