Noob Saying Hello...

hi all.. Ive just taken the plunge into DSLRs today.. ( havn't touched an SLR for about 15 years and that was 35mm jobby..

So I've pretty much forgotten everything i've learned years ago but i'm sure i'll pick it up again..

I went for a 7D with the EFS 18 - 135 as this seem a relatively good starting point..

So f anyone has any general tips to send my way feel free!!

Hoping to take it out for a proper spin tomorrow ( my birthday! )



This was my one and only pic I have taken so far with it.. I know it's not that great.. but... I thought i'd share it! go easy on me!! lol

Welcome!!
A few things I learned doing the same transition a few years ago. 1) learn what your histogram is and what it does. 2) dont rely on your LCD screen to tell you if you got decent exposure. 3) Play with all the photo manipulations tools in photoshop/lightroom early on and then stop, they arent half as cool as you think they are

Nice kit to start with. Welcome to the forum. Bets tip I can offer is to take a look at the stickies at the top of all the forums. Lots of usefull info there to get you going but here are a few to get you started.
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=414088
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=52418
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=458053

Thanks for your replies!!

Those links to the tips are a great help! thank you.. i'll enjoy getting myself familiar with it all ( although I do remember some basic knowledge of Aperture and shutter speeds and ISO, its just learning to put three elements together without it looking like a complete mess!!

that's a nice setup, i've still got my 7d.

Welcome to POTN

gonzogolf wrote in post #15253210
A few things I learned doing the same transition a few years ago. 1) learn what your histogram is and what it does.

ok,, I have no idea what that is...

Rushmore wrote in post #15253707
ok,, I have no idea what that is...

Welcome to digital SLRs. Anyway. take a peak at these.
http://www.luminous-landscape.com …standing-histograms.shtml
http://digital-photography-school.com …o-read-and-use-histograms

Rushmore wrote in post #15253707
ok,, I have no idea what that is...

that's OK, some of us still look at the LCD screen

watt100 wrote in post #15253825
that's OK, some of us still look at the LCD screen

And make monkey noises whist admiring our work and looking for someone to share it with.

Rushmore wrote in post #15253707
ok,, I have no idea what that is...

Its a graphic depiction of the exposure elements within your camera. Take a shot and review it, then keep hitting the info button until you see a box with a bunch of jagged lines in it beside the image. Once you learn what that represents, and how to use it you can keep your exposures within a good working range. Its not perfect, but its a place to start. The problem with relying solely on the image on the back of the camera is that its brightness is viewing circumstance dependent.

aah ok.. i get ya..

I think I now understand about histograms..

It's basically used to make sure you don't "blow out" the light and dark aspects of the picture to help you decide what the best exposure is?? ( correct me if I'm wrong but I THINK thats how I understand it )

Rushmore wrote in post #15254418
aah ok.. i get ya..

I think I now understand about histograms..

It's basically used to make sure you don't "blow out" the light and dark aspects of the picture to help you decide what the best exposure is?? ( correct me if I'm wrong but I THINK thats how I understand it )

Yes, thats the idea. Especially critical is blowing out the highlights as once you do there is no detail in the whites. Its a bit easier to handle clipping in the shadows than recovering detail in the blown out whites. But do a search and read about what a histogram is telling you and you'll be more in tune with the digital process.

Rushmore wrote in post #15254418
It's basically used to make sure you don't "blow out" the light and dark aspects of the picture to help you decide what the best exposure is?? ( correct me if I'm wrong but I THINK thats how I understand it )

Look at this: Post #47
Then try this "film" shortcut: Need an exposure crutch?

And welcome to POTN! What do you like to shoot?

Thank you for all your replies everyone... This seems like a great place to learn new things... I got a bit of birthday money yesterday so treated myself to a 50mm F1.8 prime Lens...

As for what I like to shoot, I'm not sure just yet! I enjoy shooting everything and anything to try and learn and get better.. However I'm quite enjoying portraits at the moment... I'll post up a couple of pictures later when I get the chance

Don't buy an "L" lens. The "L" disease needs to be treated periodically (there is no cure) by getting another "L" lens. This disease can get very expensive to treat.