New XSi Owner needs help!

Ok, before the XSi I've only had P&S cameras (a Sony DSC-V1) and I though I was ready for a DSLR but so far it just seems overwhelming. Indoor shots look great and are noticable better than the Sony even in full-auto mode but once I try doing things for myself it all just falls apart. I found this site and it's a wealth of information but I'm on "information overload" and I just don't know where/how to get started with the XSi. Just looking for suggestions and encouragement.

coming from a p&s myself, I highly recommend studying how to make a proper exposure. This means understanding how ISO, shutter speed, and aperture all take a part in making a photo.

Ben's Newbie Guide

This is a good starting point for learning about these variables. There are a lot of other websites, etc that give a good introduction to photography as well. For a book, I recommend reading "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson.

look for a good field guide style book - block off several hours, take your book and your camera and go SHOOT - read, shoot, shoot, read, shoot, read... well you get the point

welcome to POTN

Another good idea would be to take a class at your local University continuing education department. They are relatively inexpensive. Most nowadays have classes specifically geared to dSLR. Some people are better with hands on education others are better with books. Which ever you are make your decision based upon that.

Welcome to the wacky world of DSLRs!

I understand the "overload" feeling, but it doesn't have to be totally overwhelming.

There is a wealth of information in this forum. I'd start with reading the "sticky notes" on the top of the various sections here. There is information on everything from achieving good exposures to successful post-processing.

I'd also start a library that encompasses both general photography and specific fields that you might be interested in, and seriously read and practice. If you have a good bookstore nearby, or a camera store that has a good book section, make a habit of stopping there regularly. One good "beginner" book is Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson, which helps put together your various settings for best results.

Canon has some good tutorials on their site. You can find them here. There are also many other online photography resources that, as you go, may be useful.

You will find that using your camera will lead to failures, which are learning experiences! Each of your shots will help you to learn about what you've done wrong or what you've done right. DSLRs give you real control of your photography, but you need to pay attention to what is going on. Of course, you can stay in fully automatic mode and have an expensive Point and Shoot, but it sounds like you are trying to be more creative, which calls for patience, understanding, and practice.

Also, read your camera manual carefully and completely!

And, good luck and have fun!

The best way to learn is to just take LOTS of pictures! Start out in Full Auto, get used to the viewfinder and zooming with the lens. Then once you're used to that, start playing around with the other modes. Once you've read a few books on exposure, and have gotten used to both AV and TV modes, then try your hand at manual mode.

Canon offers classes in various cities. These are taught by official Canon reps and are absolutely fantastic. Go to the official Canon site and you'll see a link to scheduled classes. Most major cities offer them.

And dull as this might seem, read the instruction manual thoroughly and take tons of pictures. It doesn't matter what you photograph, just practice the various settings and what they do. I practice using my pets for action photography and stuffed animals or objects such as mugs, etc for seeing what the various settings do. The stuffed animals and mugs stay still all day and I can practice at my own pace.

Good luck. I love my Xsi and enjoy helping others use this fine camera.