I think I've caught the bug!!! Help I need guidance.....

G'day all,

Just joined the forum & think its great.

So about 2 weeks ago I finally purchased a digital camera, initially all I wanted was something small that I could put in my pocket without fuss & get some good picks & vid with, so I purchased a Canon IXUS 40 aka. SD300. I'm very happy with it thus far however on reading the manual & trying to learn all the features & the abilities of the camera I have been bitten by the bug & want to learn how to become a better photographer (I have no previous experiance apart from just clicking the shutter), I want to learn techniques & tips that will creat some truely great Pics, Pics that ppl look at & can truely admire (Just like everyone Im sure in this forum).

So my question is where do I start? Im surfin the net gettin what info I can & will probably check out available books.
What quality of shots & effects can I expect to create from tha camera I have??, I understand that I will be limited to some degree as this isnot an SLR but my understanding is I should still be able to create some striking images.
INFO INFO INFO.....GUIDANCE please hahah.

You'll be limited in your creative shots, but a guy on a course I did had one of those and got suprisingly impressive results from it. The prints won't be as good when they're large, and night shots will be noisier, but it fine for prints A4 or less, I think.

Learn how to use all the manual modes, then practice, experiment, and read up around here. Post an occasional shot in the critique forum for feedback (but ask people to be nice as you're a beginner).

Good luck, and have fun!

There is a thread on the same camera here: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=53641

Take a look at these free resources:
The Canon Art of Photography Archive
http://www.camera.cano​n.com.my/archive/photo​graphy.htm

ShortCourses.com - guide to digital cameras, digital photography, and digital video
Famous for its books on digital cameras and digital photography.
THE digital photography resource for over 4,000,000 visitors a year
http://www.shortcourse​s.com/

Beginners Guide to Photography:
http://www.photonhead.​com/beginners

Virtual Interactive Camera:
http://www.camerasinte​ractive.com/index.php

just got this book and its EXCELLENT for beginners, Called AMPHOTO's Completye book of Photography by Jenni Bidner and photo by Russ Burden. Covers everything and has tons of before and after photo for those visual learners. ISBN 0-8174-3486-0 192 pages

I've been using the ixus 400 for 2 years now and found it to be an excellent camera... here's a thread with a pic i took featuring motorsport [only croppsed slightly, and resized for the forum]... the compacts are top cameras make no mistake... just get out there and have fun.

http://www.photography​-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=51986