Hello and Thank You

All,

I looked for an introductory section to the forum and didn't find one, so if this is inappropriate, just let me know and I'll know for next time.

I have been "lurking" here for several weeks now, reading and learning as much as I can, as I had decided that I wanted to be more serious about photography and try my hand at it as a serious hobby. I had been using a PowerShot G3 (very nice camera) and had felt that I had finally "wrung it out" as much as I could. So, after reading many people's opinions, watching (with amusement sometimes) some of the "lively discussions" that erupted, trying out in the camera stores and borrowing from friends, I finally took the plunge.

So today, my Digital Rebel XT arrived, as did my Tamron 28-75 Di XR (pick your acronym) lens and filter. I charged up the battery, got nice and comfortable as I could, and charged outside for some test shots. They look good, most of them, but not up to the standards of the shooters on this and other fora. I have much work to do, and much more to learn.

So I guess I wanted to say thank you to all of you, for it was here that I spent most of my online time and it was the opinions of those here that made look more closely at Canon's DSLR's. Hopefully my technique (and shot quality) will improve with time. Thanks again!

B.W.

Welcome to the forum. Hope you enjoy the camera. You can try to get the most from your shots by adjusting and cropping is Photoshop or any other editor. May help bring some life into the pictures. Have fun.

Welcome, and as we all have come to realise, do realise there is a cost to belonging to this forum.... as you start to bleed $$$ to fuel your hobby! Much of this goes to B&H.... But what fun! Weeee!
Great choice of lens. I am delighted with mine. Take a look at what they say about other worthwhile additions to the lens 'stable'.

Photography is lifelong learning. Enjoy the ride.
Scott

BW.

Welcome to the forum. Don't be shy, post away. There are many levels of expertise here and we all aspire to become better.

People will give you advice, comments and help on how you can do better, all in a very friendly way. No one can help without seeing your pictures though!

Welcome.....Good folks here...

Welcome aboard. This is without a doubt one of the most friendly and informative forum boards you will find.

Enjoy the new camera. With experience using your new toy your shots will only get better.

Welcome!!!

Welcome to the forum. I'm also fairly new having joined the forum a couple of months ago. It's truly amazing how much you can learn here - especially new and exciting ways to part with your hard earned money! Just kidding - lots of information here and the folks are very helpful.

Lurkers have to have fun, too.

---Bob Gross---

Glad to have you here! From another post:
According to the March/April PCPhoto,you need to condition Li-ion & NiMH batteries with THREE full charge to discharge cycles before the first partial discharge/charge use.
Also keep in mind that, at best, these batteries only have a few years of life before they die, so why pay the premium? I don't know, but I suspect that Canon only makes the nameplate (if that) for their batteries. They make the sensors & the lenses, & that's good enough for me.

Hello and welcome. This is THE place to be!

All,

Thanks for the warm welcome! I appreciate it, as I have all the information you've already given me (didn't even know it, did you!)

Cre@te - You're right, PS would probably help with post-processing, I've used it in the past, but the sticker shock of that has given me pause. Like all you others said, this is a fun way to spend time AND money. Emphasis on the money. I can't spend too much or Mrs. Worm will be .

PhotosGuy - I had always been under the impression that NiMH batteries had overcome that limitation. I had it on my NiCad's when I used to fly model airplanes. I'll bear it in mind. You're right, I see no point in paying a higher price than I have to. Someone here ran a post about SterlingTek's batteries with half again the power at a third the cost. I've used aftermarket batteries before in my G3 with no problems at all, so I see no problem in using these. If anyone knows different, please speak up!

Thanks again. Hopefully soon I'll have some shots to post for critique. I'll look for the size and res requirements and post them as soon as I have some. I look forward to the help!

B.W.