Eva Wilson's post here: Just got a new digital camera! got me thinking.
Many people, when they buy a new camera, feel like they should should read through the camera manual from cover to cover. It always seems like it would be a great idea, but mostly I think it just makes your eyes tired and your head hurt.
So, let me propose some ideas for Getting Acquainted With A New Camera.
1. First of all, as soon as the battery is charged up, set the camera on FULL AUTO and go take a bunch of photos. The photos can be of anything, your own home or office, your pets, whatever. The idea is just to get the feel of the camera, its size and weight, the feel of the shutter button.
2. Second, think of one simple function to try. I usually go with Exposure Compensation. (Which is the way you telll the camera to "make it a little lighter" or "make it a little darker".) Go to the manual, and read how to set Exposure Compensation. On the Sony Alpha, (and on most DSLRs) while in Program mode, you press the +/- button while turning the main front dial.
As you turn the main dial, the Exposure Compensation pointer will move up or down on your LCD screen.
Shoot some photos at various Exposure Compensation settings.
3. Pick something else to figure out. Maybe this time go for changing the ISO speed. Look up in the manual how to do, make the settings on the camera, shoot some photos.
4. Pick another thing to figure out. Maybe using one of the preset modes. Read that page in the manual, take the camera out and try it. Etc., etc., etc. (Don't try to experiment with everything in one day.)
5. Read all the great stuff here in Photography Group: Photography 101 ~ List of All Tutorials
Cheryl,
Good advise for getting used to a new camera. You need to get used to cause and effect. Making too many adjustments all at one will just confuse you and you will never remember them.
Going out and shooting a lot of pictures adjusting only one variable such as exposure compensation will let you learn cause and effect. There is nothing like seeing the visual effects of the adjustments you make.
Definately good advice that will get many going quicker.
I just picked up a new Nikon D-80 myself and I have to admit that getting really comfortable with it took some time. But the results speak for themselves.
Words of wisdom for sure. I hate reading the manual. For some reason when I discover how to do something on my own, it seems to "take" better than reading it.
kk
Thanks for a great post. My Canon Power Shoy A 510 is getting funny, so I need to be thinking of a new camera.
I wonder if any of them come with live training???
Hi!
I did just what you suggested as soon as I got it. My first pictures I took of my son in and out of the car, the top of a pen (to see the zoom), a lit chandelier at my house (too see what it did with different lights), my computer keyboard, and a bunch of other stuff. I took pictures of the same stuff over and over again with different settings to see what the differences were too.
Great ideas!
I am a hands on learner, so your approach works for me. I am reading this after the fact, but it helps to know that my approach is a valid one!
:)
Eva