BRAND new to SLR photography

CraniumDesigns · Dec 1, 2008

Hey Folks,

I just ordered a Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP and Canon 75-300mm TP lens off Amazon today. ($523.86 total)

Now what? I've only used point n shoots up til now. How do I learn? Should I take a class at my local junior college?

Jaszek · Dec 1, 2008

Read around this forum. I learned a lot in the past month.

CraniumDesigns · Dec 1, 2008

did i get some decent starter gear?

Craddie · Dec 1, 2008

For sure. The gear is great - now you'll have 3-5 years of fun catching up to it's capability!

CraniumDesigns · Dec 1, 2008

Craddie said:
For sure. The gear is great - now you'll have 3-5 years of fun catching up to it's capability!

nice. that's enough time to save up for better equipment

ALSO, what is the technical term for a fisheye lens? that would be fun to get one and play with. any recommendations? also, what books should i have in my photography library?

cbryan · Dec 1, 2008

You got a terrific deal. I paid 700 a month ago for the same package. Excuse me while I go throw up! ha! Enjoy the new purchase!!!

Craddie · Dec 1, 2008

The technical term is a 'Fisheye Lens' as far as I know...that's what's most commonly used anyway.

For beginners I would always recommend starting with your owner's manual (kind of a joke, but not funny how few people read it), I'd also reco Scott Kelby's "Digital Photography Book #1 & #2). They're easy reads and great introduction to photography with DSLRs. He includes technical stuff, composition, lighting & neat tips (like how to position your tripod on an incline/decline so your new DSLR doesn't tumble down a hill).

CraniumDesigns · Dec 1, 2008

cbryan said:
You got a terrific deal. I paid 700 a month ago for the same package. Excuse me while I go throw up! ha! Enjoy the new purchase!!!

yeah, amazon was having this deal where u get $100 off ur purchase if u bought the camera and lens together, so i was like "$63 for a lens??? hell yes!" so i got it too.

Dao · Dec 1, 2008

It is not for your camera, but in general, it is close enough.

Hope it help

http://images.photoworkshop.com/rebelxtlessons/interface.html

TWoods450 · Dec 1, 2008

The instruction manual is full of great info on how to use all the functions the camera is capable of, If you are looking into more stuff to go with it, i'd for sure recommend as everyone else probably will the 50mm f/1.8 II lens, at 80 bucks its a great lens, I've had mine for less than a week and can't put it down.

CraniumDesigns · Dec 1, 2008

TWoods450 said:
If you are looking into more stuff to go with it, i'd for sure recommend as everyone else probably will the 50mm f/1.8 II lens, at 80 bucks its a great lens, I've had mine for less than a week and can't put it down.

what is the point of this lens? sounds like it's just really fast. what is that ideal for? night shots? action shots?

CraniumDesigns · Dec 1, 2008

Dao said:
It is not for your camera, but in general, it is close enough.

Hope it help

http://images.photoworkshop.com/rebelxtlessons/interface.html

THANKS! im sure it will help me understand things a lot.

Harmony · Dec 2, 2008

You can actually get your manual right off the internet: I recommend reading it from cover to cover. That way, when the camera arrives, you can get your hands on it right away (and know what you're doing) instead of glancing at it furtively while trying to figure out where the "on" switch is.

AlfromLA · Dec 2, 2008

First thing I did was read the manual, it's a camera yes, but reading this definitely helped & I still go back to it. Second, I ordered pocket guide to photography. Then went to a couple of sites, signed up for some forums to pick others minds. In the meantime I take my camera everywhere I go to learn new techniques in shooting.

Good start with the camera, now prepare your wallet for some major damage because I blew through over $2800 bucks in a week and still want more stuff.

mrodgers · Dec 2, 2008

Harmony said:
You can actually get your manual right off the internet: I recommend reading it from cover to cover. That way, when the camera arrives, you can get your hands on it right away (and know what you're doing) instead of glancing at it furtively while trying to figure out where the "on" switch is.

Excellent idea there. You would be so much ahead of the game by doing that if a camera is coming in shipment.

The 2 websites that helped me a ton when I first got my camera follows. They will get you started on understanding what all that shutter, aperture, and ISO stuff is. I really liked these links when I started using more than an automatic camera a year ago.

Digicam Help
ShortCourses