I just signed on to this list a few days ago, so you can't get any newer then that. I've recently returned to photography as a serious hobby. So much has changed in my 35 years absence, but the basics are still exactly the same.
As for this thread it just keeps on going in circles.
AMOMENT, You've seem to confuse blurry with out of focus. They are two entirely different things. With your camera you shouldn't ever be out of focus using one of the auto focus modes. Shooting at to slow of a shutter speed will allow for camera shake, hence, blurriness. Increase shutter speed, ISO setting, use a flash, even a tripod, and or any combination. 90% of my pictures are taken on a tripod. I wouldn't ever leave home without it.
Because I'm not concerned with fast action, as a general rule I use either manual or Aperture preferred mode. Metering is usually spot unless the subject matter isn't a macro shot, and the vast majority of the central subject fills the picture frame, then I use matrix. As for exposure, I use the same old guide lines that the meter is trying to make the central focused image neutral grey. You don't want that. So if it's lighter I open up a 1/3-1/2 stop, if it's darker I close down a 1/3-1/2 stop. I don't even think about it anymore. Look at the Histogram as a reference. If you're off the scale one way or the other, just adjust a 1/3-1/2 stop either way. Still not sure, then adjust and bracket by 1 stop. 99% chance you got a correctly exposed image. Their is also exposure compensation, but for beginners I wouldn't go that route. It has is uses, but not for general exposure control.
Since you're just starting out in photography use the K.I.S.S. principle. You don't need to learn everything all at once. Take it in small, simple steps. Forget all those gimmick settings, and concentrate on the basics; subject matter, composition, lighting, depth of field, and exposure. Buy and use a tripod. Once you get the basics down and feel comfortable with them, then you can expand your knowledge of the flexibility of your camera. Spend a little time as look at the masters. Those of the guidelines they used, and those are the same ones we all should be using. They didn't take consistently great photographs using gimmicks.
I've yet to bother with any of those gimmick settings, and never, ever, use P/auto. You didn't move up to a DSLR to use it as a P&S camera.
I have about a dozen or so pictures in my gallery. Please stop by and take a look. View them using the 5 principles I laid out. Please pm or email me with your thoughts on them.
Lastly, photography should be a creative outlet to capture images that mean something to you. It's a relaxing time out from the pressures of life. A way to store memories. Nothing more, nothing less.
Joel
