Learning curve

[Hollywoodgt]

Hey all, just picked up a new Cannon T2i and I'm getting back into shooting again. It's been a very very long time. Last camera was a EOS 33mm and that was 22 yrs ago. Looking for suggetsions in learning how to use this new camera. I'm not a big technical geek when it comes to reading, more a video or hands on guy. Any suggestions on teaching material or whatever. Thank you in advance!

 

[lyonsroar]

I know you said your not a reading guy, but read your manual. It helps. Honest.

 

[tirediron]

There's nothing better than reading and re-reading your manual, but you will probably find lots of videos, "T2i tutorial" or similar on Youtube.

 

[KmH]

I'm not a big technical geek when it comes to reading, more a video or hands on guy. Any suggestions on teaching material or whatever. Thank you in advance!

It will take you a lot longer to learn the basics of photography by doing hands on and video, unless you're able to structure your learning in a logical progression rather than taking a more shotgun or random approach.

Photography is a lot more technical that many people realize.

 

[Hollywoodgt]

I'm not a big technical geek when it comes to reading, more a video or hands on guy. Any suggestions on teaching material or whatever. Thank you in advance!

It will take you a lot longer to learn the basics of photography by doing hands on and video, unless you're able to structure your learning in a logical progression rather than taking a more shotgun or random approach.

Photography is a lot more technical that many people realize.

I would truly agree with this statement. Knowing lighting,shutter speeds and all the rest of the stuff, then putting it all together. I hope I can stick with it. I travel a lot and do a lot of stuff with Harley's, custom cars and then out doors stuff too.

 

[Hollywoodgt]

Thought I'd throw this question out. Well as I stated I picked up the T2i and the bundle,from what I read the 55-250mm is pretty worthless after 100'. The more I read I wonder if I should upgrade to the D60 or 7 model? It appeared to me that the T2 would be a decent camera to build off of? Would this body be worth adding a few good lens on? I have a feeling, I might really enjoy getting back into photography. so I don't want to make a mistake. Also I don;t need to have the best if the T2 will do the job, I'd like to by a "L" telephoto lens with a faster shutter speed. Keeping the T2 would save me another $500-1000.00 for a better body.

I read a comment that a another guy wrote, that said, putting K-Mart tires on a Porsche is like adding a great lens to a cheap body?

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Keep your T2i for now. Buy some great glass, it will last longer than your camera body, and make a very noticeable difference in image quality.

 

[Hollywoodgt]

Thank you sir, Most of the reviews I read seem to place it as a very capable camera. Actually probably way more advanced than me, so getting new glass would be more of a help to me. Once I get a custom to the camera and my shooting capabilities reflex that, then I believe a good telephoto and maybe a 55mm 1.8 would be a great investment. Thanks again

 

[WesternGuy]

You might want to have a look at this...Amazon.com: Canon EOS Rebel T2i/550D Digital Field Guide (9780470648636): Charlotte K. Lowrie: Books These books are often a little more detailed than the manual and are often easier to understand, but this should not stop you from reading the manual as well. HTH.

Cheers,

WesternGuy

 

[Hollywoodgt]

Geez my head is spinning already and I haven't even put the new camera together yet. Bought the book T2i/550 "For Dummies" read a little bit of that last night, things are coming back to me. Then was cruizen all the forums, well this one and Glamourgarage and reading some photography magazines. A lot of cool stuff, just don't wanna burn myself out. Gloomy day at home, so I think I'm going to experiment with some AF setting etc on the same object and see the effects. Great to be able to see instant results.

 

[inaka]

If you're not a reading guy, go out an shoot. Shoot a LOT.

Shoot the same subject at different settings and then come back home and import the photos.
Try Aperture priority mode. Try Shutter priority. Try Manual. Play around with it. Notice the differences between shots and check the metadata as to why certain settings do certain things. This will possibly help you grasp a bit of knowledge by doing it.

Then when you read or watch youtube videos with explanations on the settings, it won't seem so foreign to you.