New camera help?

[Blue1]

Hi!
I recently got a camera for my 18th birthday, an olympus E-M5. I'm so happy about it, but clueless about how to use it! The menu is confusing, I don't know what anything means, I don't recognize anything, there are so many settings and I've never used any kind of dslr camera before.
I have no idea where to start, how to change the settings, what kind of lenses exist...

I did play around with my parent's camera 3 or 4 years ago or so, but haven't done much since. I used just mess with different automatic settings and focusing on stuff before moving the camera, but I'd like to be better

There are two lenses- one is marked 14-42mm (0.25m/0.8ft-&#8734, and the other 40-150mm (0.90m/2.96ft-&#8734
What does this mean? I used to try (unsuccessfully) to take really close marcro photos, or really wide landscape photos, and just never managed. Does the lens have anything to do with this, how, and do the ones I have allow me to take those kinds of photos?

Should I try to find classes? Or is there any way I can learn? I've read about tips, like changing the ISO, shutter speed, apparature, but I don't even know where they are...
Thanks!

 

[Solarflare]

Well:

1. Read the manual
2. Make notes of the most important things and take these notes with you
3. Get out and shoot
4. Read the manual again
5. Maybe add to your notes if you missed anything important
6. Get out and shoot
7. ... etc ...

Thats the only way to learn, really.

Or at least I know no better way.

 

[Blue1]

I don't have a manual?
Sorry, I'm just really confused. I've been googling it, and I've read reviews about how it's for professionals or enthusiasts. I'm just not that good! When I asked for a camera, I thought I'd get my parent's canon G9. I was really lucky, and I want to improve- what's the point of having a good camera if you stick to auto mode? But it's taken me such a long time to even figure out how to zoom or change the lens, I still don't even know how to see the picture I'm trying to take on the screen. I feel like I'm just randomly pressing buttons and not getting anywhere :s

 

[amolitor]

http://www.olympusamerica.com/files/oima_cckb/E-M5_Instruction_Manual_EN.pdf

 

[minicoop1985]

Welcome! Let me say welcome from another Olympus (both digital and film) user! From my very limited experience with an OM-D E-M5 (Can they make these names shorter yet?), it's a GREAT camera for the budding amateur/beginner as well as a more seasoned photographer. Those two lenses should serve you very, very well until you get pretty far into this photography thing. I have their full 4/3 equivalents, and am quite happy with them. There's a huge learning curve, admittedly, but if you really want to learn it, it is possible. And thanks to the nature of the hobby, it's easy to track your progress as you learn and mature as a photographer. Here's a link that will prove to be VERY helpful:

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...299286-new-feature-photography-tutorials.html

Not too long ago, I needed that thread, and it's helped me immensely. Good luck, and happy shooting!

 

[brunerww]

Hi Blue, and welcome to the world of digital photography (and videography).

If the manual is too hard to read, you may want to download a Busch OM-D E-M5 guide to your Kindle for $21. He'll walk you through the basics in readable English.

That said, books and manuals are great, but there's nothing like a video for really understanding what books are trying to say.

If you pick up your camera and take half an hour to follow along with this free OM-D E-M5 tutorial from Ralf's Photo Bude (in English), you'll be well on your way. Good luck!

Bill

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