Some beginner questions

[Goodintentions88]

Hello everyone, i just recieved my first dslr for christmas and just have a couple of questions i'd like to ask. Its a sony alpha 390 which came with the standard lens.

1) What are the best websites for learning digital photography (Free or subsciption based) and are there any places online where i could learn how to use this camera specifically? Also are there any good DVDs that i could buy?

2) Ive done a bit of browsing on ebay at other lenses and have noticed that there is such a big range in prices, some can be £15 and some come close to £1000, so what should i look for when looking?

3) Could someone briefly explain what filters do for me?

Also any other general tips would be much appreciated! Thanks

 

[smlblk396]

The book Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson.

 

[smlblk396]

The third edition has a web sight you can use for free from him.

 

[KmH]

1) What are the best websites for learning digital photography (Free or subsciption based) and are there any places online where i could learn how to use this camera specifically? Also are there any good DVDs that i could buy?

Cambridge in Colour - Photography Tutorials & Learning Community www.kharrodphotography.blogspot.com

2) Ive done a bit of browsing on ebay at other lenses and have noticed that there is such a big range in prices, some can be £15 and some come close to £1000, so what should i look for when looking?

Lens that have performance characteristics you need. Variable aperture zoom lenses cost less than constant aperture zoom lenses, but usually also have smaller maximum apertures. In general (there are a handful of exceptions), the larger the maximum aperture a lens can open to, the more it costs. The larger the maximum aperture, the less light needed to properly expose a scene.

3) Could someone briefly explain what filters do for me?

Essential filters are the Circular Polarizing (CPL) filter, that is adjustable and can help control specular highlights, reflections, and saturate blues and greens. Neutral density (ND) filters to reduce bright light sources, and graduated ND filters so you can reduce the brightness of only part of a scene (very useful for landscape shots).

Also any other general tips would be much appreciated! Thanks

Be sure and read your camera users manual, multiple times. It explains the features and functions of your camera. When you see information in it you don't understand, do some online research until you do understand.
Be sure and remove the lens cap.
UV filters for 'protection' are a waste of money, but are a VERY HIGH profit item for filter makers so they promote them.

 

[enzodm]

Also any other general tips would be much appreciated! Thanks

Before buying any other piece of equipment, try to exploit what you have and understand limits and possibilities. An exception to this can be a tripod.