which lens ??

[squishy]

I find a good mode to use generally is aperture priority. (you input the aperture and the camera balances the exposure with the shutter speed)

[John D]

wwww

[Lancashire Lad]

Originally Posted by ashgale

....so far just had a play around with it on full auto and even at that setting its quite a steep learning curve,
still, give it a couple of years and lots of practice, and i may get the hang of it

Put the camera into aperture priority mode, set it to f11 or f16, get it on a sturdy tripod, trip the shutter with the inbuilt 2 second self timer, (preferably using manual focus as well), and you will get some great shots.

Learning the intricacies of DSLR photography can seem a little daunting, but if you use the above as a guide from which to start experimenting, you won't go far wrong.

I'd thoroughly recommend getting hold of a copy of "Digital Photography for Dummies". That book is an absolute gem, as far as guiding the beginner through all aspects of digital photography. It uses layman's terms throughout, and I've yet to meet anyone who says that reading the book hasn't helped them a lot.

Whatever your plan, shoot, shoot, and shoot again. The more shots you take, the quicker your technique will improve.

Regards,
Mike.

[freiston]

Originally Posted by FungiJohn

IMO the price difference between the 105 and the 150/180 would be better put towards a good solid tripod and head.

Hope this helps

John

You might want to spend a few quid on a light reflector too - cheaper than a flash

[ashgale]

thanks again for all your tips, i will be trying them out soon , somethings are already becoming clearer, so it should become easier ( i hope),
i need to get a better understanding of aperture/exposure etc use, so will try and find the book as recommended by Mike,
as the fuji gave some decent results (especially considering the price), i keep thinking, have i done the right thing ?, but looking at the pics in the fungi Gallery, and seeing what can be achieved, I think i have,
its not just a case of having the right equipment, but being able to get the best from it,
as Mike says, practice will help,

thanks,

[squishy]

I don't think there is a 'right' way to improve your photos (though there are probably a few wrong ones )

getting better gear can't do anything bad though