DSLR learning curve

[nightshade]

Having taken the plunge to DSLR I wonder if I have not made a mistake
I have had various nikon, minolta, pentax, slrs and loved the flexibility my rewards are thousands of slides and photos
DSLR ,study the handbook,then learn a software package,the flexibility is far greater than the SLR but detracts from the pleasure which surely should be the aim
Did the regular users on the site find it such a steep learning curve or is it just a generation thing
Subject camera;Nikon D70S, I liked the Canons very much but they were too small in my hands I also looked at the Nikon 50D, very good,and the Minolta (taken over by Sony)Minolta always made excellent lenses

[digi]

There are plenty of people on here that can help, just post a question in the forum or you can pm me and I will do my best to assist.

[nightshade]

Thankyou digi it is as much knowing what to ask I am afraid,The instruction book is rather dry and the book of the camera is little more than a repeat of
the handbook I will ask around as it seems I will need a coach!
Do not suggest camera clubs the eleteism bores me!

[digi]

Well it costs nothing to take a Digital Photo so just start taking images a learn that way.

[nightshade]

Hi digi I have 2 minolta digitals an x30,and a Z1 these are fine cameras as far as they go and easy to use but I will persevere

[Helen]

The best way is to get out there and take zillions of photos. Take a photo using various settings. That's the way I've done it. After a while, you get a feel for what works and what doesn't.

Yesterday I took over 50 bird photos, the result being 4 or 5 decent ones. I suspect that's not unusual either when taking pics of birds.

[nightshade]

I think I will just have to persevere,The camera itself is beautifully built and
the controls exactly where I want them, I would certainly recommend it
and having just had someone around to show off their Canon they are in exactly the same boat
As you say use it, use it, use it,thank you all for your input and advice

[carlj]

One other thing Shade, (can I call you that ), when you look at the shots you've taken, look at the exif data, file->information depending on software. This shows you the settings used, and will allow you to build up a picture of why shot a works and shot b doesn't.

Carl

[Oy]

Early days with your first DSLR can be very dissappointing. I've seen several people go through this - myself included. It took me about 3 months with my first DSLR (A D70) before I was getting better results than I was with my previous camera (Fuji S7000.)

What I've come to understand is that many non DSLR digitals seem to be configured to give you the best they can right out of the camera. This is not as good as the best a DSLR can get AFTER processing - but is often as good or better than straight off the DSLR. For example the D70 tends to shoot underexposed and a little soft. The idea being to preserve the highlights and not over sharpen - both things which are pretty hard to bring back later.

In retrospect I don't regret my move to DSLR, very often, maybe sometimes when I'm lugging my 20kg backpack around full of lenses LOL!

[nightshade]

Carlj, No! but thankyou for your advice

[carlj]

Originally Posted by nightshade

Carlj, No! but thankyou for your advice

Bows head in utter shame. Ok!



Carl

[digi]

Tut Tut

You come on here upsetting people.

[glsammy]

Nightshade, as you may know, I've just joined the DSLR club, at least I will have once I've learnt how to switch it on..
In what way are you struggling? Is it how to use the features, or are you simply not getting the images you think you should be? I'm interested because I'm probably going to go through exactly the same phase..it might be re assuring to know there's plenty of us out there with exactly the same doubts..

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by Helen

The best way is to get out there and take zillions of photos. Take a photo using various settings. That's the way I've done it. After a while, you get a feel for what works and what doesn't.

Yesterday I took over 50 bird photos, the result being 4 or 5 decent ones. I suspect that's not unusual either when taking pics of birds.

Blimey your good! 4 or 5 out of 50... 1 out of 100 more likely for me..

[sharont]

Hi
I only joined the DSLR club a week ago,until then I had a Fuji S7000,I'm not too sure what I'm doing most of the time but the only way I'm ever going to learn is by getting out there and taking zillions of pics.I've been very lucky so far and have managed a few half decent ones but I'm sure most of it was pure luck and not because I knew what I was doing...Going to try some more tomorrow if the weather is kind

[Boddie]

I agree with Helen, there is nothing like trial and error.

I know what you mean however, the instruction manuals are rather daunting but a necessary evil I think. When I got into mine I actually found loads of fancy tools witinh the cameras settings that have paid dividends - now I know how to use them

[digi]

Originally Posted by Boddie

I agree with Helen, there is nothing like trial and error.

I know what you mean however, the instruction manuals are rather daunting but a necessary evil I think. When I got into mine I actually found loads of fancy tools witinh the cameras settings that have paid dividends - now I know how to use them

What's an instruction manual, I am going wrong somewhere?

[Alan]

Originally Posted by digi

What's an instruction manual, I am going wrong somewhere?

It's that paperwork that comes with your camera usually in Chinese. If you do manage to translate it, just do the opposite to what it says - or throw it out. You should be fine then!

[MalcolmX]

anything you need to know please ask i am in the south east and i have been digital for 4 years

[nightshade]

Glsammy,too many choices,most that I can control If I go through the menus
with the instruction book but the programs seem to default as soon as the shutter is pressed I just want auto focus that tracks movement and does not lock the shutter,I might as well leave it in manual but then why have auto?

[digi]

Originally Posted by nightshade

Glsammy,too many choices,most that I can control If I go through the menus
with the instruction book but the programs seem to default as soon as the shutter is pressed I just want auto focus that tracks movement and does not lock the shutter,I might as well leave it in manual but then why have auto?

Nightshade

I have canon cameras but in single shot mode the shutter will not fire until the camera achieves focus. I use AIservo (not sure on the Nikon) this is continuous focus mode and the camera tracks the focus based on what focus points are selected. (Center only for me)

Look to see what mode Nikon use for continuous focus and try that.