Quote:
Originally Posted by meg
...Anyway, the manual that came with the camera is quite daunting. I've used the camera only a few times so far, and in all honestly I am pretty intimidated by it. It has several automatic settings, and I know it's probably best to try these all out first to get an idea of what the camera can do. However, just using the night settings alone (we went to a New Years Eve, eve run in NYC), the pics are coming out extremely blurry.
Anyway, I guess what I am asking is for some starters advice. I've browsed Motor On's tips and advice thread, however I think the help I need is a bit more basic then that. I am kind of at a loss as to where to even start.
I got a suggestion from a friend to just first learn all of the functions of a camera and what each does for a photograph (ie learn what altering shutter speeds do and things like that). However, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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Congratulations on the new camera! Sounds like your BF is a keeper.
Don't get intimated by the camera. The dirty little secret is most pro photographers typically use their cameras in an auto mode of some sort and rarely in full manual mode. So don't feel ashamed by using full auto mode. Reading the manual however is a good idea even if only 10% makes sense to you right now. Don't worry about what every feature does, focus instead on how the auto mode works (auto is the "P" setting on my Panasonic camera). Personally, I'd recommend you learn how the exposure compensation in auto mode so when your photos are coming out too light or dark, you can fix this quickly.
For your night shots, the secret is to use a tripod and the self timer. A simple table top tripod works great for doing this and can sit on top of a post, trash can, car, etc. Make sure you use the self timer because pressing the shutter release button will blur the photo. Do this and you'll find you can take amazing night photos with your camera.
Hope this helps. Enjoy your new camera and post your photos.
