DSLR - Newbie Questions

[Monopot]

Hi,

I’m thinking of making the move into DSLR but I first need to understand some basics of photography terminology. Currently we use a Sony DSC-W7 point and shoot and have done for several years and have managed to get some really great shots with it. Its always in auto mode, mainly because I never really understood what all the settings done.

The misses and I have thought about a DSLR to try and get some better shots when out and about, but can someone point us in the direction of any websites which are basically photography 101. Things like lowering exposure does this, a higher iso settings does this etc as this would be a great help.

Also, any suggestions on a first DSLR for beginners? Mainly used for holiday shots and the like and not too expensive or complicated. Like the look of the Sony A200.

Thx,

Andy

[dazza74]

Worth a read whats on this website, could bring you upto speed on D-SLR :

http://www.berniecode.com/writing/ph...phy/beginners/

"Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson (can be found on amazon) quite a few of us own this and it's a good book.

Think personally the sony A200 would be an excellent choice as a beginner camera, digital photo mag gave it their best buy this month although a Nikon man I think the A200 offers the best value for money of the budget D-SLR

[Smiffy 2]

Originally Posted by Monopot

Also, any suggestions on a first DSLR for beginners? Mainly used for holiday shots and the like and not too expensive or complicated. Like the look of the Sony A200.

Thx,

Andy

Andy
somebody much more knowledgable than me will be along shortly to point you in the right direction for basic help...
Like you, I have been using P&S cameras for years, my last SLR camera was a Minolta 7000 some 20 odd years ago.
I have decided to get a DSLR and devote a little more time to the hobby and after reading loads and loads of reviews, and trying a few cameras decided to go for the A200 as well. It arrived today and I am looking forward to experimenting a little with it over the coming few weeks.
The menu system looks simple enough for a "newbie" and the transition from point & shoot to DSLR should be simple enough. I plan to just use it in AUTO at first to get a feel for it and get used to the layout of everything, and then explore a little more with the manual settings, and be a little more creative.
Having owned an SLR before I have a general understanding of depth of field and the way certain shutter speeds and apertures will affect a particular shot. Where I need to spend a little more time is learning more about exposure compensation and ISO settings etc although I'm beginning to get a better understanding of it.
I personally think the Sony A200 is a great camera for a first DSLR. The price is brilliant, the supplied kit lens (whilst not being as good as other more expensive glass) covers a wide enough range of focal lengths to make it interesting and will cover most of your needs in the early days and there are plenty of lenses around that you can pick second hand for not much money.
Rob

[Monopot]

Rob,

Great reply thanks. I think the A200 attracted me initially because of the price. I had looked at Nikons and Canons but they were always quite a bit more, and the appeal of the A200 with the stabilizer in the body and not the lense made sense to me too.

Thanks for the info, I'll do some more reading up and see how it goes. May have to sneak this one past the wife

Andy

[Smiffy 2]

Originally Posted by Monopot

May have to sneak this one past the wife

Andy

I started my plan of attack around March/April

[senu]

Originally Posted by Monopot

Hi,

I’m thinking of making the move into DSLR but I first need to understand some basics of photography terminology. Currently we use a Sony DSC-W7 point and shoot and have done for several years and have managed to get some really great shots with it. Its always in auto mode, mainly because I never really understood what all the settings done.

Have a little read
HERE

[kl4rky]

i too just purchased the a200 and think its a bloody good buy, i used to use a cannon point and shoot but i do love more toys / options so took the plunge for the sony, what swung it for me was the stability thing in the body rather than needing it on lenses. im very new to dslr's also, but id suggest reading the a200 manual as it give you a good basic knowledge, i went out and had a play after reading it and got to grips with shutter speeds and iso, and how they relate to light. depth of field is still a bit of a mystery to me but im sure with plenty of research and play ill get it sorted.

[Smiffy 2]

Well my A200 arrived today as promised, have been out and taken a few trial shots with it and must say I am very impressed.
Tried a few shots with the Sigma 70-300 Di and was amazed at how much sharper/clearer everything appears to be compared to the kit lens.
Lots to learn, but I'm looking forward to it