[willow147]

Hi,

I've just taken the big step from fully automatic compact to Sony a200 DSLR.

I now have a massive learning curve ahead of me (I've promised myself I'll turn off auto mode) but the biggest frustration is that the supplied battery is totally flat so I'm just sitting here reading the manual for 3-4 hours.

[Dave]

Yep, but just think how well versed you'll be when the battery eventually charges.

Seriously is one of the most fundamental aspects of AV. Even now I'll go through a manual and realise a bit of kit does something amazing after owning it for a year.

[eddiewood]

Originally Posted by willow147

Hi,

I've just taken the big step from fully automatic compact to Sony a200 DSLR.

I now have a massive learning curve ahead of me (I've promised myself I'll turn off auto mode) but the biggest frustration is that the supplied battery is totally flat so I'm just sitting here reading the manual for 3-4 hours.

Great choice

Come over to the Sony Alpha thread and ask some questions

[OrbitalPete]

A couple of hours with the manual at the start will save you 50 hours of taking crap photos later on

Welcome to DSLR photography, and may I be the first to join you in mourning for your bank balance

[dazza74]

Originally Posted by OrbitalPete

A couple of hours with the manual at the start will save you 50 hours of taking crap photos later on

Only 50 hours, about 9 month's in my case