NEW to DSLR's

Ed Rizk wrote:

lexluthor1 wrote:

Yes, I think you did, lol.

I found a webpage that teaches some camera lessons and have been reading that. I guess I need to just try the settings and see how the pics turn out. Kinda like a lab environment setting.

My 'Japan" version of the 300d came in today, and after work I am going to try it out. Although from what I heard other than the color it's the same.

What is the last Canon model to come out that JUST takes pics? JW

I think the 50D and that era of DSLR had no video, but even the original EOS film cameras had a wide variety of settings and metering options.

Each option allows you a different dimension of control over the final camera settings. The one skill you can't turn completely over to the camera is focus. You have to point the focus point you are using exactly where you want the camera to focus. Automating everything else will get the shot right most of the time. A high contrast scene may require you to adjust the exposure to properly expose the part of the scene that is most important to you. Action scenes may require you to force a faster shutter speed and use continuos focus. Very dark or very light colors also may require you to adjust exposure, since the light meter assumes 18% gray when reading the light.

Most of the world is pretty close to 18% gray and most "normal" pictures are of things not moving too fast or in too high a contrast light, so the automatic settings will get you a good pic the vast majority of the time.

Of course, you bought the cool camera to get the extraordinary pics, so you will have to learn the different settings, but can use the P mode for basic stuff. P allows adjustment of almost anything while the green box does not. P also requires you to manually pop up the flash, while green will decide that for you.

Sorry all for the repeated double posts.  I keep thinking of things I forgot to say.

The big advantages of digital over film are 1, it costs nothing to take as many pics as you want and 2, you can look at the screen after taking a pic and make adjustments right there while the light and the scene are still the same.  That is the best way to learn how to apply the theoretical knowledge you get from reading and watching video.