New to DPReview – Need Help Getting Started

[moe313]

Hi everyone,

I am new to DP Review and really excited to be part of this photography community.I have always enjoyed taking photos but now I am looking to take things more seriously both in learning and improving my gear.

I do love some help getting started. Any recommendations on which threads or forums are best for beginners? Also, if there are any must- ead guides or active discussions for learning about cameras, lenses or editing tips, please let me know.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and I am looking forward to learning from you all.

 

[Bob]

Hi and welcome to DPReview! Great to have you here. This is a terrific community for learning, sharing your work, and diving deeper into photography.

For getting started, here are some forums you’ll probably find most helpful:

- Beginners Questions
A very active place specifically for newcomers. You can ask about cameras, lenses, exposure, or anything else without worrying it’s too basic.

- Camera, Lens and System Buying Advice
If you’re thinking of upgrading gear, this is where you’ll get well-informed opinions on what might suit your needs and budget.

- Retouching
Covers editing and post-processing, whether you’re learning Photoshop, Lightroom, or other tools.

- Samples and Galleries
A fantastic spot to see what other members are creating and to post your own photos for feedback.

- Challenge Discussions
Fun themed challenges that can help push you to practice and try new things.

Also helpful as you advance:

• Studio and Lighting Technique for learning about flash setups and more controlled environments.
• Landscape and Travel Photography, Portrait and People Photography, and other genre-focused forums to explore your interests.

If you’re a tech enthusiast or curious about brands:
There are dedicated forums for nearly every camera brand (Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, etc.) and for lenses (like the Third Party Lens Talk), so you can dive into specifics.

Where to find guides:
Look for pinned threads (often at the top of each forum) — they frequently link to excellent tutorials and FAQs. And browsing the General Photo Techniques forum is a good way to pick up tips that cut across gear types.

Don’t hesitate to start a thread if you have a question or want feedback on your photos. People here are generally very welcoming and happy to help. Enjoy your photography journey!

 

[Bill Ferris]

The DPReview forums cover a wide range of subjects. If you look in the genre forums, you'll find an area dedicated to discussing and sharing photos similar to those your like to make. From astrophotography to Wildlife, the genre forums have you covered.

Check out the brand forums for an area dedicated to the discussion of the brand and model camara you use. They're great places to learn about the techniques and settings people use to get the best performance from their kit. They're also places where folks share photos they've made using that brand gear.

If you're shopping for a camera to complement what you're using or as an upgrade, use the search tool to find articles and forum threads reviewing or discussing gear you're considering or may want to consider. So the same, if you've got questions about how cameras and lenses use light to make photos.

While you're getting to know the place, keep in mind that - like every other public discussion that's ever been - there are some folks who come here to stir the pot and sew conflict. You'll recognize them and their posts quickly enough. You'll also figure out pretty quickly who's here to share their love of photography and to help others do the same.

Welcome

 

[Craig Gillette]

If using searches, here or externally, say Google, often times a rather old thread will be responded. It's probably better to consider the info but start a new thread instead of jumping into an old thread.

 

[New Wrycuda]

Hi everyone,

I am new to DP Review and really excited to be part of this photography community.I have always enjoyed taking photos but now I am looking to take things more seriously both in learning and improving my gear.

I do love some help getting started. Any recommendations on which threads or forums are best for beginners? Also, if there are any must-read guides or active discussions for learning about cameras, lenses or editing tips, please let me know.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and I am looking forward to learning from you all.

Welcome indeed.

Lots of good suggestions so far, but don’t forget the computer-related topics in PC Talk or Mac Talk, whichever is your interest. Lots of advances in technology to enjoy and to improve your images.

You should be aware that digital images are automatically saved with metadata, called EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) that is accessible via most editing software. (Therefore, no need to make detailed notes as you shoot).

Example of detailed EXIF…







An abbreviated EXIF is shown in images that you might upload to the forum, using the second-last icon on the tool-bar (JPEG only).


Mouse over lower left to see EXIF

 

[skyglider]

Hi everyone,

I am new to DP Review and really excited to be part of this photography community.I have always enjoyed taking photos but now I am looking to take things more seriously both in learning and improving my gear.

For buying a camera, my suggestion for a beginner who wants to learn how to use the manual controls on a camera at a lower cost is to buy something like a Panasonic FZ2500. Currently selling new for $897.99 on amazon.

It has:

1. Fixed lens (not interchangeable lens):
   1. You won't have to buy several lenses at more cost.
2. Has 20x optical zoom lens:
   1. No need to change lenses for longer zoom.
3. A large electronic viewfinder:
   1. Suggest ONLY buying camera with a viewfinder. Viewing scenes on a back LCD screen in sunlight can be difficult if there is no VF Also, bracing the camera while using a VF is much more stable than holding a camera at arm's length to view a back LCD screen. Especially when shooting zoomed photos..
   2. Electronic VF Can overlay zebra and/or histogram on the viewfinder to make adjustments for optimum exposures on every shot. Optical VFs like on DSLRs cannot do that.
   3. What you see in the VF is what you get.
4. A 1" sensor:
   1. A 1" sensor allows the long "optical" zoom like 20x while also enabling good low light picture taking capability.
5. Has all of the manual controls on the camera like a DSLR for learning. No need to make common adjustments using a menu.
6. Has a hot shoe for adding an external flash unit later down the road.
7. Just buy the camera and a spare battery and you will be set. No need to buy additional lenses that increase your spending.

This type of camera is becoming an endangered species. Buy one now while they are still available new.

An alternative is to buy a small sensor camera with long zoom for daylight shooting and use your smart phone for near and lowlight shots. Again ONLY with an electronic VF. Forget cameras without a viewfinder.

 

[pipade]

Hi and welcome to DPReview! Great to have you here. This is a terrific community for learning, sharing your work, and diving deeper into photography.

For getting started, here are some forums you’ll probably find most helpful:

- Beginners Questions
A very active place specifically for newcomers. You can ask about cameras, lenses, exposure, or anything else without worrying it’s too basic.

- Camera, Lens and System Buying Advice
If you’re thinking of upgrading gear, this is where you’ll get well-informed opinions on what might suit your needs and budget.

- Retouching
Covers editing and post-processing, whether you’re learning Photoshop, Lightroom, or other tools.

- Samples and Galleries
A fantastic spot to see what other members are creating and to post your own photos for feedback.

- Challenge Discussions
Fun themed challenges that can help push you to practice and try new things.

Also helpful as you advance:

• Studio and Lighting Technique for learning about flash setups and more controlled environments.
• Landscape and Travel Photography, Portrait and People Photography, and other genre-focused forums to explore your interests.

If you’re a tech enthusiast or curious about brands:
There are dedicated forums for nearly every camera brand (Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, etc.) and for lenses (like the Third Party Lens Talk), so you can dive into specifics.

Where to find guides:
Look for pinned threads (often at the top of each forum) — they frequently link to excellent tutorials and FAQs. And browsing the General Photo Techniques forum is a good way to pick up tips that cut across gear types.

Don’t hesitate to start a thread if you have a question or want feedback on your photos. People here are generally very welcoming and happy to help. Enjoy your photography journey!

Nice and helpful orientation Bob! Thanks

 

[mysteryman44]

Hello, Welcome to the forum. I’ve been on here quite awhile and really enjoy reading and learning. Most people on here are helpful. I also enjoy the photos people share on this site. There are alt os categories to choose. Some depends on what gear you own. Again welcome, Larry

 

[Dick Dastardly]

If you read the camera manual, it will teach you how to use your particular camera while also explaining things like shutter speed, DoF, ISO etc.

If there is anything not present in the user manual, then you can ask questions from older camera users.