Thanks to a good sale, a coupon, and a husband who spoils me way too much just enough, I have officially entered the world of digital SLR photography. I’d been researching it for a while, primarily because I was frustrated with my inability to take a good indoor candid of my kids in a low-light setting, and everything came together this weekend, enabling me to bring home one of these little beauties:
It’s a Canon Rebel XSi, generally considered an “entry level DSLR.” (Which I think is code for “An SLR you might actually be able to afford, if you save up for a while.”)
For the most part, I’m clueless. I’ve been playing with the settings, and have taken way too many pictures of my kids, the cat, wooden blocks, water bottles, dining room chairs, the mailbox, books, the remote control, Mickey Mouse sugar fruit snacks, and anything that gets left on the kitchen counter.
I’m already impressed that it can take great indoor pictures, even when handled by a clueless person, such as myself, who is still mostly using the Auto Mode. Imagine what award-winning photography I’ll be able to produce when I actually know what I’m doing!
I’ve begun the learning process by reading almost everything The Pioneer Woman has to say about photography and am starting to delve into Digital Photography School, a site run by Darren Rowse of ProBlogger fame. But I have a feeling I have a long, long way to go.
In the meantime, if you already know how to use an SLR, please share: What do I need to know, get, learn, or conquer in order to get a handle on this new toy? What advice would you give to me, a complete newbie to SLRs?
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
yay! So glad you got a new camera. I am sure you are going to love it. I need to start saving up for one
That’s the one I have!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!
If you didn’t get one, you’ll want to save for a macro lens!!
Oh wait. I have the xti. Don’t know the difference.
Anyway, here’s my favorite shots so far with my macro lens.
My husband wanted to start learning about digital slr photography last fall, and he found this free course on Two Peas in a Bucket. If you go to this page (http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/cg_list.asp?archive=true&t=55&year=2008&x=26&y=7) and scroll down to the bottom, you should see the different weeks. It’s “Twelve Weeks to Better Photos” by Joanna Bolick.
Oh, so this is why I haven’t heard from you too much. . . .
Kidding. Looks fun and I can’t wait to see the fruits of your labor!!
Congrats! Yeah, I agree, another lens may be your next hard-fraught decision. What lens are you shooting with now?
ConGRATulations! =D Life is now happier and EASIER with a Digital SLR. (Even if it IS a canon.)
So fun!
Katrina,
I highly recommend a 50mm/1.8 lens. They are “cheap” as far as lenses go, but they take WONDERFUL pictures, particularly candid shots of the kids, and they are great in low light situations. It is a prime lens (it doesn’t zoom), so you have to move back and forth, but it is my favorite lens.
Also, Scott Kelby’s Digital Photography books (Vol 1 and 2) are very helpful. He is a bit sarcastic, but he gives to-the-point advice without getting too technical. I find this very helpful as an amateur. I think I got these books because the Pioneer Woman recommended them, and they were great.
HAVE FUN!
Ive been saving for the rebel. Im totally envious. Have fun and enjoy.
oh goody we’ll get lots of family photos ….hugs to all
Good picture of L., and I love the one of Sprite. You don’t have many of her. Whenever I’m there she spends most of her time hiding. Happy picture-taking. Love Mom
I think you’ve just assured yourself the position of family photographer! Looks like fun . . .
My hubby loves his Canon Rebel. I still don’t know how to use it but would love to learn.
We just got a Canon Rebel last fall. A guy my husband works for was upgrading and gave us a great deal one it. We just got the 50 mm/1.8 lens and am learning how to use it. I am going to take a class at our local college to give me some extra help.
Enjoy your new camera. It does take excellent pictures.
Hooray for a new camera!!
Personally I think the first thing you should learn is the difference between aperture, shutter speed and iso and how they work together. The Scott Kelby book mentioned above is a great place to start (or just google!
) In order to work with these though, you have to get off of AUTO. If anything, try to shoot in AP (aperture priority) or SP (shutter priority) mode until you are comfortable with full manual mode.
The 50mm lens is a nice one to have, especially in low light, but for now your kit lens will do just fine. You need to know the camera before you go buying all the fancy glass.
Have fun! I can’t wait to see your pictures!
Congratulations the Canon DSLR is great. We have had our for about 3 years now and have been very happy with the results of just point and shoot photos with it.
I’ve been following your blog for awhile now and thought I would pop in to say hello.
You’re going to LOVE it… I have an XTi and I’m still trying to figure it all out. So far I’m really happy with it. I purchased an new lens for mine, I was tired of changing out the lens for distance shots. I bought a Quantaray 18-200 mm OS DI 3.5-6.3 Lens f. I’ve never used a lens with an Optical Stabilizer (OS), but I LOVE this one… I don’t have a steady hand to hold still while zooming.
Enjoy your new toy
Jovi