What's the best way to start learning about Digital SLRs?

Question

I'm a newbie interested in buying a Digital SLR camera but first want to learn the basics about the technology itself, as well as get educated on the types of cameras...any recommendations on where to get started?

Answer 1

Here's a good starter about the technology: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_SLR

Here's a good intro to purchasing digital SLRs: http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/how-to-buy-a-dslr-camera/

And this is a great review site for digital cameras when you're ready to buy: http://www.steves-digicams.com/default.htm

Answer 2

Since you are talking about an SLR which starts around $600 and up depending what kind and how many lenses you desire, I have to assume that you are serious about photography.
Although there are many books and magazines available, I would recommend taking a photography course at some junior college or high school for some hands on instruction. If you do not have a Camera yet, it will be worthwhile to get some tips from you instructor. It is a very rewarding hobby but also kind of expensive.
If you just want "a picture" , you do not need an SLR, a less expensive point and shoot will do. If you are serious you will continuously and joyfully be learning always.
Even though good cameras help, I lot depends on the photographer. Without even getting into technicalities, I will list a few guidelines on composition alone that anyone can use.
1 - Keep a photo simple with one subject and a simple background.
2 - If anything in the background does not relate to the subject, throw it out of focus.
3 - There should never be two subjects of equal value; if there is two, there should be a third, with one subject being the main one and the two others subordinate. Otherwise you will loose impact.
4 - Use the rule of thirds. Divide your prospective photo in three horizontal sections with two imaginary lines and vertically with two imaginary lines ( looking something like this # ). At one of the four corners where the lines cross is where your main subject should be. Never dead set in the middle.
5 - Photos should say something. People love to take photos of mountains reflecting in the water , divided symmetrically in the middle. No. Divide it a third of the way down to emphasize the height of the mountains, or a third of the way from the top to emphasize the depth of the sea.
6 - For portraits , be sure you have a catch light placed at 1 o'clock or 11' o'clock in the pupil, otherwise the eyes will be dead. If you can get Rembrant lighting ( this is done by using a reflector board and reflecting the light so that half of the face remains in the light, and half of the face in the shadow with a triangle of light under the eye, this will give the face a three dementional effect that was reduced to two dementions by using the flash.
7 - Take 95 percent of all your pictures and throw them out, show only your best pictures. That is one thing the pros never tell you about. I told you it can get expensive.

I hope you find these helpful. Once you get started with this you will never want another hobby again. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Go to an actual camera store (i.e. NOT Best Buy, Circuit City, et al) and look around. Ask questions of the staff.

Also, ask people who have one. (Don't try this with strangers, they might call the police.)

When you buy a D-SLR (or any SLR for that matter) you are getting access to the accessories and lenses. Don't skimp on the lens. It's at least as important as the camera at determining the quality of the pictures.

Answer 4

You can read and read, but it will be superficial.

Once you have a DSLR in your hands, that's when the education really begins.

Get a good DSLR like Nikon D80, or Canon D30 with the kit lenses, and go from there. Take pictures, read and reread the manual. That will get you started on the 'technical'.

Then submit your pics to your friends, or to online forums to ask for their input. This will help you on technique.

Take a class at your local HS or college, and you're on your way.

Without a camera, you will get only a fraction of the value.

Answer 5

I learned by reading. A great beginner book is "The Digital Photography Book" by Scott Kelby. It teaches you the basics of a digital camera such shutter speed and a few tips on certain events like sporting, weddings, etc. Once you become more advance I would recommond "Understanding Exposure Revised Edition" by Bryan Peterson. This is a more indepth book about how to understand what your camera's light meter is saying to you and understand how to compose a shot properly.

You need to read a lot and practice with a camera. I learned photography by reading, lots of it. 20+hours of just reading books on photography. Subscribe to a photography magazine such as Popular Photography. Its fun to read stuff in there and they have helpful tips in most of their magazines.

Answer 6

Digital cameas are the simplest thing to you can possibly imagine compared to film cameras. When you take a picture you can see it displayed to decide if you need another or to delete it. Just check features like resolution, a wide angle capability would be great, zoom, macro and you don't need a big size. Nikon coolpix is what I got a couple years ago. You can even make movies with it and put audio on the photo.

Answer 7

The best way to learn about a DSLR is to buy one and experiment. Have some fun to get comfortable using one and read the manuals. There are also many websites and magazines with helpful advice.

Answer 8

before buying digital SLR cam. you should do a lot of reasearch first. ask some people in business who uses and experts in this field. and better yet, get a course.. its a lot of fun

Answer 9

I found the link below particularly helpful when I first started out.

All the best, it's a fun journey!

Answer 10

Try dpreview.com.
Interesting web site with lots of Forums on different cameras.
Plenty of people willing to answer questions too.