Josswest wrote:.

LEARNING.

I want to get a DSLR and learn to properly use it. I'm alreadyfamiliar with picture composition (kind of) and I have a fairunderstanding of Photoshop..

If you were to hand me a DSLR, I'd have no idea how use any othersetting besides Auto and Program. Is learning Manual hard? And howlong would it take for an average person to learn it competently?Right now, understanding how shutter speed, f-stops, metering andall those other photography terms relate to one another baffles me- probably because I don't have a camera actually in my hands..

Pick up a good book, shoot a few hunderd pics and you'll understand those things and what they mean for your photographs..

I think back to when I was learning how to drive a car in manual.Understanding what to do wasn't as hard as actually trying to doit. It took a while to get it smooth..

Ah, american? Well, it's what you get used to. I drove an automatic for the first time last year, never did stop searching for that third pedal..

THE CAMERA.

The DSLR I was thinking about getting is the Pentax K100D. Wouldthis camera allow me to learn the basics of photography?.

Yes..

I mentioned to my dentist, a Nikon owner, that I was thinking ofthe D40, but he told me it had limitations. He explained what thelimitations were, but I was too ignorant on the subject at the timeto remember his explanation. I'm guessing now it has to do with theD40 having no motor in the body. I do remember him saying that if Iwanted to take the Nikon route I should look into a D80. But in theend, my pockets are telling me to go with a Pentax K100D with thekit lens and maybe the 50-200..

That 50-200 is very good. The D40 is an excellent beginners choice if you don't need the option to build your lens collection by buying used gear..

Your thoughts, suggestions or even ridicule? Any response is betterthan nothing..

Go for it. Pick a camera that feels nice and connects wiht you.Don't wait for the Nikon D-whatever, have fun now!http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_wijnands/..

I was the same when I started. I brought a canon 20d a while back, does everything I want to do and more. all I did was just read the book say iso and lean that till you know what id does, shoot 50 pictures off. You will get the hang of it..

It's like trying to jugle with soot, I have been at it for 5 years, If I ever take a good piture I will send it to you.Mike Rudge..

Josswest wrote:.

LEARNING.

I want to get a DSLR and learn to properly use it. I'm alreadyfamiliar with picture composition (kind of) and I have a fairunderstanding of Photoshop..

Composition is at least 70% of photography, the rest is the technical end of getting the picture to look like you want it to look within the limits of the equiptment..

If you were to hand me a DSLR, I'd have no idea how use any othersetting besides Auto and Program. Is learning Manual hard? And howlong would it take for an average person to learn it competently?Right now, understanding how shutter speed, f-stops, metering andall those other photography terms relate to one another baffles me- probably because I don't have a camera actually in my hands..

The "because I don't have the camera actually in my hands" is a big component of not understanding all that stuff. As to how fast you'll learn it varies a lot with the individual. If you have a desire to learn it, usually a few days (though mastering the details can take much much longer).

THE CAMERA.

The DSLR I was thinking about getting is the Pentax K100D. Wouldthis camera allow me to learn the basics of photography?.

Any of the "Highly Recommended" DSLRs reviewed here are good choices.You should go and hold and play with the various controls of the camera..

If it feels well built and the shutter button and other controls seem to be well placed for your hands it'll be a good camera to learn on..

Pentax, Nikon, Canon, Olympus etc. They're all good choices..

I mentioned to my dentist, a Nikon owner, that I was thinking ofthe D40, but he told me it had limitations. He explained what thelimitations were, but I was too ignorant on the subject at the timeto remember his explanation. I'm guessing now it has to do with theD40 having no motor in the body. I do remember him saying that if Iwanted to take the Nikon route I should look into a D80. But in theend, my pockets are telling me to go with a Pentax K100D with thekit lens and maybe the 50-200..

All cameras have limitations of one sort or another. The key is to learn to live and work inside those limits. The limits are wide enough that there is years of learning ahead of you in any system. I've played with the Nikon D40 and it's a great camera, so is the Pentax, so are the Canon offerings as well as the Olympus offerings.....don't obcess over the equiptment. Get the one that feels good to you and that's within your budget..

Your thoughts, suggestions or even ridicule? Any response is betterthan nothing..

A member of the rabble in good standing...

Thanks everyone for responding. I've read each post at least two or three times. I'll be placing an order for the camera in the next few days. I'm pumped!.

Wijnands wrote:.

I think back to when I was learning how to drive a car in manual.Understanding what to do wasn't as hard as actually trying to doit. It took a while to get it smooth..

Ah, american? Well, it's what you get used to. I drove an automaticfor the first time last year, never did stop searching for thatthird pedal..

I chuckled. Yes, I'm American...

If you were to hand me a DSLR, I'd have no idea how use any othersetting besides Auto and Program. Is learning Manual hard? And howlong would it take for an average person to learn it competently?Right now, understanding how shutter speed, f-stops, metering andall those other photography terms relate to one another baffles me- probably because I don't have a camera actually in my hands..

The solution is to get that camera in your hands. Before I started digital photography I was in EXACTLY the same position as you. I knew about picture composition and some photoshop but never really used a digital camera. I had a bit of exposure to photography as I took a class in college but that's it. The store guy told me that the most important thing was to buy a camera and just start shooting and to pick it up a little at a time. I was hesitant because at the time the $600 digital rebel and $200 tele lens seemed like a fortune.

Actually I lie. The first few days I was near breakdown trying to understand the manual, the various modes, etc... but then I remembered what the store guy said and I went taking photos. It became clear after looking a the results of my photos what each setting did. And thats one great thing about digital - you can see the results of your photos straight away..

If you need more help with photography you can always ask, and this forum is a great resource. Also, don't feel that you need to use manual mode right away, even today I very seldom use that mode. Typically the camera will always try to get the correct exposure for you. I would be glad to explain stops and aperture and so on to you but I think it's actually better for you to shoot first, find out what works and then ask, so that it is not too confusing..

THE CAMERA.

The DSLR I was thinking about getting is the Pentax K100D. Wouldthis camera allow me to learn the basics of photography?.

All cameras work on the same principle - light develops film or in the case of digital, the sensor chip. So yes you can learn the basics regardless of what camera you buy..

I mentioned to my dentist, a Nikon owner, that I was thinking ofthe D40, but he told me it had limitations. He explained what thelimitations were, but I was too ignorant on the subject at the timeto remember his explanation. I'm guessing now it has to do with theD40 having no motor in the body. I do remember him saying that if Iwanted to take the Nikon route I should look into a D80. But in theend, my pockets are telling me to go with a Pentax K100D with thekit lens and maybe the 50-200..

See above, for the basics it doesn't matter, d40, k100D, canon digital rebel, etc.. etc... all are good. If you are just starting the differences will only confuse you and it is my honest advice to start taking pictures rather than worrying about this right now..

Your thoughts, suggestions or even ridicule? Any response is betterthan nothing..

Start taking pictures. Even if you just borrow the camera from your dentist, get one in your hands and start snapping. The questions will come naturally to you and then you can ask them on this forum..

Http://www.flickr.com/photos/freezingrain/..

No need for that aggrevation...get a decent P&S and learn more about composition...

Two quick thoughts... there's nothing wrong with the D40 or D40x for a newcomer. Yeah, there are limitations, but they do not really matter..

And secondly, learning manual is the esy part..

It's learning to cope with the automation options that is tricky..

Manual does what you tell it to. Imagine going over to a VCR and pressing the record button..

Automation gets confusing; imagine pickingup a remote control and pressing ten buttons to get the machine to"automatically" record some show..

All the new digital single lens reflex cameras have default settings that permit good pictures quite easily. Set the camera on P for Prgram, take your shots under reasonable consitions good light, subjects standing still or moving slowly... and you'll be fine to start..

Then just add more options and try more things, and keep trck of what you are doing..

Repeat what turns out good; don't repeat what turns out bad..

The trick is to start slowly, and not get worried by things that do not matter..

BAK..

Josswest wrote:.

If you were to hand me a DSLR, I'd have no idea how use any othersetting besides Auto and Program..

Guess what. That's the best way to start your education..

Learn how to ctreate stunning images, using full Auto. Then, you can experiment with the more advanced features..

Camera's today are so advanced that even on Full Auto, they do a wonderful job..

THE CAMERA.

The DSLR I was thinking about getting is the Pentax K100D. Wouldthis camera allow me to learn the basics of photography?.

Pentax is a fine camera. you may wish to consider the Sony as well.If in camera body stablization is that important a feature..

If not, then you may want to consider Nikon or Canon, better glassThought be wary of the Nikon D40, get teh D80 or D200 instead..

I shoot Canon now and still think Nikon has a good system , especailly for someone who is not going to be spending thousands in buying lenses..

If you think that you may end up buying a bunch of different glass, then I;d go Canon..

When I switched from Minolta, that's why I chose Canon, the Glass line up..

I mentioned to my dentist, a Nikon owner, that I was thinking ofthe D40, but he told me it had limitations. He explained what thelimitations were, but I was too ignorant on the subject at the timeto remember his explanation. I'm guessing now it has to do with theD40 having no motor in the body. I do remember him saying that if Iwanted to take the Nikon route I should look into a D80. But in theend, my pockets are telling me to go with a Pentax K100D with thekit lens and maybe the 50-200..

Your Dentist gave you sound advice, Take it..

Listen to your pocket book. Pentax is a fine camera.I think the Sony may be cheapr but not sure..

Dave PattersonMidwestshutterbug.com'When the light and composition are strong, nobodynotices things like resolution or pincushion distortion'Gary Friedman..

Josswest wrote:.

LEARNING.

Never stop learning and applying..

If you were to hand me a DSLR, I'd have no idea how use any othersetting besides Auto and Program. Is learning Manual hard?.

No. I learnt on a manual only film camera, after a while the settings become natural. Your biggest ally in manual is the built-in light meter in the camera. If (in the pentax) the camera shows by how much the scene as seen through the lens is metering you can adjust on the fly. quick N easy and at times a lot more accurate than Auto..

Right now, understanding how shutter speed, f-stops, metering andall those other photography terms relate to one another baffles me.

Don't worry about it, I think that it is a language problem more than a technical problem. The key is to realise that they all adjust he amount of light falling on the sensor..

- probably because I don't have a camera actually in my hands..

I think back to when I was learning how to drive a car in manual.Understanding what to do wasn't as hard as actually trying to doit. It took a while to get it smooth..

Didnt we all.....

Your thoughts, suggestions or even ridicule?.

NYaa Nyaa Nyaa I'm a photographer and you're not! Nya Nya Nya....

Actually... I use Program and auto settings a lot. I like to use Apeture prority Auto to get a wider apeture on my rather slow Zoom lens..

ThanksAndy.

Image control:Zoom outZoom 100%Zoom inExpand AllOpen in new window.

C'est La vie..

Yes, the quality of P&S isn't bad but .... a good slr will kill 'em with quality. Something to do with sensor size.A pity really. The sony R1 might be an exception..

P&s also seem to have mostly very slow lenses and very menu's. Making any override difficult.I love the preview screen and this is what I miss most on the Slr..

Composition and light....Yes.ThanksAndy.

C'est La vie..

Learning to use a DSLR in aperture/shutter priority and manual isn't particularly difficult, although it takes time to reach a point where the results reflect what you're trying to achive. Great thing about digital photography is that you can experiment as much as you like and get instant results, without having to spend any more money on film and printing..

I'd suggest you stay with auto or programme until you're comfortable with the camera and then start exploring the other options. Many people find they progess more quickly by choosing one particular mode, say aperture priority, and concentrating on that until they feel confident, then move on to shutter priority and repeat the process. Manual is easier once you are familiar with these, but it isn't written in stone...

Convert wrote:.

Yes, the quality of P&S isn't bad but .... a good slr will kill 'emwith quality. Something to do with sensor size.A pity really. The sony R1 might be an exception.P&s also seem to have mostly very slow lenses and very menu's.Making any override difficult.I love the preview screen and this is what I miss most on the Slr..

Composition and light....Yes.ThanksAndy.

C'est La vie.

The new Olympus E410 and E510 DSLRs have preview screens and many P&S features + more...

I will receive my new DSLR soon. I am convinced that, if you can use a P&S in manual mode you will do well with a DSLR. Besides most DSLRs have a ton of automatic functions...

If you want to take better photos, there are some suggestions on this thread with which I disagree. If you want outstanding pix of people, you need a fast lens that allows optical isolation. How many photos of children have you seen with distracting, cluttered in-focus backgrounds? Learn why "F stops" are important, and learn to shoot in Aperture Priority. The 50mm 1.8 lens by Nikon is a cheap way to appreciate the benefits of optical isolation. A P&S will almost always give you a lot of depth-of-field which is not what you want for people pix...

Good points Tom. It's the difference between a snapshot and a photograph..

Using a DSLR is not hard, anyone can set the auto mode, but the more one gets into the artistic side of taking photographs and the more one gets into a particular subject, the more one finds themselves going right up to the edges of what's easy or do-able. There is as much to learn regarding the 'when and where' of the of light and composition, as there is to learning the mechanics of handling a DSLR..

I would advise anyone seriously thinking about getting into DSLR photography to try to start with something like a Nikon D80 (look for an older D70 if on a budget) or better a Canon 30D. There will be no complaints about ergonomics and viewfinders, and it will generally do precisely what you tell it to do. That's important when learning as you know you cannot blame the camera, only yourself. There can be nothing worse than a load of button pressing and tedious menu hunting when all you want to do is set ISO, shutter speed and aperture while watching the image in the viewfinder..

John.Please visit me at:http://www.pbase.com/johnfr/backtothebridgehttp://www.pbase.com/johnfr..

THANK YOU.

Thanks to everyone that responded. You guys and/or gals are a nice bunch. If we were at a lounge, I'd buy you all a round of beer! A cold glass of water or Mountain Dew to those that don't drink liquor. If you've ever wondered what a poster's done after you've given them advice, I'll give some closure to this thread..

MY DECISION AND INITIAL THOUGHTS.

I purchased a Pentax K100D. For a relatively inexpensive DSLR, the fit and finish are surprisingly good. The grip fits well in my hand. No complaints about the camera thus far. Yes, I've already been asked, "Why didn't you get a Canon or Nikon?".

RAW isn't as intimidating as I thought it would be. Using Adobe, it's actually faster for me to lightly tweak a RAW file than it is a JPEG file. Brian Peterson's "Understanding Exposure" wasn't in stock at the store, so I bought his other book "Understanding Digital Photography." I've just started the chapter of aperture, so I gues I'm going to start experimenting with Aperture Mode now..

There's just so much to learn and shoot!..