New DSLR owner having problems

[davideglasgow]

You all are awesome. Thanks so much for the advice and encouragment!

[David Selby]

Dave,





As a new SLR user you may benefit from checking out some of my digital rebel guides at www.learnslr.com





hopefully these will help you a bit!





Dave

[davideglasgow]

I'll be posting a thread soon for kit lens photos only. You'll be able to so what can be done with the great equipment you already own!
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I look forward to seeing this. It would be quite useful for beginners!

[Daniel Browning]

One of the big differences between a DSLR and a digicam (assuming that's what you upgraded from) is the depth of field. This makes focus more important at the large apertures available for DSLR (even f/5.6 requires attention to the focus). Another big diference is Phase Detect autofocus systems, which is very different from the Contrast Detect autofocus on a digicam. I think the advice you've already gotten combined with more practice will help you greatly. Just keep at it and soon enough your shots will come out much better.

[Jarhead5811]

Being pretty new to the DSLR thing I feel your pain. I was initialy slightly disapointed.


I have an XSi and replaced the kit lense witha Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8. I've had alot better results with it and my 50mm f/1.8. Try to learn to change the focus points while looking though the view finder. I try to focus on the eyes. I also take lots of shots in the hopes a good one will be more likely. I avoid the use of a flash even though I've got the EX430.

[davideglasgow]

I avoid the use of a flash even though I've got the EX430.
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I would like to avoid the flash too, but indoors I simply can't stop a 20-month old. So, I think I'm going to pick up the 50mm f/1.4 and go from there.

[Steve Eisenberg]

I avoid the use of a flash even though I've got the EX430.
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I would like to avoid the flash too, but indoors I simply can't stop a 20-month old. So, I think I'm going to pick up the 50mm f/1.4 and go from there.
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Why are we avoiding the flash?

[davideglasgow]

To me, it seems the on-board flash gives the picture an unnatural "washed-out" look. Then again, I am an admitted beginner. But I also know people use alternative flash methods for a reason. I prefer ambient light. The only problem is, I don't have a lens that can effectively use it indoors most of the time.

[UK_Scotty]

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"]<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"]DO NOT GET A 50MM LENS, on a 1.6 crop it becomes an 80mm and for indoor shots of the family way to long, my favourite lens would be a 28mm (at 1.6x =45mm).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"] The 1.8 is a very nice lens, but I use the 2.8 and it is great. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"]P.S. (Please excuse those people that are asking you to sell a kidney to get a lens, it seems some people just like to show-off.)