Well, I finally did it. I decided on a new digital camera instead of a camcorder. Looked at all of my options and ended up ordering a Sony A100K. It comes with an 18-70mm lens and I think that is pretty much it. I know that I am going to need to buy a bigger CF card, but besides that, what will I need?

I am already planning on buying a telephoto lens soon, but decided to order just the camera and one lens to start out.

Also, are there any good websites where I may be able to get some instruction to learn a little bit more about photography. I will admit that I am somewhat of a novice.

 

There are tons of website, first thing to decide is what type of photography you want to get into.

 

I just posted about that camera on another forum yesterday.

 

Well, I just got back from Circuit City where I picked up a new 2GB CF card.

As far as the type of photography, I will probably just use it at first to take pictures of my family and around the house. Eventually I might like to get into nature photography, so I know that will need to get a bigger lens eventually. There is a local camera shop that has classes once a week that I will probably try to attend so that I will be able to get the most out of this camera.

 

The first thing you'll want to buy for portraits and portrait snaps and general around the house, is a good flash.

Basiclaly it's just learning the camera, what settings do what, how they effect an image and/or what part of an image they are going to effect.

The next thing to learn is light. Look for light levels, including shadows, which means looking at the main light source, how strong it is, what angle it's at to you, and is there anything that is going to reflect it around you or in the shot. If so where is it and where is it going to reflect either teh light source or teh flash.... Also look and decide what can you do to fill in the shadows with light.

Once you've got the shot picked out and you are in position, you know the light and how its going to play, then the most important part is shot composition. (Square, level, plum, and center).

If you google for "portrait photography tips" you should get a kazillion tips. Shutter bug magazine is a good monthly publication. If you get a chance grab a copy.

Just start shooting!!!!!
That is the absolutely the best way to learn. It's not like it cost you anything if it is a bad pic then you just delete it. You dont have to buy film or pay to have it developed.

 

Best investment you will ever make besides the good flash is a GOOD tripod. By this I don't mean running out to Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Circuit City, or any place like that.

Here is the one that I use
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

A good head on top of the tripod is equally important. Here is the head that I use. It is rather expensive for someone starting out but it will support anything you can put on it.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

Plan to spend a minimum of $200 on a complete setup or you will be buying another one later on.

 

The three most important things to learn in photography are

Exposure
Depth of field (DOF)
Composition

Exposure is controlling how much light hits your sensor or film buy using the camera shutter speed and aperture. On digital you ca now toss in ISO as well.

DOF is the use of the aperture to control the amount of sharp focus in front of, and behind your subject.
A shallow DOF will have only your subject in sharp focus while everything in front, and behind will be blurry. To obtain this use long focal lengths (70mm on your lens), and large aperture (smallest f/number of your lens) Most likely with your lens it will be f/3.5.

A deep DOF will have most of the picture in sharp focus. To obtain this you will want the shorter focal lengths (18mm) and a small aperture (f/22).

There are no rules here. You can mix and match any of the settings in between with any of the focal lengths you have. I have just given you the most extreme ends of it.

Composition can start fights as easily as polotics. Most people shoot by the rule of thirds. This means to never have you main subject dead center of the frame. A good time to toss this rule is in product comercial photography. Shoot that sucker in the center unless you are trying to create a scene with the product in it.

I could go on all night with this crap. If you have any questions I am always willing to help.

 

One more thought here real quick.

White Balance (WB) is very important in the digital age. My D200 has a very accurate auto WB, but YMMV with the A100. If the AutoWB is not up to par, learn your WB settings. You can mess up a shot really quick if it is off.

 

Thanks for the primer Photog. That is what I was looking for. I had the camera shipped via 3 day shipping so that I can hopefully get it before the weekend. I would like to be able to spend the weekend reading about it and playing with it.

Can you recommend any software that I might like to have to help edit photos, or will that come with the camera?

 

I use Photoshop CS2 but that is very expensive and deep thought areneeded for it. I am still learning how to use it. Most cameras come with some form of software. They are usually pretty limited on what they can do. Give me a minute or two, and I'll see if I can find out what the A100 comes with.

 

Here is a reveiw on the software. I haven't read it yet so I can't comment.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonydslra100/page16.asp

I also noticed that your camera has auto ISO. Avoid it like the plague.

Edit to add: I also just noticed that your lens will only open up to f/5.6 at 70mm. It will open up to f/3.5 at 18mm.

 

Well, I received the camera today and tested it out a little bit. I am definitely going to need to buy a tripod to eliminate some of my blurry photos. I have played with a lot of the settings to see what all this thing can do. Of course, I am still no expert, but I do plan on learning in the next year.

I am very excited and ready to play with the camera outside tomorrow.

 

You'll be so tired of taking pictures, the nyou'll find something else new that you didnt know before and it will revive the passion, or you'll get a creative spike and WHAM back to shutterbug mode again.