Just starting out.

I prefer to remove the memory card from the camera use a USB card reader. Saves the battery on the camera (and I suspect will have faster transfer speeds as well).

Once the card is recognized by the MAC, either while still in the camera or a USB card reader, the MAC will automatically want to import into iPhoto. This is a choice and you can use Finder instead to organize your collection of photos any way you like.

iPhoto is a great program for those wanting a simple, streamlined approach. Just be aware that is will automatically convert your RAW photo files to JPG for you and that you'll need to explicitly tell iPhoto to edit the RAW files when you make adjustments. Just poke around in iPhoto's preferences.

I used iPhoto for a long time for all of my post-production and it served me well. I've since migrated most of my work to Lightroom 4 and very much appreciate the advanced control.

For the mac to recognise the camera you'll need to install the canon software supplied with it.

DYK you can go to the Apple store with your camera and they can teach you. Sign up to have one on one with an apple Genius and they can show you how to use your DLSR with the software.

or B. check your owners manual. There it shows you what to do.

Macman1107 said:

....
Do I have to have my camera on a particular setting?
Do I import the pics onto my mac using iphoto? Or use one of the above programs?...

Click to expand...

I think you should be using iPhoto to import the photos. iPhoto can import them into it's own library. That is the way to go.

The in iPhoto's "preferences" you can set Elements as the "default image editor"

Be sure and look at some big, large format photography books and decide what images and styles you like. 90% of photography is NOT about equipment. However, yes you do need to be able to import the images.

Also think about backups. Yes Time Machine keeps a backup but you need more. At least one off-site backup. Fire and theft of the equipment are major reasons for dta loss and Time Machine does not help there

If you're using iPhoto you should just be able to plug your camera into the usb port, turn it on. Then open iPhoto and click the import button and it should import into iPhoto.

sflarc51 said:

Once the card is recognized by the MAC, either while still in the camera or a USB card reader, the MAC will automatically want to import into iPhoto. This is a choice and you can use Finder instead to organize your collection of photos any way you like.

Click to expand...

Just to let people know, in case they weren't aware...

You can change the default action your Mac takes when attaching a camera, SD card with images, iPhone, etc. Connect the device and then launch the Image Capture app. In the bottom left corner you can set the default action (such as launching iPhoto, Aperture, or doing nothing). I have my computers set to do nothing, allowing me to manually launch whatever app I want when I connect a device with images on it.

For most folks, just fiddling around with the camera and cables will get some kind of results. I think in your particular case, and I'm just taking a wild stab at it here, RTFM might work. I don't think it matters much, just pick one.