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best way to learn a DSLR (Nikon D3100)

Eggtastic

Eggtastic

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Jun 9, 2009
1,072
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NJ
title says it all. got the best buy deal back in december. (did not get the zoom lens, big mistake but i can always buy it later).

anyway, anyone recommend any books, youtube videos, websites, etc? I am just starting out, i would like to expand my knowledge and eventually be able to learn a photo edit software (aperture?).
 
Great read

http://www.amazon.com/Understanding...=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316746019&sr=1-9



This may already be outdated in terms of the tech talk. But HOW to use that tech still applies.

This is Vol #3 but perfectly fine to start with:

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Photo...r_1_10?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316746019&sr=1-10




I've used LR on windows and now Aperture in the OSX universe. I like how it talk to the other iApps.



Some D3100 pics with the kit 18-55 lens, clickefy to bigefy:

p536047185-4.jpg
p791638690-4.jpg


p797935480-4.jpg
 
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I think the best way is to not be camera specific from the start. Learn about the 3 components of exposure and then learn about composition.

Try Lynda Learning for some video training on this.
 
Check out books on Amazon.com that get you started in the technical basics like aperture, shutter speed, their relation and how to expose an image so you get the best image quality on a digital camera.
 
Might also wanna check out your area and see if there are any workshops or anything like that available. Some do cost money and some are free so it's up to you on which one to take. It's a great way to get some direction (from the instructor) as well as play with your new toy. Reading up is pretty good however it's best if you just get out there and start playing with your camera and see what all the different settings do.
 
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Sirolway said:
+1
I've heard this book praised to the skies by people I respect. Not read it, but it's definitely on my shopping list, along with

Available Light
Click to expand...

Phrasikleia said:
Excellent book. You could do a lot worse than to start with that one. I agree with fitshaced that your first move ought to be learning the fundamentals of exposure: how the variables of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO can be combined for different results. That book does a terrific job of explaining and illustrating these fundamentals.
Click to expand...

A great BIG yes to getting Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. He does a great job in simplifying things. Just get it and read it, it'll make a huge difference, IMO.
 
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Eggtastic said:
title says it all. got the best buy deal back in december. (did not get the zoom lens, big mistake but i can always buy it later).

anyway, anyone recommend any books, youtube videos, websites, etc? I am just starting out, i would like to expand my knowledge and eventually be able to learn a photo edit software (aperture?).
Click to expand...

A lot depends on how you learn best. Nikon does what's reported to be a good 1 or 2 day course around the US. Many community colleges offer good photography courses, and camera shops will often have a course or two. Book-wise, I'd suggest going to your local library and checking out the photography section.

Paul
 
thank you for your replies. i will take all into consideration. as for the "just mess around" aspect, i totally agree but i have done that already and am ready to make the next move lol.

thanks again.
 
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