New camera, I have a lot to learn!!!

[LowCel]

I just purchased my first DSLR and so far I have only learned one thing. I have a lot to learn. Apparently you can't just puchase a camera and then take amazing pictures.

The camera is a Canon Rebel XS. Any and all tips are welcome.

 

[rallysman]

DSLR cameras are actually more difficult to get great pictures with because they're more precise and therefore less forgiving.
You've got a good platform, and the best way to learn how to get better pictures is to understand what each function does and how it effects all of the others. The most important are shutter speed, ISO, and aperture. If you learn what each does and how it effects the others you'll get great pictures.

Other than understanding the technical side, practice and a good eye are the best way to get great picture. It wont hurt to study basic composition an learn how the eye "sees" the picture either.

 

[swede]

IME, the best way to get good pictures with a camera is take some time to take many practice shots. play with the settings. play with the lighting and movement and all that stuff. all cameras are different, and so are preferences. so the best thing to do is figure out your favorite settings for each kind of photo. learn as much as you can from practice how to adjust them and you will be very pleased with your results

 

[LowCel]

Thank you, it's nice to know that I have a lot of work ahead of me in order to get some decent shots. I think my first step is going to be to actually open up the owners manual.

I almost purchased the XS-i but I really don't think it would be worth the extra money for me. I'm hoping that I made the right decision. I purchased this camera for $522 plus tax. The XS-i was $799. In my mind I would be better off using that money towards another flash or another lens. I am completely ignorant when it comes to this though. It was kind of an impulse buy. I talked to some friends that have been using either this camera or the XT-i and they all love them so I trusted them on it. Also, I have 30 days to return it to Wally-World if I decide that it may not be the right camera for me.

Here are a couple pictures I just took of the tank. No tank lights were on, just a room light and the flash.

 

[LowCel]

Alrighty, I'm going to open up the owner's manual. I figure I should be an expert and know everything there is to know about photography in about 15 - 20 minutes.

 

[buddha1200]

that blackbelt is beautiful(just got mine wed)and he is abit of a bully,as far as the camera put it on auto the play with one setting at a time(for example when it is on auto just change the iso take picture and see how it looks,then change the iso back and change the apeture and take a pic see how it looks that way you can learn what each setting does to a photo)

 

[LowCel]

that blackbelt is beautiful(just got mine wed)and he is abit of a bully,as far as the camera put it on auto the play with one setting at a time(for example when it is on auto just change the iso take picture and see how it looks,then change the iso back and change the apeture and take a pic see how it looks that way you can learn what each setting does to a photo)

Thanks for the advice. I am going to look for a photography for dummies in the near future. I'm probably going to look for a photoshop for dummies as well. I've been using photobucket for years but all I know how to do with it is auto levels and resize.

Also, the cichlid pictured above is a Vieja zonatum. I haven't had a chance to take any pictures of my black belt with this camera yet.

 

[LowCel]

I just went outside and took a few pictures around the house. I have already figured out that this is going to end up costing me some money.

 

[Chaitika]

Good start!

 

[akskirmish]

Good start on things-
The camera you bought is a great camera and a step up from what I actually use....

Listen to Rally's words-Wise man he is.....

You above outside pics look good-I can't read you exif Info-Did you use flash for your outside shots?...

You fish shots-Stay away from that on board flash.....Try your hand with your tank lights on and room lights off and adjust setting accordingly-Might need to gather more lighting to toss above your tank....