My New Camera! What do I do now?

[duchess1576]

Okay.

After years and years of using cheap 35mm cameras, and then my only digital camera was taking still shots with my camcorder that took a whopping 2/3 MP photos, I FINALLY bought a GOOD camera. Check it out:

http://www.staples.com/Catalog/Browse/SKU.asp?PageType=1&SKU=580939

It's the Sony CyberShot DSC-P150

I haven't really played around too much with it. It kind of intimidates me a little. I'm scared that I'm not gonna take advantage of all the great features it has and be disappointed in my photos and give up and cry. I looked over the instruction book, but it doesn't really tell me a whole lot.

Does anyone have this camera or knowledge of this camera that can train me? For instance, what settings would be best to take fireworks pictures? Also, I'm a little disappointed in the zoom, is there something I'm doing wrong? This is considered a GOOD camera, right?

Help!

 

[PhotoDave219]

Good is a relative term. It all depends on your desired results and what youre intending on using it for. Shots of Mickey and the kids, that works. Pretty flowers, youbetcha. Sports or Fireworks, not a chance.

If you have an extra $20 dollars to spend, try picking up what is far and away the best 'beginner' photography book out there, called "The National Geographic Field Guide to Photography".

The best way to figure out your camera is to just play around with it. Its a point and shoot, that flash on it isnt going to go more than 10-20 feet or so.

As for fireworks, i still reitterate.... (look at my avatar if you dont believe me) The best fireworks shots still come from an SLR/DSLR camera shot on a tripod, with a shutter release, shot with the bulb feaure at 100-200 ISO at F8-F9 (sometimes for longer digital shots, F-11 or F16 so the hiughlights arent blown out as much). Just compose the shot, open the shutter, wait for 2-3 bursts and let the shutter close.

 

[barnum42]

If you have an extra $20 dollars to spend, try picking up what is far and away the best 'beginner' photography book out there, called "The National Geographic Field Guide to Photography"

Don't think anyone can better that advice for now.

 

[wannab@dis]

If you have an extra $20 dollars to spend, try picking up what is far and away the best 'beginner' photography book out there, called "The National Geographic Field Guide to Photography".

I took Dave's advice and got that book a few months ago. It's a great book to learn the basics. But more than anything, practice is that only way you will learn from your mistakes. That's where a digital camera is wonderful. It's easy to see the shot immediately and figure out how different settings will give better results.

 

[mrtoad]

I have a Sony DSC-V3 and agree the manuals are lacking. Your camera did get very good reviews but as Dave said it is more of a point and shoot. That is not a bad thing, I gave up my DSLR and got a high end prosumer camera because the DSLR was too big for me to carry around. I did take a step back that is for sure but a camera only takes good shots if you take it with you. :animwink:

Enjoy your camera. If you know it's limitations you will not be dissapointed. You can definitly take some excellent shots with it, as long as they are within in the camera's ability and you know what you are looking to do.

Mike

 

[PhotoDave219]

manual exposure, manual exposure, manual exposure.
mess around with your aperture and shutter speed to really learn this camera. for composition, that national geographic guide should teach you great techniques, but playing around and experimentation are the best ways to learn.

...just dont put it in the way of a closing car hood...
[visits grave of parents' old camera]

Can i have a link to your gallery? I'd love to see your work.