Had to backorder it from Amazon, but because you buy the paperback - you get the Kindle version for only 3 bucks. So I ordered that too -- always have it with me on my smartphone. Thanks

Thanks for that.

I usually remember to get my manuals online - not sure why I didn't think of it this time. :roll:

I just downloaded it and will spend sometime today perusing it to see how it is structured. Like others have suggested, I am not going to dive into it too deeply, especially not having the camera yet.

I thank everyone for the great inputs. While I may not respond to each post, trust me, I am reading them and will follow the advice.

I watched this video yesterday -- found it to be pretty informative.

Are any of you familiar with this guy's videos?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cr1Zj76Inh4

If I find I do not like the free youtube videos that abound, I will spend the $38 bucks for the Michael Andrew course.
Thanks for the link.

Just played with Camera Sim -- I can see where it will help, especially using it often. Thks

Now THAT is good advice!

Thanks -- I will do so. I usually find however that owner's manuals are not structured well for learning. They may have all the information within, but do not take you through a logical learning process.

I will definitely check out the reviewers you mentioned -- in fact, I will do that now.
:)

As I said in the Introduction forum, I am brand new to DSLR (or SLR). As a retired EE, I hope I am smart enough to pick up on all the various techniques in perfecting pictures if I work at it. I realize that I'm going to have to use the camera on a regular and frequent basis (even if I have no real need for taking a picture) in order for it all to become second nature. That will be my goal -- to get to a point where I can zip through the menu settings for different types of pictures without any struggle.

I have another week to go before receiving the new camera. Right now I am watching the youtube tutorials. I was lucky in that the first one I watched happened to put cameras into the perspective of involving only three main areas -- shutter speed, aperture openings, and ISO sensitivities, and that adjustments to one of those will result in the need for changes to the other two. Keeping that always conscious in my mind will help the learning process.

All of the tutorials start off with simple stuff but quickly move into the "unknown". I am finding that it would be a LOT easier if I had the camera in hand while watching the tutorials.

One thing I have read: my new camera (Nikon 5300) is not the most user friendly on the manual settings. Extra steps involved with buttons and scrolls vs say a Canon. Plus there is no touch-screen ability. Because of this, I did something that may seem ridiculous -- I bought the red version of the camera, thinking that the black buttons and controls will stand out and be easier to locate quickly. Time will tell if there is a method to my madness.

I bought one of these packages that has a lot of peripheral stuff -- things like an external flash, a tripod, remote control, etc. Learning to use a flash properly is another whole topic by itself. I know from using my old point-and-shoot camera that I never was able to take any good pictures with a flash.

Any tips on how to learn would be greatly welcomed. Thanks for listening to my ramble.
DB

I am purchasing a Nikon D5300 pkg with two lenses VRII 18-55, and VR 55-300.

I take all kinds of photos from scenic to family to hobbies to macro shots of things like watches. I tour on my Goldwing motorcycle. Been to every state in NA (including Alaska where I took a couple thousand pics) except for Florida. Having lived there for 7 years, I just haven't found a good reason yet to go back.

Total novice with good cameras, but I know I am discerning enough that I am not satisfied with the pictures my current camera takes.

Moving up to DSLR from point & shoot. So have patience with me with my newbie questions. :)