Vhopkins25 Loc: Michigan

Now that I am getting used to posting, I thought I would ask for some advice for beginners. What would be your advice for someone who just bought their first DSLR and has no clue how to use it (me).... I am reading the manual, of course... Playing with the camera, and mastered my old camera but I find it all a bit overwhelming. Anyone have any great videos that can help those who are just beginning? I have a Sony a230, if that helps at all.

Thanks in advance!

EstherP

I am not familiar with your camera, and while there are huge differences in the way cameras are set up, in the end it comes down to three things to have that "box" record the images you want: Exposure, Aperture and ISO.
That is: how long your lens is open to take the picture, how wide it is open, and the sensitivy of the recording medium, for dSLR's this is the sensor.
So, my first bit of advice would be to get to understand this "exposure triangle" well.

Reading through the manual cover-to-cover doesn't make a lot of sense, it is too overwhelming.
The way I got to know my camera, was

1. to flip through the manual till I saw something that caught my interest, then I read that, grabbed the camera and tried it out. (I'm sure that our tv and mantle piece are the most photographed items in town, as they are right across from the couch where I usually sit ;-) )
2. when I heard or read about something I wanted to try, I went to look that up in the manual and then tried it out.

For finding things, I would also suggest you download the digital version of your camera's manual. It will likely be available in pdf-format and when you open it on your computer you can search for individual words (Ctrl + F, then type in the word).
http://www.sony.jp/ichigan/manual_english/A230_manual.pdf

Just this bit ought to keep you busy and out of mischief for a while, but anytime you have questions, please post!
I'm looking forward to seeing some of your photos in the Gallery!
EstherP

Vhopkins25 Loc: Michigan

Well thanks so much!! That is a terrific start. I am familiar with the triangle but only because I had those options on my other camera. However, no idea how to even get there on this one. That is my first goal

I definitely agree with reading, then trying things out!
Love that approach. Thank you and I am sure I will be sharing some images soon enough! Thank you for your time

EstherP

Have a look at these pages in the manual: 36, 58, 61, 65, 82 (search words: exposure, aperture, ISO).
I'll leave it to you to search for focus ;-)

Another suggestion: when looking at the manual, keep a pen and some notepaper handy! If you see something you want to try later, you'll never remember it if you don't write it down!

EstherP

Vhopkins25 Loc: Michigan

I downloaded the PDF on my kindle! Thank you for that suggestion. I am a little less intimidated now that I have a starting point.

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

A great way to learn about your new camera is go to your local book store and buy a book about the Sony a230. A book about your particular camera will tell you more about it than a user manual.

Ziza Loc: USA

I highly recommend this one by David Busch.

http://www.amazon.com/David-Buschs-DSLR-A380-Digital-Photography/dp/1435455096/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1368040301&sr=1-1&keywords=David+Busch%E2%80%99s+Sony%C2%AE+%CE%B1+DSLR-A380%2FA330%2FA230%3A+Guide+to+Digital+SLR+Photography

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

The best way to learn is throw away everything except the manual, leave that at home and get out and take photographs

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

My first advice would be to cut up all your credit cards and leave your checkbook at home! Seriously. I bought my first DSLR with 2 kit lenses less than a year ago for about $700. Seemed like every time I saw a new (to me) technique, it required another gadget, and within a couple of months, I had a $3000 outfit. It's what's called new aquisition syndrome here at UHH. And some of that stuff I almost never use. Get good with what you have, give some (a lot) of thought to what you want to shoot, and only then start accessorizing.

Ruthiel Loc: Las Vegas

I got a David Busch book for my D600 , I highly recommend anything he writes. He will introduce you to all the bells and whistles with nice big pictures of what he is talking about.

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

Don't try to read the manual...just read the bits you need at the moment to do what you want to do...there is no way you will ever learn the whole thing anyway...if you need "Shutter Priority", look that up and learn that, etc, etc...this way it's not so intimidating...eventually by using your camera you will become quite conversant with it...

pappy0352 Loc: Oregon

Best advice on the thread.

Pappy

olcoach Loc: Oregon

Hi, You might want to invest in Busch's book called "Understanding Aperture" as it tells you the basics of photography in an understandable and fairly fun format.There are a ton of books out there but a specific one for your camera and my recommendation should give you all the info you'll need to take great shots while also keeping you plenty busy. Have fun and keep shootin'. Mike