New to the DSLR world: Happy in California and trying to educate myself on using a camera. Now don't laugh, but I have never had a "real" camera and everything is foreign to me. I got...

pooralice Loc: merced, ca

Happy in California and trying to educate myself on using a camera. Now don't laugh, but I have never had a "real" camera and everything is foreign to me. I got a used Nikon 3100D and, I think, it is working just fine and it came with the 2 standard lenses. Would someone explain what the lenses are suppose to do. I put one on and it is not much different than a point and shot; the two lenses look the same to me. (18-55 and 55-200)
poor alice

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Welcome to UHH

creativ simon Loc: Coulsdon, South London

Welcome and enjoy

Bigdee Loc: Southern California

Welcome to the Ugly Hedgehog

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Hi Alice and welcome!! The first lens as a number on it too. Let me know what it is. The 18-55 is for getting shots of things that are close to you. It has a wide view at 18 and will be good for family shots and things around the yard. The 55-200 is good to make things farther away, look closer. Good for wild life and also a good lens for around the yard. They are both zooms. You just twist the body and they will go in and out to help you frame your shots.
Erv

pooralice wrote:

Happy in California and trying to educate myself on using a camera. Now don't laugh, but I have never had a "real" camera and everything is foreign to me. I got a used Nikon 3100D and, I think, it is working just fine and it came with the 2 standard lenses. Would someone explain what the lenses are suppose to do. I put one on and it is not much different than a point and shot; the two lenses look the same to me. (18-55 and 55-200)
poor alice

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

Hello and welcome!!!

pooralice Loc: merced, ca

thanks, going in to the yard and see if I can see the difference in the two lenses. poor alice

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

If you need more help Alice, feel free to PM me or use my email. It is down in my by-line. Just don't get in a hurry to make great shots. It will take you a while to get to know the camera.
Erv

pooralice wrote:

thanks, going in to the yard and see if I can see the difference in the two lenses. poor alice

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Welcome to UHH pooralice. Erv put you on the right path. You should be able to tell the difference between the two lens you mentioned. Keep on with this hobby and you will know the true meaning of "POOR" Alice. Enjoy and learn from this forum.
Don

bcheary Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Welcome aboard

pooralice Loc: merced, ca

well, since I am really busy with the alpacas, I am only going to educate myself on the 18-55 lens. Let you know how that goes. Poor Alice

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Cool Alpacas! What do you do with those. And they have to make great picture ops!:):) Two things you can try first with your camera Alice. Put it in The auto mode or the P mode and take a few shots of different things and at different zooms. Then you can get an idea of what the settings the camera wanted to use. In P mode you can over ride it and do your settings to make it better.
Erv

pooralice wrote:

well, since I am really busy with the alpacas, I am only going to educate myself on the 18-55 lens. Let you know how that goes. Poor Alice

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

Welcome to UHH and digital photography (DSLR) As you are in CA I suggest you do an online search for a local camera club that is affiliated with the N4C - they are groups who meet in person 2 times a month and will help you considerably - the one I belonged to for years is -Diablo Valley Camera Club - in Martinez,CA
I joined them in '92 when I purchased my first film SLR and in 2000 I bought my first P&S digital.

Harvey in the Sierras

pooralice wrote:

Happy in California and trying to educate myself on using a camera. Now don't laugh, but I have never had a "real" camera and everything is foreign to me. I got a used Nikon 3100D and, I think, it is working just fine and it came with the 2 standard lenses. Would someone explain what the lenses are suppose to do. I put one on and it is not much different than a point and shot; the two lenses look the same to me. (18-55 and 55-200)
poor alice