dborengasser

What is a good way to learn to fully use all the features of a "real" camera? I bought a used Canon D60 and a Tamron 18-270 mm lens. I'm OK with the automatic features (turning the top left knob CCW (counter clock wise) from "fully automatic, but clockwise features are a mystery.

I'm not good at learning from the manual, or other books. I have trouble following Utubes/video tutorials. I have learned other things when I have a knowledgeable person with me to ask questions.I am considering visiting a camera club, and looking for an introductory course at a local college or Leisure Learning course. I live in the north suburbs of Houston.

Thanks, David B

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Check out camera clubs. People are great and willing to help.Have fun.
http://houstoncameraclub.org/

http://www.bayareaphotoclub.org/

http://woodlandsphoto.org/

Flyerace Loc: Mt Pleasant, WI

A campus of the University of Wisconsin offered a few classes in digital photography. The first thing they cover is how to use the features. Then they work on composition and then post processing (Microsoft Elements). I found something new in each class. Check it out. They are usually just a few week long courses at night. Worth looking into.

There should be something offered in the Houston area. I have found the following. Good luck.

https://everydayphotoclass.com/

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Your second paragraph stating you are not good at learning from manuals, and that You Tube Videos don't work for you either. Sometimes, on this forum, when members have a problem with something regarding their camera, they will provide a page number to the manual. I go on You Tube for reviews on cameras and tutoring. And I find them beneficial. Perhaps you need one on one tutoring consistently? I will see what others have to say.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

David, welcome to the Hog!
As has been said, you may look for a local club, but even then, getting individual instruction on actually using the camera may not be so easy. I take it if your name is David, you're not a really cute young woman, or help would be a cinch!!! LoL
You might also check with your local community services depts at both the local junior colleges and the city and see if there is an introduction to digi photo where they start with basic camera operation.
Possibly call the camera stores in your area, often they have classes for people that just bought cameras.
David, again, welcome and good luck!!!
SS

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

The community college route sounds best for you.
But their are books written on "how to" with a particular model of camera. They are not manuals as such and written by photographers as opposed to factory engineers.

Here is a quick guide from a major camera store written when your 60D was a new model: http://www.adorama.com/alc/canon-eos-60d-enthusiast-dslr-guided-tour

A good book on the camera: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=David+Busch%27s+Canon+EOS+60D+Guide+to+Digital+SLR+Photography&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3ADavid+Busch%27s+Canon+EOS+60D+Guide+to+Digital+SLR+Photography

Barnes and Noble has a used field guide version (spiral bound) from one of their associates for $4.59
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/david-buschs-compact-field-guide-for-the-canon-eos-60d-david-d-busch/1100226711?ean=9781435459960

A good guide to digital photography in general is by Tony Northrup and in the e-book version Amazon or B&N is about $10 with links to videos. Tony has a bit less techie way of teaching than most. I have it in paper and e-book and use it like a reference book. "Tony Northrup's DSLR Book: How to Create Stunning Digital Photography"

Too bad you aren't a cute female, it does get a lot of help. My daughter joined UCLA's photo club and had a lot of nerds, geeks, techies etc (some of whom could design and build a digital camera) teaching her. She came home and was shocked I didn't do "All manual, all the time" "But Dad, you used to teach photography didn't you?"

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Learn one thing at a time. From what you said in your post, do you have a learning disability of some type? If you can't turn dials clockwise, can you turn them right and left? You'll need to be able to do so to be able to shoot in modes other than fully automatic. Turning dials will allow you to select shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. To understand how these three things work together, you need to understand the "exposure triangle." If you have somebody who knows about cameras, I would ask him or her to explain the exposure triangle to you. Once you understand that you will be ready to use the other shooting modes of your camera.

Leitz Loc: Solms

Unless you can find a camera with no more than one moving part, you're probably out of luck.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

I don't believe that is true, but he will need to find somebody who can take the time to explain the basics to him.

twinhearts Loc: Southwestern Michigan

When I first got my camera, I chose a stationary object, put it on a table, put the camera on a tripod a certain distance away and switched to manual. I first took pics adjusting aperture, taking notes on each one. Then I moved on to shutter speed and ISO. After a while, I came to understand the settings better and how changing one would effect the others. If I had a question at the time, I would do a search here and on Google.
Like you, I learn better hands on, rather than reading. Since I had no one to help me (no time for camera clubs, or money to mount photos for them every month) I found this approach helpful.

Leitz Loc: Solms

If he gets angry (determined) enough, he may be surprised at how quickly he can learn.

photobanger Loc: Hanover MA & Naples FL

Take a look at DIP-SIG web site, Camera club in Naples FL. Monthly meeting video taped for you to take a look at. Wealth of Info.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

The neat thing about digital is that you can see your result right away. So, start experimenting with different settings without changing a whole lot. For example, go the the A first, that's aperture priority, you set the f stop, 2.8, 4, 5.6 etc. the camera then picks the shutter stop for you, use iso 200 and shoot outside, watch what happens at the different settings. Then move on the S, shutter priority.
I WOULD ALSO RECOMMEND TAKING A CLASS OR HIRING A TUTOR FOR A DAY OF SHOOTING.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Basically, you don't. : )

You started with Auto, so now try Aperture (or whatever Canon calls it). Play around with different openings and see how that changes shutter speed (Tv?) and depth of field. Then shoot in shutter priority for a while. Just take your time, and don't think you have to know all about every control on the camera. Some good articles linked below.

https://www.google.com/search?q=canon+d60+settings&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS716US717&oq=canon+d60+settings&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.4527j0j9&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

GLKTN Loc: TN

I am new to this as well. I would start out in manual mode and learn how the exposure triangle works. in a room with good light and a tripod if you have one, put ISO in auto. Av affects depth of field. Set an object on a table or stool and go through the aperture settings, set camera settings according to the camera reading and see what h as ppens to the background. Next focus on a ceiling fan in TV and go through the shutter speed settings to see the changes of the rotating blades. Set the camera settings according to the meter reading. Note how Av and TV move opposite to each other. Then put ISO in manual, gothrough those settings and see how changing Av other TV will set the correct exposure according to the camera meter. Practice practice practice.