Too much camera for newbie?
Jul 16, 2019 12:00:34 #
I can sympathise. I found my DSLR a bit intimidating when I moved up from point-and-shoots. The trick is to ignore the stuff you don't need and identify the stuff you do need. Yes, you can start off in Auto (with my D5200, "Auto" is written in green above a green icon of a camera. A stands for Aperture priority and is part of the PASM mode options). Auto will help you to feel more at ease with your camera, but you don't want to spend too long with it and you don't want to become dependent on it.
As others have noted, you can choose your level of complexity. After Auto you should work your way through the exposure triangle variables one at a time. "A" mode is good for learning about aperture and depth of field, S mode is good for learning about shutter speed. You can learn about ISO as you go, and once you understand all three exposure triangle variables you'll be ready to move to M mode (manual, where you control all three variables - not as daunting as it sounds).
As others have noted, you can choose your level of complexity. After Auto you should work your way through the exposure triangle variables one at a time. "A" mode is good for learning about aperture and depth of field, S mode is good for learning about shutter speed. You can learn about ISO as you go, and once you understand all three exposure triangle variables you'll be ready to move to M mode (manual, where you control all three variables - not as daunting as it sounds).
Jul 16, 2019 15:09:09 #
You are only in over your head because everything is brand new to you including every button, setting, etc. Think back to first day driving, a new job, big projects, etc. All overwhelming at first until you get experience, same with a camera upgrade.
My suggestion is keep the camera - it is a great middle-level that delivers superior results for the price. (I just sold mine to upgrade). As others suggested, plenty of videos, Busch's book if needed, auto settings to start, then just plain old-fashion practice.
My suggestion is keep the camera - it is a great middle-level that delivers superior results for the price. (I just sold mine to upgrade). As others suggested, plenty of videos, Busch's book if needed, auto settings to start, then just plain old-fashion practice.
Jul 16, 2019 15:36:02 #
trapper1 wrote:
I wanted to upgrade from my Canon point and shoot ... (show quote)
It would be too much camera for you only if you are going to give up photography in a year or so or if you spent too much that you really can't afford it. Otherwise it's never too much. Granted you never use all the features of any given camera because some of the features are simply useless to you. If you can figure out how to use a point and shoot you can certainly figure out how to use the D5600. If anything it would be easier to use than the point and shoot as well as the D3500.
Jul 16, 2019 15:40:27 #
I don't think there's much difference between the d3500 and the d5600 except the d5600 is bigger, heavier and costs more. I don't think there's much difference in the number of options or learning curve for either camera. I think all modern cameras, even bridge cameras and point and shoots have have a ton of capabilities and options. But they all have auto modes where all you need to do is point the camera and press the shutter.. As you get to understand how to use the iso, shutter, and aperture settings manually, you will broaden your abilities and the broaden the types of shots you can take. Even my Lumix FZ80 bridge camera has about 50 or 60 separate menu controls. If you are mainly interested in macro shots I don't think the results would be any different with either camera.
Jul 16, 2019 20:54:36 #
To start, just put it on auto and concentrate on composition. That means pics you like to look at. You can play with the buttons a bit at a time.
Like the other guys said, baby steps.
Like the other guys said, baby steps.
Jul 16, 2019 22:06:55 #
trapper1 wrote:
I wanted to upgrade from my Canon point and shoot ... (show quote)
First, I shoot Canon but that doesn't really matter here. What matters is what you are capable of now and will be in the future. Please don't return the camera. Take your time with it. Play with it. You will soon see that you and the camera will be one. Start low(AUTO) and go slow (perhaps each setting every week or month). Then you will feel great with it in your hand. Then you can show us your work and we all will love it.
Happy Shooting!
Jul 17, 2019 02:33:24 #
trapper1 wrote:
I wanted to upgrade from my Canon point and shoot ... (show quote)
No worries.
Just put everything on auto for the moment and enjoy shooting. Learn the other buttons/setting on your time, one by one and you'd be well on your way.
Jul 17, 2019 05:48:12 #
You will grow into it fast enough . Download the manual to your tablet and you can read it without pages . Your biggest asset is going to YouTube which will visually show you how to set it up , the videos will show you every aspect of your camera , keep your camera in your lap and go along with it.
Jul 17, 2019 06:00:38 #
trapper1 wrote:
I wanted to upgrade from my Canon point and shoot ... (show quote)
The one advantage is that as you become more proficient, you have the bells etc to advance into.
You can experiment along the way. If you didn't have it you'd never know. Go for it.
Jul 17, 2019 06:13:42 #
Bobspez wrote:
I don't think there's much difference between the d3500 and the d5600 except the d5600 is bigger, heavier and costs more. I don't think there's much difference in the number of options or learning curve for either camera.
I've had the predecessor of both units. D3300 & D5300. Between the two, only the D5300 can be set up so that the exposure triangle be adjusted directly with buttons and turn switch combination. It also has a swivel screen. If the same function is carried over, those would be their main difference aside from the D3300 having the guide option that can actually teach the user the function and effect of the settings.
Jul 17, 2019 06:22:56 #
Keep the D5600! It can do something the D3500 can never do, fully articulated screen! That screen was the deal maker for the D5XXX series for me. Especially for macro of hard-to-get-to subjects, the screen can help you get the shot you want without crawling on the wet grass, mud, or creek. Just put it in "live view" mode, and adjust the screen where you want it.
Jul 17, 2019 06:30:34 #
The Nikon manuals are almost unintelligible and do not provide positive tips on how to actually make best use of the camera. I know how you feel , I was in exactly the same position .
Start with the book "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson . ~Get the hard copy book , lots of photos in it . That kick started me .
Then get a third party manual for your camera , maybe David Busch.
I found the learning curve very steep at the beginning, maybe that's because I am a bit slow, but eventually it all makes sense, particularly if you speak Japanese.
Macro photography : You can buy Macro lenses that allow you to focus closely but these are pricey . You can get the same effect by using extension tubes by someone like Kenko. Much cheaper . Search Youtube for extension tubes and have a look for Matt Granger and the Kenko videos. Best to get the tubes that allow you to maintain autofocus.
Maybe also look at the stuff by Chris Bray on Youtube. Great tutorial on composition .
Good luck with your new camera
Start with the book "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson . ~Get the hard copy book , lots of photos in it . That kick started me .
Then get a third party manual for your camera , maybe David Busch.
I found the learning curve very steep at the beginning, maybe that's because I am a bit slow, but eventually it all makes sense, particularly if you speak Japanese.
Macro photography : You can buy Macro lenses that allow you to focus closely but these are pricey . You can get the same effect by using extension tubes by someone like Kenko. Much cheaper . Search Youtube for extension tubes and have a look for Matt Granger and the Kenko videos. Best to get the tubes that allow you to maintain autofocus.
Maybe also look at the stuff by Chris Bray on Youtube. Great tutorial on composition .
Good luck with your new camera
Jul 17, 2019 06:39:51 #
Khick
Loc: Binghamton, NY
I have a 5200 and a 5300. Love both of them. Here's what I've done for ease of use. Set it on scene mode and put it in live view, then turn the dial in the back as you have it focused on a subject. You'll see the subject composure change. When it looks right to your eye, take note of the settings as you take pictures. Once you've done that for a bit chose one of the other settings (A, P, S, M) and start stretching your skill. And enjoy your camera!
Jul 17, 2019 06:47:20 #
steve49
Loc: massachusetts
Learn one new thing each time you go out.
it can be a point and shoot but much more.
it can be a point and shoot but much more.
Jul 17, 2019 06:59:19 #
Keep the camera. In a very short time, you will question your thoughts about letting it go.
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