burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

There are point-and-shoot devices, such as smartphones and pocket cameras, and then there are complicated cameras.

ALL adjustable cameras and interchangeable lens cameras have lots of controls and options. But you can set them on Auto, or intelligent Auto, or intelligent Auto +, or Program mode, and not have to think much.

CAMERAS do not make photographs. PHOTOGRAPHERS do. A camera is just a tool. It's not what you have that makes the most difference... It's what you KNOW, what you've EXPERIENCED, and HOW you use it that counts!

Whatever skill you possess in life, you didn't come by it in a day, week, or month. It took time to study, practice, make mistakes, and try again, until you got it right most of the time. Photography (REAL photography) is not different.

What will accelerate your growth and learning is structure and principles. If you start with WHY, the what, when, where, and how will follow more naturally.

Read The *Fine* Manual and it will explain WHAT the controls do and HOW to use them. To learn why, when, and where, you need a different source. You can't scratch through the brick wall of knowledge without a little (mental) pain.

*Understanding Exposure,* by Bryan Peterson, is a good book to start with.

*Stunning Digital Photography,* by Tony Northrup, is helpful. However, don't drink the Northrup's cool aid (pun, not brand name) without question. When they get opinionated, they mislead. Stick to their "how to" stuff, like this video on your camera:

https://youtu.be/Sjym7d0K9qY

Concentrate on learning and understanding:

> Principles of exposure

> Light (color temperature, specularity, intensity, spectral continuity, and how to control it)

> Focal length and its effect on field of view

> Camera-to-subject distance and its effect on perspective

> Depth of field and its relationships to distance, focal length, focal point, and aperture

> Shutter speeds and their effects on motion and light

> Apertures and their effects on depth of field, light, and lens performance

> ISO and its effects on sensitivity vs dynamic range, color depth, and noise, plus its relationships to the volume of available light, desired action stopping ability, and desired depth of field

> The inverse/square law (radiation — light — dissipates as the INVERSE of the square of the distance to the subject)

Beyond those PHYSICAL and TECHNICAL aspects of photography, you should also learn about the communicative and artistic principles of photography:

> Composition principles and techniques

> Timing the moment of exposure for editorial purposes, or capturing peak action, or capturing peak expression, or freezing whatever moment that represents the story you want to tell.

Of course, there's a world of opportunity beyond all that. Photography is a HUGE field of applications.

Don't let ANY of this intimidate you. Take things one at a time. Read, then try, then evaluate, then try again. It's digital, so making mistakes is free after you pay for the equipment. There isn't any film, paper, chemistry, or other supply involved unless you print something.

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

Of course you are assuming he wants to spend that much time and effort in the first place. Right now it appears to him to be a daunting effort.

agillot

you would probably get same result with a D3500 , for basic photo , or almost basic . you could buy a trip to Paris with the money saved !

nikonnate Loc: Woodbury MN

I admit I only read through the first page of replies to this, but because it strikes home, I'm jumping in now:

Don't give up on it, take your time, and grow in to your camera. There's a reason you got it instead of another point-n-shoot. Find out those reasons and accept that there's a learning curve.

FWIW, a few years ago I started with a Canon T5i, not terribly different from your 5600. Once I got comfortable with the basics of photography, I learned where the limits of the T5i were and since I wanted to do things it couldn't, I sold it and put the funds toward a better body. Unfortunately, I held on to my 100mm macro and when it was stolen I had nothing really holding me to the Canon line. I had a 5DmIV in mind as my replacement, but given the capabilities of a D850 for basically the same price I opted to move over to Nikon.

I knew the basics but learning a new camera, new format (full vs crop), and such took a good amount of time. I'm comfortable with it now but know I still have a long way to go before I reach its limits. If I ever do. And that's cool.

Peteso Loc: Blacks Hills

The slope of the learning curve will flatten out once you understand the basics, including the interrelationship between shutter speeds, f-stops, and ISO values. It’s not complicated and if you stick with it, you’ll have an ah-ha moment. There’s a good book called Understanding Exposure by Brian Peterson that starts with the basics, which might be worth a read. Hope this helps…

A. T.

I totally agree with the gentleman who said, "don't give up yet". I purchased my first DSLR (D3500) just under a year ago and within 3 months upgraded to a D500 and 4 months later, a D850. Make Youtube your best friend and get out there and take some damn photos.

Mama Bear984 Loc: Langley, BC Canada

I felt that way too when I was starting out. I moved from a simple point & shoot to the Nikon 7100. I was lost for a while. But I put everything in auto & started there. Then I took a really good local course & things opened up from there. I’ve long since left them behind & moved on to Fuji, long lens for wildlife, travel & general enjoyment now. Hang in there. If you want to into macro you will be disappointed if you go backwards to a lower Nikon. They won’t be what you want to do.

Harry0 Loc: Gardena, Cal

What everybody else said ...
IF you trade "down" now to a 3500, you're not gaining anything. It's mostly the same camera, with a simpler interface. And staying on UHH you'll trade back up in a year or so.
Trading "up" to a 7500 won't give you more of anything you can see.

The camera you have is a very good camera. Better than you think it is.
If you don't break it, it'll serve you well for the next 5 to 10 years.
Everything you learn on this camera is portable- you could pick up my 7100 or that guy's 850 and work.
WHATever you have, goto Youtube, search "~camera~ tutorial" and Be Amazed!
Strart here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SO_v2NPc6Y
Get the free copy of "4kdownloader", and you can keep the keepers.


And it all come down to the basics. I can email you and talk to you on how to play a piano.
If you're fingers ain't spending time playing music, you ain't learning.
Learn a button or a setting, go outside, take 100 pictures. Experiment.
Lear WHY the Aperture/Shutter/ISO relationship is important.
Aperture? Set it to 2, then 11. Take a lot of pictures at each setting, move the focus back and forth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdxKl5np9KE
Etc. EVERYthing is a lot. ONE thing is easy. Learn ONE thing at a time.
If you REALLY think it's too much, I have a barely used 3200 I'll trade you for.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Fear not!

Everyone who first picks up a DSLR is faced with the same confusion and doubts as you. Yet, somehow most of them survive! Many even go on to enjoy using their new camera and making great images with it!

Honestly, a D3500 ain't gonna be all that much different from a D5600. Both cameras have essentially the same controls and capabilities.... And thus a similar "learning curve".

Your camera has an "Auto" setting that will make it behave much like the point n shoot you had before. That's really more like a "Super Auto" settings, since the camera will decide almost everything for you. There are also a bunch of "Scene Modes", which are similarly highly automated but are a bit more tailored for specific types of photos. Use those for a while until you gradually learn about the camera and overcome the intimidation of the more "advanced" modes.

The user manual can help (I don't know how complete a manual comes with Nikon these days... you might see if there's a downloadable version of it that's more detailed available on Nikon's website).

A couple books might help, too, so head over to Amazon and place an order for them. First, look for a "guide book" specifically for the D5600. This type of book is helpful expanding upon what's in the user manual, often putting things in more "real world" terms. Next, pick up a copy of Bryan Peterson's "Understanding Exposure", which is a great overview of how all DSLRs work. It's more advanced stuff, but things you'll eventually likely want to know if you are seeking to make better images (the "automation" can only do so much... leaves getting "great shots" more up to chance than to skill).

Take your time. Don't panic. Learn a little at a time and wean yourself off the automation when you feel ready. But use it in the meantime to enjoy your camera.

Lenses are actually more important than the camera they are used upon. I don't know what you got with the camera, but chances are it's got limited close up capabilities (many zooms are marked "macro", although they actually don't come anywhere close to those levels of magnification).

With macro photography being your goal, if you didn't already get one, start thinking about adding a good macro lens to your kit. There are a number of those available... I'd recommend something in the 90, 100, 105mm range of focal lengths as good, general purpose macro. There are shorter focal lengths, but they put you pretty close to the subject... might be okay for inanimate objects (coins and stamps, for example), but not for live critters that are shy... or that bite or sting! There are also longer macro focal lengths, but they can be challenging to hold steady.

If budget is tight, "Macro Extension Tubes" can make virtually any lens closer focusing to deliver higher magnification. I recommend the Kenko set (12mm, 20mm and 36mm tubes) for their very good quality and value at about $130. There are also Vello and similar for around $75 a set, though they are a bit lighter built and more "plasticky". I always carry a few of macro extension tubes, just in case. They're versatile... can even be used to make a true macro-capable lens capable of higher magnification than it can normally do.

There are also some great books about macro photography. I don't know if it's still in print, but if not you can probably find a used copy of John Shaw's "Close-ups In Nature", which many people refer to as the "macro bible". The copy I've got is from the days before digital, but virtually everything in it is just as relevant today as it was then. I'm sure there are many other good books about macro photography.... just don't overwhelm yourself with it initially. Learn to use the camera a little at a time and start to consider what you will need to take the shots you admire and want to emulate, on your way to developing your own style and portfolio of images.

Two other "tools" most serious macro shooters wouldn't be without are a good tripod (or at least a monopod) and some sort of flash or supplemental lighting (there are now LED lights that might serve instead of flash). There are a number of specialized techniques both with the camera gear and in post-processing (such as "Focus Stacking").

Have fun. Take your time. Use the camera's automation to help for now, but have a goal of eventually reducing your dependence on it. Be patient. Don't get frustrated. Don't be afraid to ask questions here or elsewhere (every photographer was a newbie at one time, many remember what that was like and are happy to help when they can).

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

Ditto!

jaycoffman Loc: San Diego

You have received some really good advice from the commenters before me. The only thing I can add is Tip 1: Shoot, shoot, shoot... Close/far/in-between it doesn't matter you will learn as you go. Just dump the shots that don't work unless they really teach you a lesson (they are not costly film as many of us learned to our delight). Tip 2: Spend a little time on the exposure triangle, aperture, shutter speed and iso. They are easy in concept but take lots of practice to master. Even shooting in Auto mode you'll learn a lot if you learn to think about those three things.

Many of us have been through you situation so don't give up. The camera you have is excellent for learning and will last you a long time. You should only worry about upgrading lenses and other equipment when you realize you need that something to do something you want to do. You will also develop your own personal style as you shoot so you can follow your interests--macro if great but just get used to the camera first.

Happy shooting.

CaptainPhoto

Take a look at Creative Live - and check out an outstanding instructor by the name of John Greengo.
He does offer a very comprehensive video courese onthe Nikon 5600. An it is on sale for $17.00
Here is the link: https://www.creativelive.com/class/nikon-d5600-fast-start-john-greengo?via=site-header_0

I think you will find this very helpful. Take it one video at a time. Watch it with your camera in hand.

tiphareth51 Loc: Somewhere near North Pole, Alaska

Posters before me have given you some excellent advice. I highly recommend books written by David Busch. Imho, he writes in a manner that is down to earth and very well explained. Through past years, I have made it a habit to purchase his book anytime I purchase a new camera. Amazon has it on their site. The most important lesson you can learn is to have fun and enjoy your camera.

jamesl Loc: Pennsylvania

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You're going to have a learning curve either way, so I would recommend keeping the D5600. Once you learn the basics you will be able to do more with it than with the D3500. Check out videos on YouTube and possible buy a book on using the D5600. With those you will be up and running in no time.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

That should not be impossible for you to learn. Google is your friend and there is a Macro Section on the UHH that can help you greatly. Note, it is "Changeable or Interchangeable Lens" camera. Too much camera are too confusing I found the Fuji X-100T. Over forty years of experience in film and digital photography and I don't understand the camera. I will probably "exchange" it for a simpler Fuji X-E3. Part of my issue is I too require Macro capability and the Fuji X-100T or newer X-100F is a "Street Photography" camera not a general use camera (I had a reason (wrong) for buying it). Anyway your choice of a Nikon D5600 is fine (though I hear the menus in Canon are a bit easier for one to follow, and Sony worse). All cameras take good images if used properly.

Thing is you are planning to jump into one of the more complex specialties of photography, Macro or as Nikon calls it Micro. You need to learn general basic photography first. Don't even think about buying a macro lens now. Learn what you have. Seek out a friend who can work with you in person, join a camera club, watch YouTube, read, read, read, and just try things with the camera, etc.

My road to photography today and my 4 DSLRs, and numerous other cameras was rather different than many UHH members, I took college classes for fun back in 1978-1980 and first learned film photography. View cameras, TLR (Rolleiflex), 35mm. I actually found a job doing large format, 8x10" photography for about three years, 1980-83 at a museum. Then it became a hobby up to today. At one point I had darkrooms at home as well. Just that Fuji X-100T has foiled me thus far.