I got a new digital camera...

[RadioPatrol]

...and I need help learning what all this mumbo jumbo means. It's supposed to be a point and shoot camera but it has all kinds of things that it is capable of doing. I am totally clueless. I usually just aim and snap, but I want to learn how to take better pictures. It is a Panasonic DMC-FZ8. Any takers on teaching me what these things mean?? I have no idea what an aperture is, or if I'm even spelling it right for that matter. HELP PLEASE!!!

if it is digital, just point and shoot ...............

 

[RadioPatrol]

In user Cp Top right side.

Here is a bla picture I took sunday on a walk that I made an HDR composite of . many dont like HDR because they dont look correct. and with lots of drama like this they look more like a painting

sweet pic .............

 

[hvp05]

Ok, I checked out the place where I bought the camera and they have a selection of flash shades/covers. Is this an idea perhaps?

Perhaps. :shrug: Link?

 

[Mousebaby]

Perhaps. :shrug: Link?

They are here, I know I could probably get them cheaper elsewhere, but I have a credit account with them, so I have little choice of where I buy right now.

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/category.aspx?c=us&category_id=6092&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=anav

Scroll down and you will start seeing them.

 

[hvp05]

Scroll down and you will start seeing them.

Ah... no, that is not going to help at all. Those are shades/covers for the LCD screen on the back of the camera.

I thought you might be talking about something like this or this.

I am still wondering if you couldn't rig one up for the same result, despite the fact that they don't produce them for your type of camera.

This challenge could lead to some creative solutions...

 

[Mousebaby]

Ah... no, that is not going to help at all. Those are shades/covers for the LCD screen on the back of the camera.

I thought you might be talking about something like this or this.

I am still wondering if you couldn't rig one up for the same result, despite the fact that they don't produce them for your type of camera.

This challenge could lead to some creative solutions...

OH No wonder I couldn't figure out how they covered the flash up.

 

[hvp05]

OH

Honestly, I don't think you should blow a vein worrying about it. Do you plan to use your camera mostly for kitty shots and other indoor stuff?

I think you're getting good enough shots for the exposure... alterations can be handled in post-production. Play with some of the camera's other functions and see what happens. Also, try different compositions.

Don't be afraid to experiment, that's the thing. Eventually you will explore other subject matter besides your cats, and that will be exciting.

 

[Mousebaby]

Nah, I want to learn to take really good pictures so I can have something new to do with my time. This is going to be a new hobby. I'm not bursting a vein, I just want to get started right. I am going to try and find out if someone offers digital photography classes for beginners.

Now about software. I have Paint Shop Pro XI which is the newest version, but the more I look at Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0 I am wondering if I should get that one instead. It looks more user friendly. What kind of software do you use?

 

[hvp05]

Nah, I want to learn to take really good pictures so I can have something new to do with my time. This is going to be a new hobby.

I applaud anyone who's willing to give it an honest attempt.

I am going to try and find out if someone offers digital photography classes for beginners.

Lots of places do, some physical classes and some online. But beware of scammers and hype promising a lot of info and "secrets" that are really things you can learn for free elsewhere.

If you can find a good course it will probably be quite beneficial because you will learn things you had not even heard of beforehand. Once you get the basics down it should be more fun because it's all about exploring your creativity.

What kind of software do you use?

I used to use PSP until a couple years ago; it holds a respectable 2nd place. When I started my courses we used the real deal... Photoshop CS2. So that is now the only software that will touch my images. (I'll purchase CS3 when I get my new system... and after I've gotten the equipment I want.)

 

[Mousebaby]

(I'll purchase CS3 when I get my new system... and after I've gotten the equipment I want.)

Can you be more specific as Dell has a lot of different versions of this CS3. I really don't think hubby is going to let me spend 1500.00 on software!

 

[Mousebaby]

:shamelessbump:


:shrug: I need help with this stuff, what can I say?

 

[hvp05]

Can you be more specific as Dell has a lot of different versions of this CS3. I really don't think hubby is going to let me spend 1500.00 on software!

There is CS3 the core program, the upgrade, the Extended version and numerous bundles. All you would need is CS3 the core program. Dell has it listed here. And it's not $1,500, it's $650... still a lot though.

For now, PSP is surely good enough. If and when you move up to working with RAW files, and editing your curves, colors, working with layers and all that good stuff then I would suggest Photoshop. But for pictures of your cats or your garden... what you have now is good.

 

[hvp05]

Oh, MB...

Is your response taking longer because you're trying to convince your husband to buy $650 worth of software... or because he's convinced you all this advice is too expensive?

 

[Mousebaby]

Is your response taking longer because you're trying to convince your husband to buy $650 worth of software... or because he's convinced you all this advice is too expensive?

No, actually I didn't see your response to my question till just now! No there is NO WAY he would let me spend that kind of money on software. I have PSP XI and I am trying Photoshop Elements 5.0 right now. If, by the time this trial runs out, I see that this one is better than PSP I will purchase it. I can't, in all true sincerity, see myself spending that kind of money on any kind of software considering it is basically out of date the minute you pay for it. But thats just me. Thanks for all your help, I have just purchased two books, one is called "Mastering Digital Photography" and it is by David D. Busch, and the other is called "The Digital Photography Book" and it is by Scott Kelby. Both of which come highly recommended. I will let you know how they help, if they help!

Thanks again, you have been GREAT!!!

 

[hvp05]

If, by the time this trial runs out, I see that this one is better than PSP I will purchase it.

I can't, in all true sincerity, see myself spending that kind of money on any kind of software considering it is basically out of date the minute you pay for it.

CS2 was out approximately 2 full years before CS3 arrived. And CS2 is still pretty darn good. But I know what you mean.

"Mastering Digital Photography" and... "The Digital Photography Book"

We'll be waiting for the results...

 

[rack'm]

CS2 is still pretty darn good.

I bought CS2 last year, great program but I don't think I'll ever use 25% of what it can actually do.

 

[rack'm]

Three free lessons........

 

[hvp05]

I bought CS2 last year, great program but I don't think I'll ever use 25% of what it can actually do.

If you prefer your photographs to be literal representations, then most of the special effects filters and stuff will be useless. This is an area I'd like to delve into more.