Is there a photographic course for me?

[Bellivia]

Hi there,

I would love to learn how to use my Panasonic LX28 which is a bridge camera. All the photographic courses I have read about on the net seem to be geared towards 'proper' DSLR's. Is there one for me & my camera? I need a step by step guide on how to take better photos with it. Can anyone help me please? Thank you

[SwissJon]

The reason they're geared towards DSLR's is because they're adapted from courses teaching use of SLR's. Bridge camera's are a relatively new phenomena.

However, the basic concepts of photography remain the same.. Composition, settings etc. As long as you can change 3 things: ISO, Aperture and Speed, you should be able to get a lot out of a course that's designed for a DSLR.. What I would do is choose a course you like the sound of, and talk to the course instructors and find out if you're going to miss out on something.. Photography is an artistic subject, what you will hopefully learn on a course is how to look and compose better photographs.. I really don't think your camera is likely to hold you back..

The best basic advice anyone can get when it comes to cameras is read the manual somethign I forgot to do!) and learn how to change all the settings and controls.. Once you've learned your way around the camera, you will benifit from a good, well thought out general beginners photography course.

[Rentham]

The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby

This is a series of three books that cover the basics of digital photography. He makes a point of showing that the majority of what he teaches applies to any digital camera.

[Bellivia]

Thank you SwissJon & Rentham. I will study the manual to see if the camera allows me to change the settings & then go from there. I really appreciate you taking the time to help

[abayer83]

I have learned a lot about using mine just in the last few weeks reading on this site. I have a Kodak Z981. The basic settings work the same way, the only big difference (and hindrance, in my opinion) is that I don't have the ability to use additional lenses with it.

[SwissJon]

Originally Posted by abayer83

I have learned a lot about using mine just in the last few weeks reading on this site. I have a Kodak Z981. The basic settings work the same way, the only big difference (and hindrance, in my opinion) is that I don't have the ability to use additional lenses with it.

Actually, that's not the only difference.. I don't think you'll be able to use filters, and the smaller sensor makes the pictures slightly less clear - 16MPix squeezed onto a smaller area means your lens has to make the circle of confusion smaller to keep the same clarity.. It can't, so therefore you pictures are not as clear.. additionally your camera will probably show higher F-Stop numbers(F/1.4 is higher than F2.8). This is as a result of having a shorter and narrower lens barrel, but the depth of field produced will be for a lower 35mm equivalent f/stop. For example, the F1.8 on my point and shoot has a simila depth of field to f5.6 on my DSLR.

However this wont really effect your learning process.. Once you've learned how settings work on your camera, you can just use them.

[abayer83]

Well, I guess I meant it was the biggest difference to me, as somebody who is extremely new to this. I wanted to learn the basics on a smaller, less-expensive alternative to a DSLR (which I can't afford right now), and the biggest frustration for me so far has been not having the ability to play with additional lenses. I am far from experienced, for sure -- and thus, extremely glad to have discovered DPS, lol

[mad editor]

Originally Posted by abayer83

I have learned a lot about using mine just in the last few weeks reading on this site. I have a Kodak Z981. The basic settings work the same way, the only big difference (and hindrance, in my opinion) is that I don't have the ability to use additional lenses with it.

I stll have my Kodak P850, which I take when I need something compact. I can use different lenses, filters, etc. and shoot manually, aperture, shutter priority etc. Can even use off-camera flash. Downside is that photos can be a bit noisy in low light and it's slow. But I have taken some really good shots with it and won't get rid of it!

[abayer83]

Yes, the Z981 is definitely slower than I would like! But then again I am not the most terribly patient person on the planet, either. I love it as a "beginner" camera, though. It allows more control than a typical point & shoot, but without so much going on that I can't figure out what I'm looking at. Plus I actually kinda like the challenge of having to do some things the "ghetto" way to make up for lack of filters, external flash, studio, etc. When the time comes to upgrade, I will definitely be keeping it around for those times when I'm just out "being a typical tourist" and things like that. Your location says Sarasota -- are you a lifelong Floridian? I've been here over 20 years, and still feel like a tourist sometimes.