New to Photography

[shutter_mom]

I am relatively new to photography. I became partially disabled in the past year and needed to find something to do that wouldn't require a lot of energy. I purchased a Nikon L120 back in April of this year, and am just in love with the quality of pictures it takes. But since I am new to such a higher advanced camera any advice on picture taking or camera settings would be greatly appreciated.

[autofocus]

Love too help you, but I'm not familiar with this point and shoot camera...sorry.

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by shutter_mom

I am relatively new to photography. I became partially disabled in the past year and needed to find something to do that wouldn't require a lot of energy. I purchased a Nikon L120 back in April of this year, and am just in love with the quality of pictures it takes. But since I am new to such a higher advanced camera any advice on picture taking or camera settings would be greatly appreciated.

What exactly makes it a "higher advanced camera" when compared to any other point and shoot camera?

[shutter_mom]

Originally Posted by i speak in math

What exactly makes it a "higher advanced camera" when compared to any other point and shoot camera?

To me any camera that is a point and shoot will fit easily into a purse or a pocket. The camera I have now obviously will not. A camera that has a bunch more settings and options and other stuff IS a higher advanced camera. Just because I don't have all the fancy equipment that you do makes my camera that less advanced.

[JFSanders]

First, let me welcome you to DPS. Thank you for choosing this community to join and begin your journey through learning photography. While it is true that your camera doesn't have all the options that a interchangeable lens camera would have, I consider that a positive when it comes to learning about the techniques and foundation that goes into making good and lasting images.

You have a lot of reading to do to start but it will be fun as you are focused (inside photography joke, sorry) on making better pictures. I would suggest that you start with books and websites that come up on a google search for these terms. Composition, Exposure, Aperture, and their relationship in making images. These subjects will create questions that may or may not be answered sufficiently or to a degree that you will understand completely. This website has a plethora of information just on the home page alone. Read the blogs, the tutorials, anything that strikes your fancy. Write down your questions and if you can't find a suitable answer on the internet or in the books just ask it here and I am sure that the community will do their/our level best to help you understand and succeed.

Jim

[ralary]

Originally Posted by shutter_mom

To me any camera that is a point and shoot will fit easily into a purse or a pocket. The camera I have now obviously will not. A camera that has a bunch more settings and options and other stuff IS a higher advanced camera. Just because I don't have all the fancy equipment that you do makes my camera that less advanced.

looks nice analysis.

[Krusty79]

There's tons of information on this thread - Everything you ever wanted to know about photography! On DPS!

You should really get familiar with the exposure triangle (how ISO, aperture & shutter speed are related) when starting out.

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by shutter_mom

To me any camera that is a point and shoot will fit easily into a purse or a pocket. The camera I have now obviously will not. A camera that has a bunch more settings and options and other stuff IS a higher advanced camera. Just because I don't have all the fancy equipment that you do makes my camera that less advanced.

Irrespective of it being able to fit, or not fit into a pocket, it's still generally classified as a Point & shoot camera. It may have more features than some, but it's still a P&S camera. And that's OK, but like all P&S cameras, you will have some limitations as to what you can do, or not do. A good example is the Canon G12. It is still considered a P&S camera, however, it is more advanced, and possibly your camera is more like it. (again, I'm not familiar with your particular Nikon) Some of the limitations of P&S cameras may include not being able to shoot RAW, or having full manual exposure controls, or less headroom for acceptable ISO results, etc. (to mention a few) So, whatever it is, enjoy your camera, and use it to it's full advantage, and learn photography.

[Nicole]

The best advice I can offer is learn your camera and what it can do (and don't worry about what other people think about it). I had a look at your camera on the Nikon site. It looks like it has P-Mode and Scene Modes. And while that can be limiting if you decide you want to say, learn how to shoot in manual mode, there's no reason why you can't still take great pictures with it.

One thing to keep in mind is that it's really good to learn what each of the scene modes does because that means you can usually use them for purposes they weren't originally intended for in order to get different settings Also learn about how and when to use exposure compensation in P-Mode since that can make a huge difference too.

Welcome to the forums!

[shutter_mom]

Ty Nichole. I just learned today how to shoot in macro on it. Going to play around with it then post some pictures once im brave enough to lol