Where can I learn the basics of dslr equipment

[dopeysw20]

Hi! I'm very new to the world of digital photography and am still trying to learn the basics including equipments, how-to's, etc.

Is there any book or online site recommended to learn all about equipment? For example, I don't really understand the what the different specifications of lenses mean, how exactly the different settings on a DSLR works, etc. Unfortunately I don't have time to take any kind of photography classes so I can only make time to read books or online sites when I have free time.

Any recommendations would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

[inkista]

If you learn well from books, I'd recommend Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure (the 3rd ed.) for learning about camera settings and what they do. You could also google up "exposure triangle" and probably get about a gazillion web pages.

For lens specs, I'd go to this basic guide to lenses. It describes things like focal length and maximum aperture in practical shooting terms.

[RichardTaylor]

On this site.

Introduction to exposure.
Exposure (1) A balancing act

Introduction to lenses.

Lenses #1 - Introduction to DSLR lenses.

[Jim Bryant]

Tom Ang's "How to photograph Absolutely Everything" isn't bad. Rick Sammon's Complete Guide to Digital Photography as well as his "Exploring the Light".

[dopeysw20]

Thanks for the recommendations! Lots of great reading material for this weekend.

[TNH]

Originally Posted by RichardTaylor

On this site.

Ya know, that's exactly what I was going to say. Great minds think alike.

[dmann]

I really enjoy Scott Kelbys books "Digital Photography Book"

http://http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2009/archives/5925

I am a simpleton....heehee. So I really love how easy these are to read and his cheesy humor is just a bonus.

[ArmySoldier777]

Originally Posted by TNH

Ya know, that's exactly what I was going to say. Great minds think alike

You do know how condescending that quote is right? . If great minds all thought alike, they wouldn't be great . But that is in no way commenting about you or Richards minds

[Woody]

Well Dopey, and I'm sure you're not, welcome to DPS.

A good place to start is by reading and learning your camera manual. Then just playing and experimenting with your camera.

If you don't have a DSLR as yet, you may be able to download the manual of your camera of choice or maybe pick one up from a second hand book shop.

Certainly go through the info here,


Cheers,

John W

[ArmySoldier777]

Originally Posted by Woody

Well Dopey, and I'm sure you're not, welcome to DPS.

A good place to start is by reading and learning your camera manual. Then just playing and experimenting with your camera.

If you don't have a DSLR as yet, you may be able to download the manual of your camera of choice or maybe pick one up from a second hand book shop.

Certainly go through the info here,


Cheers,

John W

I'm going to +1 that. It's probably one of the most overlooked things by beginners. Read your camera manual, and then when you think you understand it, read it again.