The basics? New Canon XSi

[SEREvince]

So... I made a total impulse buy on a new DSLR, no research I just decided to jump in feet first.

I've got a Canon Digital Rebel XSi on the way. I ordered the package deal with the EF-S 18-55mm lense for $650.


Other than memory what else, if anything should I order right now to get me started?

This is my first experience with a SLR, so I am a complete newbie...

Any input is welcome!

How do you guys carry/ protect your camera on the trail/ vacation trips?

Filters? I see UV filters mentioned all the time, do I need it?

I'm looking to just dip my toe in the waters, not swim the Channel. If you know any good books (think "Idiots guide to DSLR") I'd love to hear them as well.

Anything else?


Thanks

Vince

 

[hks3sgte]

If you're wanting to "dip your toes in water" I say forget everything else for right now and just shoot. Get to know your equipment and then buy additional equipment as you find necessary.

 

[IntrepidXJ]

Nice choice....I ordered the same camera yesterday from Newegg....it will be here Thursday and I can't wait to use it

 

[articulate]

Other than memory what else, if anything should I order right now to get me started?....


Thanks

Vince

To get started, you've got it covered. Mmmm, well, batteries too. Otherwise, happy exposing!

Editing software . . . excuse me, I mean "digital dark room software" . . . is going to be necessary for going to the next level with your photos. Eventually, you will want to do simple things like cropping and downsizing, or color and contrast corrections. The camera doesn't do it all I'm afraid.

Cheers,
Mark

 

[zukidriver]

I would suggest UV filter/s for the lens. If nothing else just to protect the lens from scratches. It's easier to keep a new lens clean and scratch free. I would also suggest a decent camera bag that you can keep it in that is easy to use. Nothing fancy, because you might want something bigger later on, but a small bag is nice to have for short trips.

A good card reader, and lots of hard drive space for all those practice shots.

Figure out a way to organize your photos now, it's allot easier when you're just getting started. I organize my pictures by date. You may want to organize by trip, or event (kids birthday, trip to Death Valley, ect.)

Read the manual all the way through and go out and play with it. Take it everywhere for a while taking lots of shots. It's easier to learn to use it around your house and the surrounding area when there is no pressure. You may not have as much time when you go on a trip.

 

[ThomD]

I highly recommend the "short Courses" guides. They are a general intro to photography, with the added feature of being tailored to your camera. So, when they say you need feature X, they also tell you how to do it on your camera.

Short Course for Rebel XSi

UV filter vs no UV filter is an endless controversy. Every layer of glass detracts from image quality, so I never use them. OTOH, I try to use my lens hood as a way to protect the lens.

Get a good, slightly stretchy neck strap and put away that stock one.

Hide your credit card.

 

[Lost Canadian]

Tripod!

For me it's my most important piece of equipment. Getting one will expand your opportunities 10 fold. For learning, look no further than Freeman Patterson's books. Hands down the best teaching photography books I have bought.

Have fun!

 

[SEREvince]

Thanks for all the great info!

Has anyone read "Understanding Exposure"? I was looking at books on Amazon and it seems to be popular.


As far as editing software I've been playing with Ubuntu on my wifes laptop and it comes with GIMP. Does anyone currently use it, or tried it?

Thanks

Vince

 

[Rockcrawler]

I just bought the same camera and am *IMPATIENTLY* waiting for it to arrive. I ordered it from Costco a week or so ago, but it, of course, went on backorder! DOH. If it doesn't come soon I may cancel the order and get it somewhere else... I went with Costco though since it came w/ an extra lens for the same price I saw it most other places.

I'll be following this thread too to see what people suggest for us "newbies!" It has been years since I have used an SLR and this is my first DSLR.

Kyle

 

[Streakerfreak]

Here is how I helped Jenn learn how to use an SLR, granted it was a 35mm, but this actually works better with a DSLR.

While your DSLR will record info on shutter speed, f-stops, etc for review later pick up a pad and pen. Head outside and start shooting at all times of the day. Just experiment. Try the manual exposure controls and then write down when the shot was taken, where, direction of sun, weather, F-stop, Shutter speed, the ISO that the camera is set on, etc for each and every shot. You can also, try this indoors as well.

Take a shot with one setting and then write down the info. Then take the same picture and write down the info. Later you can review the images and your information and see what worked and what did not work out so well.

This will help you understand the proper techniques for shooting and what works and what does not.

I still shoot film besides the Digital Rebel I use for snapshots. I try to get the photograph right when I take the image, not later on using Photoshop. Try to accomplish that, proper technique does not come from lazy shooting and digital darkroom use. Nothing wrong with Photoshop, but you can't learn how to use a DSLR properly that way.

Learn how to use the camera properly first before you start buying filters and extra stuff. The only thing I can suggest is investing in a decent Tripod, it does not have to be professional, but just stay away from Walmart tripods and a simple camera bag will do you well. I have gone through about 8 bags before I found one that suit me the best.

Try this for tripods http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=search&A=search&Q=&ci=0&sb=bs%2Cupper%28ds%29&sq=asc&sortDrop=Brand%3A+A+to+Z&ac=&bsi=&bhs=t&ci=3949&shs=&at=Price_+50+%3C%3D++%3C%3D+124.99&basicSubmit=Submit+Query

Check B&H often for great deals on used stuff.

As far as books go... well I have only read the two that were handed to me at College. "Digital Photographer's Handbook" by Tom Ang and "Photography" By London, Upton, Stone, Kobre, Brill. They seem decent. I learned most of my techinque from my old High School photography teacher, trial and error, and study the works by famous photographers, mainly Margaret Bourke-White.

Check this site out.

http://www.masters-of-photography.com

 

[ThomD]

I agree with the idea of "play around and take lots of shots". One of the nice things about digital photos is that you do not need to record camera settings. Every file has the camera settings embedded in the data called EXIF. Most any image viewer will be able to display this info.

 

[Streakerfreak]

I agree with the idea of "play around and take lots of shots". One of the nice things about digital photos is that you do not need to record camera settings. Every file has the camera settings embedded in the data called EXIF. Most any image viewer will be able to display this info.

Which is true, but I still feel its very beneficial to write down the setting while your in the field too. It takes the computer factor (digital camera) out of the equation for a few minutes and allows for the brain to really understand what's going on.

Make any sense...or am I just rambling.

 

[ThomD]

Which is true, but I still feel its very beneficial to write down the setting while your in the field too. It takes the computer factor (digital camera) out of the equation for a few minutes and allows for the brain to really understand what's going on.

Make any sense...or am I just rambling.

Oh, I can see the appeal of doing it that way. I just didn't want the OP to go through life without know about EXIF data. When I'm experimenting, I chimp like a mad man and review settings on the spot. Definitely lots of ways to gather the info.

 

[cshontz]

I'm in the "play around with it" camp. Use it incessantly. Take it everywhere with you. Take pictures of everything. Take it when you run errands to the grocery store, to the bank, to the gas station. Take it to church. Take it to bed. Eventually, you'll be able to anticipate the output based on your settings.

Congrats on your new camera! I look forward to pics!

 

[Rockcrawler]

Take it to bed.

hmmm....