Upgraded to a bridge - but how to get the best from it?

[Stig]

Hi all.

After many years of compacts, I've 'upgraded' to a bridge - the new Panny Lumix DMC-FZ72 to be precise.

Now, once the novelty of using the 60x zoom (20mm to 1200mm!!) wears off, I'd really like to have a stab at some more creative photography. Thing is, other than a rudimentary grasp of the basics, I'm a noob to most photographic techniques and just rely on the intelligent auto mode to sort things for me

So I was wondering whether anyone had any recommends for online respources (blogs, guides, tutorials) that they could share as I have precious little free time to attend clubs/courses etc.

Thanks

[Gemm]

You probably own the most valuable source already, called instruction manual. Learning what the camera is capable of will teach you most of the things you need to be creative. Beside this, YouTube is actually a great source. Just type in what you want to know and it's there. Enjoy your new toy!

[MysteryLemon]

Have a google and learn how ISO, Aperture and Shutter speed affect how an image looks. Those are basically the 3 ways to control how the camera sees light. Once you understand them, you will be able to get a better idea on how to make images look how you want.

[Mr Will]

MysteryLemon said:

Have a google and learn how ISO, Aperture and Shutter speed affect how an image looks. Those are basically the 3 ways to control how the camera sees light. Once you understand them, you will be able to get a better idea on how to make images look how you want.

This, but be aware that with a bridge camera the aperture will have a very limited effect on DoF. Essentially you'll end up trading motion blur for noise (shutter speed vs ISO) 99% of the time.

[mrdemon]

keep it as a point and shoot, or sell it and buy a SLR.