First time with a DSLR

[Vixpy1]

Ok.. So i've not done this before, so don't be too harsh, but would welcome tips on how to take better pics.

[Fusion-Ed]

I see you couldn't resist and decided to get a 400D after all!!

Its going to take a while but best thing to do is learn what all the buttons do/mean. Worse thing you can do is buy a DSLR and use it as a point and shoot (green square!) like so many do.

The pic's don't look that sharp to me. that may just be a fault of the program that rescaled them. Your choice of settings weather auto or manual are fine, nothing you wouldn't really want. To be honest the skill comes with taking photos in awkward conditions, those you had there were pretty even.

P.s. I think you have an evo r/r event this w/e? I may pop over and see how Karls one does against the rest

Ed

[TonyHetherington]

The most useful thing I did when I got my first Canon DSLR was to sit down on the sofa with the instruction manual and the camera and just go through the manual like a book. Page by page.

What that did was not only teach me how to use the thing (as there are so many different settings and things on it) but also was was possible to do with it. Alot a couple of hours and just have a play (and inevitably take 200 pictures of your fireplace as I did ) and you'll appreciate it a lot more I think!

[Fusion-Ed]

Good idea that, I have had a SLR since I was about 11 and so fell right into DSLR's but for those who are new to the whole thing they hide much more potential than they realise...

[Vixpy1]

Ed, feel free to come down this sat.

presently reading camera instructions

[Fusion-Ed]

Thanks I shall do, may be a flying visit as I have to be elsewhere later But would like to see how Karl does!

[Marcellus]

Charlie - although I'm no good really I was tolf to think in thirds when composing the shot....