Timing and Control

Lately I've been wanting...obsessing about...getting a digital SLR. There are just a lot of tricks I want to try. TtV, HDR, depth of field, long exposure, time lapse, light writing, wide angle and fisheye, telephoto, tilt/shift, and macro are all styles or elements I'd love to try out. I want to understand lighting, too. But in the midst of all this obsessing, I thought I'd take a closer look at my camera. I bought this from Rob in December, and have used it as a (very capable) point-and-shoot since. I've been really happy with the results, and I love the swivel design and rugged body.

Looking over the camera yesterday, I realized there were a couple buttons I'd never even used. I looked online, and found loads of information about it, and what's better, tons of accessories. I can get lenses to do most of the things I want, and after downloading the manual, I figured out how to handle all those buttons and features I'd never even thought about. You know what I found? I own a pretty great camera!

You wouldn't believe how excited I was when I took this picture and it worked. I was giddy. I've wanted to do one like this for a long time.



I've figured out how to control shutter speed (I can take exposures up to 5 minutes long), control the aperture (for action shots, I think), and select various modes for different settings. I don't think I can control the focus manually, but maybe. I want to get a intervalometer to take time lapse. And about a hundred other lenses, filters, and accessories.

I might get this guide to really teach me the ropes. I'll feel a little more justified down the line when I get a DLSR if I first take the time to understand the equipment I already have. Seems more responsible.