Newbie and FZ20

[popellis]

Hi all

I just recieved the fz20 a few days ago, and I would like to know where to get information on shooting digital pictures. Basically I don't really understand f stops, apeture settings, and ISO, as far as how do you know when to combine what settings. instead of always using it in auto mode. Some pictures i have taken look fine while others are less dramatic. I'm sure most of you took a course somewhere along the line. But i thought maybe there is somewhere else to look.
Thanks for any constructive advice

[JMK]

I was in the same boat your in when I got my Dig cam. I read serveral books on the subject but found this book (Understanding Exposure) very helpful.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0817463003/002-5152313-4199241?v=glance

It explains things in easy to understand terms and concepts.

[meillana]

i bought exactly the same book for practically the same reasons as.

you may want to check these short online tutorials as well...
Luminous Landscape : Understanding Exposure (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/understandexposure.shtml)

Photoxels : Digital Photography Tutorials (http://www.photoxels.com/digital-photography-tutorials.html)

[bracko]

personally i wouldn't take a course.

just search google for what you want to know, there's heaps of free information available, then just learn by usage.

the obvious way to learn is by using a 35mmSLR, but it seems people don't like to use them these days.

[popellis]

Thank you all
for your helpful suggestion I will look for that book?

[Phill D]

I've just bought that book too. Have only had time to read a few pages so far but it does look good. The recommendation along with some others came from an earlier thread that I can't find at the moment.

[meillana]

other books which i bought that may be of interest

National Geographic Field Guide: Secrets to Making Great Pictures(Rob Sheppard)
Learning to See Creatively (Brian Peterson)

and another which i intend to buy
Photographic Composition (Tom Grill & Mark Scanlon)

[road_rascal]

Here's another idea- briefly read the owners manual, then set your camera on the 'M' (manual) setting, and play around with different exposure and apetures and take a bunch of photos. Then compare them on your computer and see what they look like when taken with the different settings. I use a free image viewing program from faststone.org which shows the exif data. You'll get the hang of it real quickly!