Digital cameras 101

[thebachellor]

Hey, what's going on?

Basically, I never owned a digital cam before (I use my bro's and friends and all that, but never owned one myself) ... so to reverse what i've been deprived of so long, i'm deciding to over-indulge a bit and cop a Canon 20D.

So I know ya'll are thinking... "how's dude going from no cam, to a dSLR?". My answer to ya'll is: I don't know, and I don't care. Hey, I want the best, since I haven't had anything before.... anyway, that's besides the point.

I was looking at some reviews for these and other cameras, and they all suggested "drop the kit lens". Now, thing is, I don't know anything bout lenses.  So someone drop some knowledge? Like....

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelDetailAct&fcategoryid=149&modelid=10511

^ What does 17-85 mm mean? Is that the range of how far it can zoom in or out? And what's 4-5.6 mean? and USM? :-/

Basically, just school me. :-/

Good looking out... take it easy...    

[Mike54]

Hi thebachellor and welcome to Digicamhelp.

While the "kit lens" is an inexpensive starter lens it is capable of producing perfectly good images so unless you have oodles of cash to go for the "best" you might want to start with that while you investigate what lenses you'll want for "your" type of photography.

The 17 - 85 mm is indeed the zoom range of the lense while "4 - 5.6" is the smallest aperture available for each end of that zoom range. As it regards lenses "USM" stands for Ultrasonic Motor which is what drives the focusing of the lense.

One place I've found for good reviews of lenses is fredmiranda.com although you may have to register to view them.

Good luck with your new 20D, I know I'm enjoying mine.

[bdery]

Hi thebachellor!

Just a few more tidbits of information...

To make the most of your camera (and lenses), it will be a good thing to understand how exposure works. A DSLR can produce good results in auto mode, but you'll get your best results if you take the time to master at least part of the features offered.

depending on your level of knowledge, it might be a good thing to read a "digital photography for beginners" book (or any other title you like ). Your local library probably has one for lease, or you can pruchase one. There are some good books available on the net also. Just make sure you select a book on digital photography, as film is very different.

If you want to start easier, the Glossary and Learn sections of this web site includes some very useful information that you can read at your leisure. Also, I'd advise you to visit www.dpreview.com and look at the Learn section there. Take the time to read, and understand, the information there. Experiment along the way, and you'll find it very rewarding.