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Posts: 751I finally made my mind up and bought this camera - after what seems like weeks of "lurking" around the doorway of Jessops - it is a wonder the police weren't called to check out this suspicious person!!!
The price was lowered again - so I bought what was the last one in shop (the twin lens combo). I have ordered a macro lens to go with it - and purchased tripod.
Despite all the good advice I received I felt it was too much of a pain getting bits from all different sources so went for it at Jessops - mainly because when I had a problem with my Cannon Compact they were very good and gave me a new one with no quibble.
I know from experience Curry's (for instance) are keen to take your money - but you have problems its a whole different ball game.
I have now got to pluck up the courage to use it! I know it won't be complicated once I get used to it. I can't wait to go on my camera course at Missenden Abbey.
Was a little surprised at how heavy the package was - but I guess I'll get used to it.
Now, besides my first love ... the bears, and my encaustic wax painting I am hoping I can make make photography a proper hobby, go on courses and join the local camera club.
Karon
Chaska, MinnesotaWell now Karon, you next have to post pictures taken with your new camera. I too am looking for one. I just spent a lot of money buying a new washer/dryer and a diswasher. Funny how things wear out together. So next month a camera is on my list.
Take pictures- lots of them. Let us see them.
Posts: 751Hi Michelle
I wouldn't normally have been able to afford such a (for me) expensive camera, but three years ago I broke my elbow in three places due to the incompetance of our District Council.
I was awarded compensation about this time last year - and the camera is my award to me.
Yes, it is just SO annoying how everything comes all at once.
Karon
Chaska, MinnesotaKaron: That is nice you got compensation for your injury. The upside is that you were able to get your camera. I look forward to buying one for my other one stopped working and would not charge correctly! I love taking pictures of my kitties and I am itching to start again.
Post pictures....
Posts: 751Yes you are right Michelle, never ever would I have been able to afford such an expensive camera system (well, to some people it might not be expensive as some some run into the thousands, but to me it is probably my most expensive single item investment - included in that is everything that you have to buy to go with it).
I know I am going to just love when I get used to it - and I am hoping it is going to open up a whole new world for me, you know what with courses and all that.
The beauty of the teddy bear interest is that in can incorporate so many other interests, don't you think.
I can't wait to hear what camera you buy, have you got one in mind?
When I told the teacher at the Summer School he thinks I have made a good choice - he also said he only buys Canon, which I think is a good recommendation!
Bear Hugs :hug:
Karon
desertmountainbearPlease make sure you tell us that you are using the new camera next time you post a bear pic. I would love to see your new camera at work.
Congratulations on a very worthwhile investment.
Joanne
Chaska, MinnesotaKaron: Cameras are expensive for sure. I know you will have a great time using it. I need to talk to somebody at the camera shop to get advice. From the chatter here on TT, people like their Cannons. So I will look at the Cannons. I made a list of what everybody suggests. l'll add your camera to it. I am taking drawing classes and I want to take pictures of my cats and draw them. So I am eager to do that but alas, my dishwasher stopped working and within a few days, my washing machine became over heated and shut down! I can't just buy the washing machine without a matching dryer, so I got one of those too. I figure the dryer is on it's last legs as well.
Post pictures!!
PennsylvaniaI have now got to pluck up the courage to use it! I know it won't be complicated once I get used to it. I can't wait to go on my camera course at Missenden Abbey.
Just go out and shoot! 
You can't make photographs until you get out there and click that shutter button. Just do it!
If you want to learn photography the right way, I suggest you find a place that teaches traditional photography... with FILM. People can tell you all these great things about digital photos and you can learn how to process them on your computer in all sorts of different ways but, unless you get out there and see how light reacts on film, it will be very difficult to understand the basics of photography. It virtually can not be done without hands-on experience.
People talk about "megapixels," "bits," "color gamuts" and all sorts of things all day long but the one thing that is important in photography, digital or traditional, is dynamic range.
How dark is the darkest part of your image?
How bright is the brightest part of your image?
How evenly spaced are all the levels of brightness in between?
Have you ever seen a picture that is nicely composed, has great colors, is focused to a "T" but the light and dark areas are all "blocked up?" I see it quite frequently. It happens because the person making the photo did not understand dynamic range and how to control it.
In digital photography, dynamic range is often managed automatically by the computer. Most of the time, the computer does it right. But there are many times when the computer guesses wrong. That's when you get those blocked up blacks and those blown out highlights. With traditional photography, YOU have to control your dynamic range and there is no computer to do it for you. It is hard to do at first but, if you learn it, you will benefit greatly.
I'm sure you take some really nice photos. But if you take just one course in traditional photography, even if it is just an introductory course, I can virtually guarantee the quality of your work will improve exponentially! :cool:
I have seen this happen dozens of times with students at the school where I work. :)
But, regardless of how you choose to learn photography, the number one thing is to just get out there and shoot some pictures! 
Posts: 751I had one of those mini'heart attack moments today.
Decided right, I will get out there and "shoot" - suddenly the view finder bit was blurred but the pictures were coming out OK. After messing about for about an hour I decided I needed professional help!
Went to Jessops and discovered I had touched a button, by the view finder, that adjusts the focus of the view finder. I knew it must have been a minor thing as the camera had been working OK before.
Talk about panic stations.
Karon
The Littlest ThistleEnjoy your new toy, you course and definitely try the local camera club. Beware though that the club won't teach you how to use your camera, although they may have the odd night each month that they do a little instruction.
Posts: 751Thanks Katy
No I do understand, I can't be using them as cheap night class for instruction. I am going to be go on courses before I join. They set different thems each month, like "Autumn in the Woods", that sort of thing.
Karon
PennsylvaniaPhotography is a strange hobby. The physical manifestations of photography are cameras, lenses and equipment but, in truth, they have little to do with what photography is all about. Photography is about control of light, not about cameras and lenses.
The word "Photographer" means, "One who paints with light."
While it is important to know how to operate your equipment, it is more important to understand how light can be used to create an image, regardless of the equipment used to make it.
I can show you how to make great photographs with noting more than an empty package of Quaker Oats, a beer can and some duct tape. ;)
Whether you take classes, read books or study on the internet, the MOST important thing to do is to get out and take pictures!
Posts: 751Yes I agree.
"Paints with light" - ah well thats why my favourite painter is THOMAS KINCADE - the painter of light. LOVE his work.
The Littlest ThistleThanks Katy
No I do understand, I can't be using them as cheap night class for instruction.
Sorry, wasn't thinking of it that way, it's just we've had a lot of people join our club with the expectation that we'll show them how to use their cameras, where our club nights are talks from guest lecturers and competitions, both internal and external, I just didn't want you to be disappointed 
Dances With Teddy BearsI agree, try to take a course, even a short one.
I've taken several through the years, with film cameras, and learned a great deal, on light and composition..two biggies.
I've been involved in photography since I was 12, and love it. It broadens creativity.
Shoot often and everything. The more you shoot the better you'll get and the more comfortable you'll be with your camera.
And yes, those buttons can drive us all crazy. Put your fingers in the wrong place and presto-chango.
Just have fun! :dance:
