Pearls of wisdom?

As some of you will know (from the intros thread) I am a proper newbie.

Not just to this forum, not just to Pentax, not even just to DSLR... but to SLRs all together. I've just taken the jump (today) from my Sony DSC-T2 (which is a beautiful P&S) to DSLR.

I feel a bit overwhelmed with all the buttons, switches, covers, dials and other gubbins.

So, what I'm asking is... for you to share your pearls of wisdom with me. Knowing what you know now, please give me 1-5 tips that you wish someone had told you when you were in my position.

I fully intend to read, read, read and also take some courses but sometimes you just need to hear it from the experts.

Any help is MUCH appreciated and thank you in advance!

(I hope you don't mind my boldness!)

B.

I forgot to add, I have a Pentax K20D with Pentax 18-55mm II + 50-200mm.

Well, good choice and when you get to grips with it all I'm sure you'll be very happy with the results.

1 Take lots of pictures
2 Use every setting to see what it does
3 Take your new camera wherever you go as much as you can
4 Read, read and read until you understand the basics
5 Ask lots of questions whenever you get stuck
6 Have fun and enjoy the process

That was six, wasn't it? That's just my advice, but I wish I had taken my current advice on board at the start: Always buy the proper lenses and accessories, so Pentax only for Pentax cameras. That would have saved me a fortune in unsatisfactory buys over the years.

Thank you so much John, both for speed and just being really nice about it! They are all really good tips, especially about buying only Pentax accessories and lenses!

One thing I need to work on which I thought my Sony would help with is becoming more confident. I am a million miles away from ever photographing a stranger or just having the moxy to take a photo of a random person on the street. I love photos of people (homeless people, locals when on holiday, etc) but I don't think at the moment I would ever be able to approach someone and ask them if I can take a photo!

Thanks again John.

A step at a time and you'll get there!

I agree with John 100% here. Just enjoy what you see and use your eyes image through the dslr. Learning is also full of dissapointments too but learn from them. Don`t be a slave to convention, push your own boundaries, and use the forums here. There is so much knowledge and advice here for free, it is given free by folk that have knowledge, commitment and a willingness to share. Share your pictures and take any criticisms with good grace. Oh and every once in a while you post a cracker and you feel so good.

Cedric

Thank you Cedric.

I hope that I have an eye for a good picture, I like to think that I do which is why I've taken the leap. I have more to give on the arty side than the technical side so it's going to be a big learning curve for me.

I'm slightly nervous about the expense and size of the camera. I'm used to just throwing my DSC-T2 in my handbag and taking it everywhere with me and suddenly I have this massive kit...

Onwards and upwards!

Our first holiday on Skye I wouldn`t take the K10D out because it was wet. Missed out so many opportunities that the next time it went out in all weathers. Got some cracking pictures, but had to wipe everything very frequently. Yes the body is heavy it is well protected from the elements though. Now I can`t photograph people to save my life so I can learn from you. Don`t give up on your DSC, always carry a camera with you. Can sometimes be a challenge carting round a K20 but my experience with a K10 (same body) is so worth it.

Cedric

I'm very excited! I think I will stick to my Sony for taking to work and getting the random, last minute shots because it's just not possible for me to take the Pentax with me.

Although I will have to cart it in a few times because I work right next to the most beautiful (this only seems to be MY opinion!) watertower. I love catching it in different light and weather conditions. Love it.

MY water tower. Sorry that it's not up to standard, it's just taken with my Sony. I just love looking at it.

west sussex and a k20d,what a lovely combination. I have to agree with what has already been said,get out and play ! The thing i love about digital is it is so cheap,if you dont like the shot,delete it.

Hi Buddhy,
That looks like the water tower near to the Princess Royal hospital in Haywards Heath. If you are interested in that sort of thing you might like to know there is another very similar looking one near to High Beeches on the road between Handcross and Balcombe. (I grew up in that part of the world). As a young lad it always intrigued me and I would have loved to have gone inside.

Welcome to the Pentax world by the way.

/Ian

Hi Ian,

It is the PRH water tower - I work in the new hospital next to it.

I really do love it. People just don't understand but I could photograph it all day.

I always try and have a look inside when the workmen are in but I'm too scared to ask to have a look!

Thank you for the welcome, I'm quite excited but still too scared to touch my camera at the moment... weird, huh? I'm usually so hands on but I'm finding I want to read everything first... which I never do!