[paulstan]

I just purchased my first DSRL camera last week, a Canon 40D and I am a beginner.
Everyone tells me to read the manual and practice taking pictures. In my reading about aperture range settings, do maximum, open, and wide all mean the same thing when I set the aperture to f2.8 and does minimum and narrow refer to setting the aperture to
f32? Any help appreciated.

[Markulous]

Probably - narrow can also refer to a 'narrow depth of field' meaning f/2.8! Confusing, eh?

Personally, I'd recommend sticking it on P (or Auto) and then when you want, or someone suggests, something different you then try that one change

[AQ]

Originally Posted by paulstan

I just purchased my first DSRL camera last week, a Canon 40D and I am a beginner.
Everyone tells me to read the manual and practice taking pictures. In my reading about aperture range settings, do maximum, open, and wide all mean the same thing when I set the aperture to f2.8 and does minimum and narrow refer to setting the aperture to
f32? Any help appreciated.

Yes to both your questions.

The aperture you use obviously effects the shutter speed that. The small the aperture the slower the shutter speed you need to use to get the correct exposure.

The aperture you use has a huge effect on the depth of field in the final picture. You will come across that as well in the manual and it is something that is very important to understand.

An interesting choice for a first DSLR. There are a lot of functions on it to get you head around. There is a lot to learn and it will take a while. Keep at it and remember everyone here started out knowing nothing about photography.

There is a lot of knowledge here so keep asking questions.

[stevegreen]

This is a great book which will clearly explain the relationship between ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speeds to get both the correct exposure and depth of field in a photo. Worthwhile reading and will help you get out of Auto mode quickly, thats when you start to learn about using the camera to it's potential.

[paulstan]

You mention that the Canon 40D is an interesting choice for a first DSLR...
I am interested in doing macro photographs of flowers... I started about a year ago with a FujiFilm 3.1MP P&S camera. This is some of my work with that camera:
Macro Photography - Nature
Everyone tells me that I need to upgrade and learn how to use a DSLR to be a "real" photographer. My problem is that I have won several awards and my work is displayed at two local fine art galleries and now I have to spend time learning how to take photographs.

An interesting choice for a first DSLR. There are a lot of functions on it to get you head around. There is a lot to learn and it will take a while. Keep at it and remember everyone here started out knowing nothing about photography.

There is a lot of knowledge here so keep asking questions.

[tim0306blue]

If you did well with a point and shoot camera then there is no reason why you won't do well with a 40D set to Auto. You are better off because of the lens quality and more sensitive sensor. SO from that base position (no worse off than before remember) you can use the built in versatility of your new camera and increase the versatilty as you learn AND as you add other lenses to help your art.

[AQ]

Originally Posted by paulstan

Everyone tells me that I need to upgrade and learn how to use a DSLR to be a "real" photographer. My problem is that I have won several awards and my work is displayed at two local fine art galleries and now I have to spend time learning how to take photographs.

What a nice problem to have.

From that link it looks as if you are a very good "real photographer" (whatever that means) already. Now you just need a macro lens to go with the camera. (And then another lens and then another and so it goes on . )

[traer]

man, you are gonna confuse the guy... haha

[Charlotte]

Originally Posted by paulstan

... do maximum, open, and wide all mean the same thing when I set the aperture to f2.8 and does minimum and narrow refer to setting the aperture to
f32? Any help appreciated.

Yes to all questions

The aperture on your camera opens and closes to let more or less light into the lens. Maximum = open = wide (but a small f/number, e.g. f/2.8). Yes, minimum aperture would be the smallest setting on your camera (e.g. f/32). The word "narrow" is not normally used re: size of aperture, but rather we would say a "small" aperture.

Originally Posted by Markulous

Probably - narrow can also refer to a 'narrow depth of field' meaning f/2.8! Confusing, eh?

Yes confusing + also not quite right! You don't get a "narrow depth of field". You get a "short" depth of field. You do get a "narrow" angle of view (with a long lens). No more confusion

[Markulous]

Originally Posted by Charlotte

Yes confusing + also not quite right! You don't get a "narrow depth of field". You get a "short" depth of field. You do get a "narrow" angle of view (with a long lens). No more confusion

I wouldn't use "short" but I might use "shallow"! Anyway, what do I know?

"....with longer focal lengths produce a narrower depth of field than their shorter counterparts, where you want to throw the background out of focus"
What Is Depth Of Field? - What Digital Camera - digital camera reviews, latest camera news, camera buying advice, photography techniques, photographic gallery, photography forums

[Boofers]

Your no different then so many other's who went the same route,,"except the gallery's" and editing skills that started out with wonderful macro shots using a P&S who later went to SLR as a form of upgrade. I would say enjoy your good fortune, take your time with the new camera, get right to it and buy a macro lens,,,100mm or 180mm and a good try pod. I still use my P&S,,it took 3 years before I bought a real macro lens and it is different than a normal lens because macro needs some attention. I have been haveing fun with home made tri-pods,,,the most useful one is set in highth for my working distance, I just push it in the ground, or at an angle. It has a nice ball on it, the little body is made out of welded aluminumm, I have three and love them. I have been using my macro lens for about 3 weeks and have a big nest of wood ants waiting for me to visit. It is so different from other forms of photography. So enjoy and most of all take your time as I am sure you already know. Like your flowers,,good luck with the lighting,,

[paulstan]

Originally Posted by Boofers

Your no different then so many other's who went the same route,,"except the gallery's" and editing skills that started out with wonderful macro shots using a P&S who later went to SLR as a form of upgrade. I would say enjoy your good fortune, take your time with the new camera, get right to it and buy a macro lens,,,100mm or 180mm and a good try pod. I still use my P&S,,it took 3 years before I bought a real macro lens and it is different than a normal lens because macro needs some attention. I have been haveing fun with home made tri-pods,,,the most useful one is set in highth for my working distance, I just push it in the ground, or at an angle. It has a nice ball on it, the little body is made out of welded aluminumm, I have three and love them. I have been using my macro lens for about 3 weeks and have a big nest of wood ants waiting for me to visit. It is so different from other forms of photography. So enjoy and most of all take your time as I am sure you already know. Like your flowers,,good luck with the lighting,,

Thanks... I just bought a Canon 100mm 2.8 macro lens.... Curious, what do you mean by "good luck with the lighting"... Please don't tell me I'm in for another surprise...

[Charlotte]

Originally Posted by Markulous

I wouldn't use "short" but I might use "shallow"!

"Short" or "shallow"

Originally Posted by Markulous

"....with longer focal lengths produce a narrower depth of field than their shorter counterparts, where you want to throw the background out of focus"
What Is Depth Of Field? - What Digital Camera - digital camera reviews, latest camera news, camera buying advice, photography techniques, photographic gallery, photography forums

I didn't say ppl don't say "narrow" DoF, but those who do use it are responsible for creating the confusion If you can explain to me how you figure DoF can be "narrow" in the physical sense, I might change my mind ... although this might be difficult since DoF 'happens' on the z-axis not the x-axis

[silkstone]

It all m