So I bought a Canon 80D last year and I like it and have recently joined a photography class to learn a little more about it. Okay a lot more. I didn't have clue as to what all the settings do. I am going camping next week and want to try the Bulb setting for a time lapse on the rapids next to the campground on the Upper Delaware. Up until a few days ago Didn't even know what the Bulb setting was. So I guess what I am asking did anyone else find it somewhat overwhelming when you first delved into photography with a decent camera.

Very much so!! You're doing the right thing by taking a class! When I got my first DSLR, changing lenses was the first rude awakening. I read my manual, but a lot of it didn't make sense until much later when I'd actually used some of the features. ( I ordered a camera specific dvd and that helped a lot.) Then came getting used to not using "auto" mode and learning about shutter speeds and f-stops and proper exposure and on and on. I'm still learning just how much there is to learn!! Now when someone asks me for a recommendation as to what camera they should get, I always ask "how serious are you about photography?"

Agree 100% with what nehall said. I have had my Nikon D200 for about 13 years and I am still finding stuff I didn't know. Can't imagine what the learning curve is on current models.

I agree with Robert and Nehall. I've had my D750 for almost 2 years and am still reading the user manual which is about 2 inches thick. Beside learning all the camera tricks and tricks in Photoshop Elements, my brain is on overload. Trying to remember everything is difficult at my age. Lol! I do find that reading about certain functions and then playing with them immediately helps me learn and remember better. These new cameras are amazing in what they can do and help you to take better pictures.

Agree with everything written above. If you're not still learning, you're not maximizing the potential of your camera. I just got a new camera last week, but I was still learning my old camera from 2012. Luckily I bought the same manufacturer, but holy cow does this new camera have a ton of new settings and customization. It's almost too much. Some of the new features are going to make me lazy; real time focus lock and subject tracking? That was called, start over and refocus on my old camera.

Looking forward to taking it to Yellowstone. I'm giving my old camera to my son (16) and I'm hopeful that he'll enjoy learning photography. He'll be able to use all my lenses. In today's AI smartphone world, it's a tough sell.

John

Agree with everything written above. If you're not still learning, you're not maximizing the potential of your camera. I just got a new camera last week, but I was still learning my old camera from 2012. Luckily I bought the same manufacturer, but holy cow does this new camera have a ton of new settings and customization. It's almost too much. Some of the new features are going to make me lazy; real time focus lock and subject tracking? That was called, start over and refocus on my old camera.

Looking forward to taking it to Yellowstone. I'm giving my old camera to my son (16) and I'm hopeful that he'll enjoy learning photography. He'll be able to use all my lenses. In today's AI smartphone world, it's a tough sell. Enjoy Yellowstone. I went there 20 years ago and loved it.

John

I've been going to the classes and I am learning a bit. Long way to go. We had a model come in the other day and I liked this one I took of her.

Nice low light shot! Please keep sharing your progress with us.

Best advise I can give is keep experimenting. Practice often and read the manual (youtube tutorials help too)

I’d love to know what online class you are taking ..

I’d love to know what online class you are taking ..

So Laurie came back to pose for the class which ends next week and I have learned a bit but I think I have just scratched the surface. I plan on taking another class in the Fall if not where I am taking this though then maybe somewhere else. It's hard to take a bad pic of her but I liked this one.

I would recommend the online digital learning center on the Canon website. Click to follow link... . Another cite, although not specific to Canon is really interesting , with tons of general digital info is Click to follow link... . Should be able to find experience appropriate information on these cites

So I bought a Canon 80D last year and I like it and have recently joined a photography class to learn a little more about it. Okay a lot more. I didn't have clue as to what all the settings do. I am going camping next week and want to try the Bulb setting for a time lapse on the rapids next to the campground on the Upper Delaware. Up until a few days ago Didn't even know what the Bulb setting was. So I guess what I am asking did anyone else find it somewhat overwhelming when you first delved into photography with a decent camera.