About Me

My photo
I am a retired English teacher and department head, the mother of three grand mother of four, and have been married to the same man for 52 years. I subscribe to Dr. PM Forni's concept of Civility. I was born in South Philadelphia and grew up in the 'burbs. I love soft pretzels and cheesesteaks, the Phillies, the Eagles, and San Diego. I love being Mom, Aunt Kathy, Nona Kathy, and Teacher. I spend a lot of time in my gardens in the spring and summer, and in the winter I plan what I'm going to plant. I also am an avid reader and photographer.

Translator!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Mea Culpa or Dorothea Lange I'm Not

Sorry about the tease -- I really didn't mean it that way.  I've taken exactly four pictures with the new camera and only one was on purpose.  (And I'm sure no one wants to see the close up of my fingers, feet, sweater).  I'm just not comfortable with the camera, yet, and all the bells and whistles may be nice, but I can't see the damn things without my glasses which bang up against my face when I'm looking through the viewfinder.  I need to find a way to see what I'm aiming at on the screen, but so far I can't find a way to do that.  BETSY, OH BETSY!!!  Do you know what I mean?  If I can't soon figure it out, it's going back. 

14 comments:

Purple Flowers said...

Keep trying, keep trying - it will soon work itself out.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Oh you silly girl.... You'll get it... Just keep trying. Start by using everything automatic. Put it on Landscape or Portrait... I don't have trouble with the viewfinder because I don't wear glasses except to read... George does wear glasses however, and he uses the viewfinder...

I do not use this, but from Tv mode ( or Av or one of the manual ones) go to menu and find Live View Function settings.. ENABLE it and then push set when you are ready to take a picture. You can then see it from the larger viewing screen... Understand? George said that it may be harder to get a clear picture that way though.... It's just an alternative to the small viewfinder. Email me if you have questions.

Hugs,
Betsy

Linda said...

I share your frustration learning a new camera. Part of my problem is never wanting to take the time to read the instructions.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Betsy. Use the automatic mode for now. I have a Rebel and use auto mode most of the time.

Di

Sally Wessely said...

My husband just got a fancy new camera and all he has done is study the manuel. I've always wanted one like his, but I'm afraid I would just be too frustrated in learning it. My patience is low in learning about new gadgets. I think for me it would be a matter of putting the thing on automatic and going for it.

Enjoy!

Lena said...

It is so frustrating to learn a new piece of equipment! Good luck. And I can not wait to see your photographs!

A Slice of My Life said...

Keep trying, you need to give it a chance. Besides, you've got Betsy in your corner to walk you through it!

Sweet Virginia Breeze said...

I know nothing about cameras or taking pictures. I just point it in the general direction and push the button. I've tried to figure out settings and modes and its way over my head. Now computers, I can figure out. They make sense to me. How are you doing with your new computer?

George said...

I think you'll get the hang of using your new camera. As Betsy mentioned, I use the viewfinder with my glasses without too much trouble.
Although I now shoot mostly in manual mode, I used the auto settings until I got comfortable with camera. I then progressed to some of the other settings (landscape, portrait) before trying the manual settings. I still use the LCD screen to make rough adjustments before going to the viewfinder.

Linda Reeder said...

Yep. Use auto. The camera is smart and knows what it wants to do. Just start shooting and have fun.

Cheryl said...

My camera doesn't even have a viewfinder. Do you have to use yours? Doesn't it have a large viewing screen?

KiraAJ said...

i felt the same way when i got my new camera the christmas b4...i was so frustrated... I just kept playing around with it! Just take pictures of whatever till u get the hang of it :) and i dont generally go off the auto setting on my nikon D300 i even baught a book to teach me...guess what i left it back in the states...LOL how smart am i! lots use its doing there seeing the camera is here with me lol :)

Kay said...

Oh dear! I've got the same problem. Everytime I get a new camera, it kills me learning how to use it. I want a point and shoot that just shoots perfect all the time.

ain't for city gals said...

This is why I am still using my very very old digital...I think one of the originals! One day ...