Just picked up my first DSLR camera! Canon T1i (500D) with a 18-55mm EFS lens kit. Just arrived today and couldn't wait to get it out of the box. I am very excited to get out of a higher end P&S and into a new world of photography.

I am a novice in every sense of the word when it comes to this and any advice one could offer would be appreciated whether it is hardware or techniques! I hope to share some images soon for critiquing!

 

Congrats! I remember my first time buying a real DSLR, a huge change from film slrs. Shoot what you love shooting, and keep doing it, dont stop. Oh and share your photos with as many people as possible, get feedback, and you will improve!

 

welcome! to the world's greatest hobby #2.

You will fall in love with it, but your wallet will go thinner..
Damn I miss being able to afford food now

 

Scott. I'm sure you'll love the camera! I'm very happy with my Canon.

 

Thanks everyone! I hope to spend sometime this holiday weekend snapping pics, some for a detail and some for fun! I will be sure to post up to get some feedback!

 

you don't know what you got yourself into...i bought mine in feb thinking i won't upgrade anything for a long time. 4 months later i already spent 7-8k. this is worse than a car hobby lol, but congrats!

 

 

Congratulations and welcome to the world of photography.

If I may suggest, consider picking up the book "Understand Exposure" from Bryan Peterson. This was the first book I bought and it was a very good introduction to the basics of photography. Learning the fundamentals such as ISO, Shutter Speed, and Aperture is far more important than owning high end gear and just snapping away. Don't worry so much about upgrading just yet.

 

^
Good advice. I took a beginners class with a local camera shop that helped a lot. I wish they had had a Beginner 2 class to spend more time on the shutter speeds.

 

Thanks! I do planning on taking some courses at the local CC and Tech school later this summer.