I come from using canon digital Elphs all the way from the s100 to the s850is

This is my first DSLR
It came with a 18-135 lens...but this being arfcom that wasnt good enough so I also purchased a SB600 speedlight,a Sigma 18-200 and also a Nikon 50mm prime 1.8

Im no photographer by any means but I do want to learn how to take better pictures.
So any advice is welcomed

My skill level and comprehension level is basically zero when it comes to the terms and such.

Hers a few first attempts



I was just driving down the road when this cruised by...I love the instant on of this camera...Auto settings though

Heres a more arfcom like theme



Just set the camera up on a tripod (cheapie) and set the white balance to incadesent...and used the built in flash with the ISO set at 400

Dont have photoshop or any other image manipulation program so these pics are as shot...

Any websites or books to be read to further ny knowledge would be great

TIA
Marcus

The D80 was my first dslr also, that was 2 years ago.  It's still going strong.  If you want to get good with it, put the dial on manual and leave it there.   You bought a real camera, so dive in and don't be tempted to use it like an expensive point and shoot.

www.tipsfromthetopfloor.com

Listen to the podcasts, use the forums, take one of his classes if you can.

I also have a D80, great camera.  I like Scott Kelby His Digital Photography books are great and that website is a pretty good value for online training.

Good luck and keep shooting

http://photo.net/learn/

Congrats :)  You'll have fun with it.  The 50mm f/1.8 is a great lens for the money!

After you get your feet wet a little and understand the terms and such, I'd recommend shooting in Apeture priority.  My camera is in it 95% of the time.  

While manual mode is nice, you have to be VERY aware of your settings all the time, even in the same light, and many times is way more trouble than its worth.  I like to shoot between f/5-8, seems to give the sharpest results.  


Pick up some books and dive in :)

Great link!

Indeed...

Thanks for the help folks...Now I just need to snap some shots of interesting stuff