Joy

[Donald]

I did not realize this. I have been referring to the menu. I found out the 2 button system also works in Manual mode...

Marie

This has been a great thread to follow. I haven't jumped in because the advice and support being given is a) top quality and, b) set out much better than I could do it.

But from the above statement, I think we see there is one lesson that we always need to take on. And that's the one about getting to know our camera like the back of our hand. I reckon 90+% of us get our hands on a camera, get the basics sorted and then go out there and don't take time to learn all the rest.

I'm not suggesting that Marie or anyone else is 'wrong' for not doing so, but as we can see from the above statement, once we do start to learn just what our cameras are capable of doing, we find a whole new set of opportunities opening up. So, that old adage about getting to know your camera so well that you don't need to look for any buttons and so that you could use it in the dark, is so true.

[Marie Hass]

Dear Donald,

But from the above statement, I think we see there is one lesson that we always need to take on. And that's the one about getting to know our camera like the back of our hand. I reckon 90+% of us get our hands on a camera, get the basics sorted and then go out there and don't take time to learn all the rest.

Up to now, I have chosen to hone my knowledge base in other aspects of my photography, but, for the most part, my focus was not on action or sports photography. Knowing that this was a lack on my part spurred this whole discussion.

Kodiak has repeatedly ascribed to the "RFM" approach to troubleshooting since he is a Nikon shooter. I found that the Canon 7d user guide is, on the other hand, not at all user friendly. It has repeatedly frustrated me to the point where I have just stuck with manual mode. Richard Crowe has provided some excellent youtube links on the Canon 7d that provided jumping off points, in addition to a few tips (focus point rotation, 2 dial functions) - these last two I did not even know the questions to ask.

I am thankful for all the discussion.

Marie

[Mike Buckley]

Kodiak has repeatedly ascribed to the "RFM" approach to troubleshooting since he is a Nikon shooter. I found that the Canon 7d user guide is, on the other hand, not at all user friendly.

I don't think you'll find the Nikon manuals any better. The manuals are good for looking up how various camera capabilities work once you already know that a particular function is likely available. (It's understandable that Kodiak would already know the functions to look for and it's equally understandable that you and so many of us including me wouldn't.) The manuals aren't nearly as effective for looking up how to accomplish a particular task. Tutorials and posts here at CiC are much more effective at that. As you mentioned, when we don't know what questions to ask, the manuals won't be very helpful in most cases.

[Marie Hass]

Dear Mike,

With the combined years of experience here at CiC, you can guarantee that someone has the answer. They say that it takes a village...

Marie