pat_harrison2

<p>Thanks to all of you for offering such great advice! I can't tell you how much I appreciate your helpfulness.<br>

I ordered all of the suggested books this morning. I signed up on lynda.com. They actually have a beginner class designed for the Canon 5D. The class on Betterphoto.com sounds like a great idea too. I will check it out just as soon as I meet the class requirements.<br>

The point and shoot camera that I have been using was used and didn't come with a manual, so I didn't know anything about ISO, aperture and shutter speeds until this morning while on lynda.com. Robert, you are absolutely correct, the learning curve will be steep. I will be taking your advice and try using the auto setting, while learning. However, it seems obscene to use the cameras as point and shoots:>)</p>

<p>I'm new to photography and camera equipment. In the past, I have only used a point and shoot type camera.<br>

I have wanted something other than a point and shoot camera and to attend photography classes for some time now. I was just starting to do some research, when my husband surprised me with a Canon 5D MKiii for our anniversary and an Olympus OMD E5 from my children. We are going on a long trip in October to celebrate our anniversary so a new camera was a perfect gift. They were all so excited to tell me about the cameras and why they would be the perfect for me. There is no way I would consider returning either camera. I'm so appreciative of their thoughtfulness and excited about using the cameras.<br>

I could really use some advice on where I should begin. I have zero knowledge and limited time prior to our trip. I don't know if I should just concentrate on one camera or learn the basic functions of both. I don't know if they have an automatic setting that I could use while learning about the different camera functions. I have the batteries charging now and I'm going to begin reading the instruction manuals now.<br>

Any help you can offer a true beginner would really be appreciated.<br>

Thanks,<br>

Pat H</p>

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