Does anyone one here know anything about DSLR cameras?

[snapthesnap]

Sorry for posting on this topic but hoping I can find someone who is knowledgable on the subject via AIBU traffic.

I've recently dug this up from our loft. Apparently it was left years and years ago at an event my DP organised when he lived abroad and despite extensive searches no one ever found the owner or came forward to claim it. DP has a super stressful busy job so it kind of got dumped in a box full of random event stuff and completely forgotten about, it's now resurfaced 9+ years and a country move later.

It's a Canon 1000D it was in a case with charger and has an EFS 18-55 lens which doesn't seem to work on AF only manual and inside the case there's also a large Sigma DG 70-300mm 1:4-5.6 lens which seems to be working fine albeit only if the subject is far away, it has a "normal" and a "macro" switch and a "AF" and "M" one too. I don't know what any of those spec means or if they're even relevant.

Now call me silly but I've always really wanted to take up photography as a hobby but either couldn't really afford a camera or had no time to pursue it and it's fallen onto the back burner along with other things in my life since becoming an adult and mum. Now that I've found this and DP is more than happy for me to have it I kind of feel like it's a bit of a sign and was wondering if I could maybe use it to learn the basics of photography.

I'm aware that this camera is probably rather old now and I'm not sure if it's any good, can someone with more knowledge on the subject shed some light on its spec and wether it would be OK to use as a starter camera for a newbie?
Or perhaps if it needs anything to bring it up to spec? Sorry if this isn't a thing but I'd love to give it a go if I can.

DH is an amateur photographer. I take photos, too, but know less about lenses, etc. Anyway, he recommends a 50 mm 1.8 lens for a relatively low-price but high-quality lens. It is less likely to need the flash, too.

if you enjoy it, I would very much recommend getting a canon EF 50mm F1.8 lens for it - a “pancake” lens - they are lovely for low depth of field shots of the kids

I have a Canon EOS 400D. I haven't used it for years due to the advent of such improved cameras in phones these days...
I think it's time I got mine out!

We got ours out again when DD did GCSE photography and found CEX good for getting lenses.

I used a Canon 1000D up until a couple of years ago (when Dad took it back!) and they are fab!! the 18-55mm lens will be fine for close ups of the kids and the filters were probably for 'soft focus' photos. I've never used a filter.

I found a 100-300mm lens best for photographing sporting expertise and the basic lens (I think its 35-70mm) for everyday stuff. But my tip is have fun trying the different bits!! I only ever used the preprogrammed settings (the twiddly knob on top with little pictures on) but my brother uses the M and other functions which gives the photographer more control over the focal length and shutter speed.

There’s an AMAZING online course called www.photographyforparents.co.uk I can’t recommend it highly enough!!

there's a few online photo blog type sites that might be of interest....taking a photo every day or every week can be a really great way of improving your photography.

Blipfoto is one..I use that and it's great to look back as a diary almost

52 weeks is another, although I haven't got beyond signing up for that, they all seem a bit super keen and american for my liking.

There's all sorts out there though!

- the camera has a fairly large display but I can't use it to take pictures, it's just displaying settings, I have to look through the viewer to be able to see what I'm photographing is that how they work?

I know you've been told how to turn live view on. Now turn it off again. You should be using the viewfinder. Unless your camera is on a tripod, you're much better off using the viewfinder as you'll hold the camera much steadier and it will be a lot easier to frame your shots - you won't be wildly waving the camera around trying to point it at your target.

Some great advice here, so I'd like to add that you get yourself an editing suite (EG Photoshop); however, you probably don't want to pay for it until you're more proficient, and know whether photography is going to be something you'll stick with, so have a look at this article to find a free programme. Gimp is very good, BTW.

skylum.com/blog/best-free-photoshop-alternatives

YouTube is a great resource for photography tips and tutorials, regardless of your experience level. Same goes for post processing.

I really hope you have a lot of fun with your new hobby!

Thank you again for all the advice! I've been having a go at a few pictures over the last couple of days. Long way to go but really enjoying it.

I was just wondering if I could perhaps get recommendations for an affordable wireless shutter release that would work with this model camera?

Here's one:

exphotovideo.com/canon-rc-6-remote-control-1519993/?mkwid=sfrH9yoWX_dc&pcrid=310558796632&kword=&match=&plid=&product=1519993&pgrid=58515513981&ptaid=pla-759194507480&gclid=CjwKCAjwiaX8BRBZEiwAQQxGx_7Y1buJQEHM7XFNcCYWHxKpJmfvisrkKfUqxql_v9mF609KyNnt3BoC45UQAvD_BwE

Sorry, cocked up that link

www.wexphotovideo.com/canon-rc-6-remote-control-1519993/?mkwid=sfrH9yoWX_dc&pcrid=310558796632&kword=&match=&plid=&product=1519993&pgrid=58515513981&ptaid=pla-759194507480&gclid=CjwKCAjwiaX8BRBZEiwAQQxGx_7Y1buJQEHM7XFNcCYWHxKpJmfvisrkKfUqxql_v9mF609KyNnt3BoC45UQAvD_BwE