…and what I have NO CLUE how to use?!
That’s right! Mama got herself a brand new toy. I went with the mid-range, mid-level Nikon D3100. I’m not trying to be a professional, I just want really nice photos! I researched this a ton and it was very similar to the Nikon D5100, only the package price on this one (with coupons and discounts I had) was $700 less than the 5100. Um, yes please. I got an extra lens, a carrying case, a memory card and 2 year warranty for a heck of a price.
Now…I just need to figure out how this thing works! If you have any helpful tips or guides, please share with your friend Laura. I’m ready to play with this bad boy! I’m abusing Google, YouTube and Pinterest for how-tos and directions since the Nikon manual only shows me the basics…like turning it on. 🙂
The Steen Style 
Yay!!!! Congratulations on your new baby 🙂 My husband just got me the 5100 and I am having a ball learning this thing, but truly I have so much to learn too. Pinterest has helped a lot. I also purchased dslr for dummies used on Amazon (it's my side kick right now). Also I purchased a class from Living Social because it was such a great deal (3 hours for $50). Please let me know if you find something on pinterest or a class or something too and I'll be sure to pass what I hear along to you too! Have fun!
Laura, I got a Canon similar to yours from QVC over the summer. I too got a fantastic deal with a "deal of the day", carrying case, extra lens and battery. Not to mention warranty and qvc has great customer service. My advice is to just play around outside with it and just take pics on different settings. Google was also very helpful. enjoy! -Tiffany
Awesome! I got a camera for Christmas last year, no where near the capability of your new one and it still had many many bells and whistles I couldn't figure out. I took a class at Tulsa Community College and it was awesome. SO helpful. If you have something nearby that helps tremendously….usually not very expensive, maybe 2-3 classes and so worth it! Have fun!
I teach a workshop for those with digital SLR cameras 4 times per year called Mamarazzi of Tulsa. No, you don't have to be a mom to join us. The class is one Saturday (the next one is in January) from 9am-3pm. We change some settings on your camera, go over the basics of photography (aperture, ISO, and shutter speed) and how they all work together. We also go over focusing and lighting. Then the last half of the workshop is going over composition and how to take more creative, photojournalistic photos. I was in your shoes once and tried to teach myself for two years before I bit the bullet and did a workshop. And, sure, I got some okay photos from time to time…but mostly I got dark or blurry images. There is nothing better than learning how to nail your exposure each and every time early on. You can find info on our blog:http://mamarazzioftulsa.blogspot.comAnd I occasionally post about Mamarazzi of my photography blog:http://jennycollierphotography.com/blog
A little birdie alluded to me getting one for Christmas! I can't wait to figure it all out. We'll be newbies together!
You're a very lucky girl! Enjoy learning all about your new toy!
Thanks everyone! I appreciate the helpful tips and links. I'm going to check them all out and most likely look into some classes in January.