Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with beginner

First-time DSLR buyer looking for advice

kampken — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:46:36 -0800

What camera and lens combinations would you suggest for a DSLR for macro/indoor photography (without flash) for a newbie? Price range around 1200 USD. I'm looking to buy a good DSLR camera (not exactly pro but not too cheap either) but I'm fairly confused as to what to choose. Mostly because i don't know exactly what values i should look for and also lens incompatibilities (really don't wanna be stuck with a model where i can't get any proper lenses) - A fairly easy to use and light camera would be preferred, but i am willing to study the user manual or other instructions for as long as it takes.

I am planning to do macro-photography with it, so i guess i need something with live-view, so i can check the focus before taking the photo. I can't find anything about macro-specific cameras as such, so i guess it's just about finding a good lens?
Also i plan to do much indoor photography without using a flash, so i will need a good light-strong lens of a sort, however these are quite expensive so a wrong buy would be costly.

And what about the new 4/3 cameras? I like their size and design, but would they be any good for my purposes?

So in short, what camera and lens combinations would you suggest for a DSLR for macro/indoor photo for a newbie? Price range around 1200 USD.

Help me choose a beginner DSLR?

kylej — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:26:13 -0800

What beginner's dslr should I buy? I'm looking to purchase a camera within the next couple weeks. I have around 600$ to spend, and I'm looking to buy a beginners dslr.

Right now I'm leaning towards the Canon Rebel XSi.

It seems like it has a lot of options for me to learn and Canon has a nice lens selection if I want to buy more.

I've seen other questions on here, as well as numerous online reviews, but I wanted to see if you guys can think of any other options that would be good for me.

Stuff I'm planning on using it for:
Snapshots of friends
Macro(ish) shots
Travel shots(for when I go to Spain this summer)
Probably some informal portraits too

Another camera I was considering was the Nikon D3000, which is geared towards beginners, but I feel like it might be limiting as I get better at photography.

Thanks for your input!

Help my teenage sister unlock the wonder of Photoshop

acorn1515 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:19:18 -0800

I'm getting a copy of Photoshop CS3 for my younger sister, who's always shown a lot of interest in graphic design. She's turning 16, what beginner's resources can I point her to? I read the answers to this question, posted several years back, but I'm hoping there may be some more up-to-date sites or books out there. Something targeted to a high school audience, with "funner" real-life examples is the dream.

I'll definitely be pointing her to the "You Suck at Photoshop" web series, even though that might not necessarily be the preferred tone for my baby sister. Photoshopping herself into pictures with Red Sox players is a bit more up her alley...

Where can I find easy to learn tin whistle music online?

emperor.seamus — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:14:52 -0800

Does anyone know where I can find short or easy songs for the tin whistle online? I've spontaneously decided I want to play the tin whistle, however, I have an infamously short attention span and I'd ideally like to be able to play something just about bearable sounding within about two weeks.

I know that this isn't how learning to play musical instruments works, and I have got a couple of songs that I'm practicing in the hopes that I won't lose interest really quickly, but just in case, are there any spectacularly easy songs that might encourage me into sticking with it? And if so, where can I find them?

Help me get bent

mippy — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:24:19 -0800

I've started taking yoga classes through work, and am really enjoying it. What books and resources are recommended to help me continue after the sessions end? There seems to be so many out there... If it helps, the type of yoga I'm learning is sivananda (I think). I'm obviously a beginner and not enormously fit, but it would be great to have something I can do at home as well as in a class. Oh, I'm in the UK so I must be able to get hold of the books over here!

Teach Me To Grow Things!

battlebison — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:33:58 -0800

I want to grow some plants indoors. I don't know anything about gardening. Could any of you green thumbs out there give me a working knowledge of terminology and the basics to success? I have some south-facing window ledge space that gets lots of light. I think it would be perfect for growing plants. My knowledge of plants is just about as close to nothing as it could possibly be.

What are the basics of gardening: What pots should I use? What plants? What soil? How much attention and care does each type of plant need? Where do I buy seeds? If someone could point me to some good resources, I'd be very grateful (the "beginner's" stuff I've googled seems either too advanced or more instructional than informative).

Or if some plant-knowledged mefites could even just throw out some bits of plant knowledge, that would be great too. I'd love to know the why behind gardening, more than the "here's what to do..."

If it matters: I'm thinking that growing herbs or hot peppers or something would be a good use of this space.

Aren't we and space and ideas always changing?

TheOtherSide — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 06:06:43 -0800

So, what are the universally accepted axioms in philosophy, if any? While tracking another askmefi question regarding questions in philosophy, I have noticed that philosophical arguments seem to make a lot of assumptions. As simple examples, the "Utility Monster" and "P-Zombie" thought experiments seem to make assumptions that life is mostly static and that people's beings don't change over time. In producing these thought experiments are these philosophers utilizing a well-regarded set of assumptions that I should be aware of? Is there even such a thing?

Also, how do I make Philosophy less semantically confusing? Because often when I read Philosophical arguments I'll think, 'sure that makes sense, if I assume that X means Y, but sometimes X means Z, or X will mean Z at a later date.'

Disclaimer: I haven't read any real philosophy since undergrad, but I remember this imprecision being a thing that turned me off from 'early' works. At the time, I remember reading Plato and Descartes and thinking to myself, 'yeah this is interesting, but wow they make a lot of assumptions that I don't necessarily agree with.'

Possible for a Newbie to program very basic iPhone app?

zachawry — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:32:29 -0800

Am I crazy? How hard would it be for a non-programmer (but power-user) to create a totally basic iPhone app? I have no programming experience, although I know my way around HTML and a little PHP (so code doesn't totally frighten me).

I want to make an incredibly basic iPhone app. Basically, a collection of recipes entitled "Japanese Home Cooking for the American Slacker." It would just be a Table of Contents, then text and photos for each recipe.

Given these basic requirements, is it realistic to think I could cobble this thing together myself given the resources out there? Without having to learn C or object programming?

I guess it depends on how many "turnkey" solutions to these basic functionalities are already present.

Thanks!

Learning about online shares trading very quickly

gttommy — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 08:11:56 -0800

What is the fastest way to learn online shares trading very quickly? Hi, investment newbie here!

I bought "Online Shares Investing FOR DUMMIES" :) and ready to sign up for a trading game or 2 using fake cash. I would like some tips on what investment paths or style I should take to learn quickest?

I suppose an analogy is like being able to drive unlimited cars on a race track and to maximise the opportunity to improve your driving skills you would try interesting things to learn about the dynamics of a car driving, as opposed to driving normally. I think playing it safe I won't learn as much... ?

Any other ideas or suggestions would also be appreciated. Thanks!

Michael, Row The Boat Ashore...

SNWidget — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:19:00 -0800

TwangFilter: I've got about 2.5 months to pick up guitar. I'm not looking to play Stairway - I need to play chords and sing along, basically. Mostly folksy songs. What books/methods are best for learning? I'm a music teacher that's been hired to teach non-musicians about a few musical instruments. I know most of them I've been asked to do: recorder, autoharp, etc. I don't know how to play guitar, though. I've got about 2.5 months before I need to start this up.

I'm looking for either a beginner book/CD combo, or some other method. I'm up for taking lessons (I'm in grad school for music, so hitting a guitar player up for lessons isn't tough), but most of my friends are out of town at the moment, and I'd like to get a jump. I already have the guitar - I just need a place to start.

The music I'll be teaching is folksy, simply chord stuff. Nothing too complicated. Ideally, I'd like to get to the point in my own playing where I could pick it up at a party and strum a couple of songs - my primary instrument is bassoon, which is infinitely less helpful at parties, let me tell you.

So MeFi, how do I pick up guitar?

Bass Amplification by Simulated Emission of Reverberation

shoebox — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:55:15 -0800

What exactly is the difference between a guitar and bass amp? If I were to get the latter, could I plug in the former instrument and still get similar bitchin' sounds out of my rig? I am interested in learning to play the electric bass and am set to get a beginner model + practice amp. The problem is, I have a (really) shitty guitar from a while back that i can hack out a few tunes on, and would like to amplify it as well. I would much rather not invest in a separate amp for each instrument.

My readings tell me that putting a bass into a guitar amp is not the best idea because it might explode. But how about a guitar plugged into a bass amp? wouldn't that suffice? (research doesn't turn up much) would there even be any difference in sound or anything? If so, what cheap solution can I use to compensate?

Also, past ask threads have been very useful in helping me pick out models, but if any of you have recommendations for certain brands/products, please feel free to shout across the room/

i can has bookbinding?

MaddyRex — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 12:56:06 -0800

Resources for a beginning bookbinder? (In New York City) I've just started getting into bookbinding. There seems to be a lot of literature out there about it but I'd like to just get the lowdown of how and where to start.

I'm mostly interested in learning stitches and binding the actual pages, less interested in special boards/clothe.

1. What materials should I buy?
2. What are the bindings I should learn?
3. What are some good books on the topic?
4. Are there (inexpensive) places in NYC to learn about this?

Which 2d game framework should I use?

radgardener — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 06:16:44 -0800

So I want to make a 2d game and I'm looking for a framework/engine to build it in... I'm going in pretty naked. I have experience programming in Java, C, C# and an assortment of scripting languages. After a bit of research I've found myself trying to pick between using Game Maker, which looks fairly shallow, or Flash and ActionScript, which looks like a steeper learning curve but provides me the benefit of having the game be cross-platform.

Should I use Game Maker?

Should I use Flash?

Should I use...a different thing?

What is a good continuous light kit for a beginner photographer?

austinlee — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:17:15 -0800

What is a good continuous light kit for a beginner photographer? Here is one that I am looking at. The price is about what I want to spend but does anyone know if there are better options available?

I'd prefer continuous lights because I sometimes do video work as well.

http://cart.owens-originals.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=COOL8

Thanks!

-Austin

Recommendations for a book on patchworking and quilting

amf — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:19:38 -0800

I'd like to make my first patchwork quilt and am looking for a good book. It needs to be an introduction to patchworking and quilting, explaining the different techniques and the steps from cutting the fabric to binding the finished quilt, but especially the quilting. Is there a book on the subject that you can recommend for me to buy? I'm a beginner at the sewing machine and have sewed two patchwork pillowcases so far. Now it's time to try something bigger and more elaborate!

Bonus points if the book reflects my preferences: I'm more into modern fabric patterns and like vibrant colors and white, like the ones shown in these Flickr pools: one, two. Since I'm a beginner and because I love geometry, I prefer sewing patterns with straight lines - squares, rectangles, triangles, etc.

Thanks!

surfer-filter: First timer looking for noob advice and tips

brenton — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:38:10 -0800

surfer-filter: First timer looking for noob advice and tips. My complete surfing history: Two years ago, a friend took me surfing and on the first try I rode a wave until it ended. Then I got out of the water. Today I was given a 6' board, and I'm going into the water without an instructor or surfer friend. I feel fairly safe doing this since I live by the Carpinteria State Beach, just about the most mild and tranquil beach ever. Never big waves or currents, all sand, and it doesn't really have other surfers for me to get run over by (though I do see them sometimes). Also, I go swimming by myself here, and I see others swimming by themselves, I don't imagine it's much more dangerous to take a surfboard with you.

So I'm just wondering if anyone can give me some basic advice for my learning to surf. How should I approach this? What else do I need besides the board? Special stretches to do beforehand? Special foods to avoid? I'm looking for any and all tips.

I'm sure everyone is going to tell me I'm going to die and give me safety advice. Okay... I'll listen to, and appreciate, such advice. But I'd also like some non-safety advice, you know, just tips on how to get started, things to be aware of, basic stuff like that.

(By the way, I already know a bigger board would be better, but let's assume for the sake of this question that I'm going to keep the 6' board and that I'll be able to get up on it. If that turns out to be a false assumption, I'll deal with that later. :D )

Learn To Draw In Only Twenty Seconds Using The Internet

scrump — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:07:57 -0800

I'm a writer who needs to learn how to draw illustrations for my manuals. And I need to learn fast. I'm a technical writer with access to Photoshop, Illustrator, Paint Shop Pro and GIMP. My company has decided that we need to do our illustrations in-house instead of outsourcing the work.

I have no real experience drawing, and need to be able to generate good-looking, PDF-ready illustrations describing DNS software and concepts using these tools. What are the best, quickest, freely available tutorials I can use to get up to speed on how to draw things and make them not look like my four-year-old did it?

We do not have budget or time for formal classes: we have to learn to do it ourselves. The desired outcome is a step above Visio line diagrams, but the company doesn't expect us to become Picasso, either. Some good examples of our intended outcome are here, here or here.

Some of you may want to editorialize in this space about how this is insane and my company is insane for wanting this. Please don't. I'm operating under the constraints given above, and them's the breaks. I have no influence whatever over the decision, and it is not up for discussion.

How do I make changes across all keyframes in Flash?

kmtiszen — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:34:47 -0800

FlashFilter: I'm dumb at this whole Flash thing! How can I change something (i.e. text) across all keyframes? I'm constantly adding things to the first keyframe in my movie, but can't seem to figure out how to carry that change over to all subsequent keyframes. The only solution my dense self can come up with is to copy and paste in place in each individual keyframe. Obviously, this is very time consuming. Is there a way I can just make the change across all frames?

Camping, hiking, backpacking suggestions for a beginner in the Midwest?

lblair — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:07:58 -0800

Summer isn't THAT far off . . . already trying to come up with camping/hiking spots in the Midwest for once it gets warm. Help! Looking for specific recommendations for spots in the IL/IA/WI area, plus whatever other random camping and backpacking tips you want to throw my way. Bonus points for places I can bring my dog, although I don't mind leaving her with my parents for a week either. Having never gone camping as a kid, I only recently discovered how fun it is. I tried to expand my tent-camping experience in the the Illinois/Iowa area last summer but had a hard time figuring out the best places to go. Some of the places I went to were OK, some were kind of boring. Now summer is approaching again (ok, yes I know it's February but I'm desperate.) And I want to start planning for all the awesome places I'm going to go this summer.

I really like the idea of packing/traveling light, so I think I'd like to eventually pick up backpacking too, but I'm not sure I can afford to buy gear for that this year. I was thinking maybe if I found some good spots for tent camping, I could start building up my endurance/ experience on day-long hikes. (Up until now, my camping experience has mainly centered around being drunk around a campfire.) Don't get me wrong, that's also fun, but I want to get back into nature! I want to see some beautiful places but I'm feeling unsatisfied by what I've found through googling and National Park websites. I have a hard time getting a feel for what places are really like, so I'd like to have YOUR recommendations! I'm particularly looking in the Illinois/Wisconsin/Iowa area, but if there's something amazing a little further out, I'm game too. (Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri?) I have been searching some old AskMe's and found some cool stuff already such as the Dark Sky Finder and Pepsi Can Stove. Any other random helpful suggestions like this are more than welcome. I found this thread on backpacking really helpful. The pepsi can stove is a good example of something I can test-drive while tent camping, and then I'll be more confident once I start attempting actual backpacking trips.

Thanks in advance, Mefites. I'm so excited about this, I've literally been having recurring dreams about camping since about December.

Help me learn piano on the cheap!

scarello — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 16:21:57 -0800

Help me learn piano on a budget. I have always wanted to learn, and now I am 31 and tired of just wishing! Problem is, money is tight, so I am looking for suggestions on how to teach myself on the cheap (if that's possible). So, if you are able to suggest some affordable equipment (I own no piano), that would be great. Preferably a keyboard I could connect to my computer, as opposed to a full, traditional piano (space is tight as well). And any resources for learning, would be much appreciated.

How can I get fit properly?

Fluffy654 — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 15:51:54 -0800

How can I get fit properly? I am a 21 year old male who has never exercised before. I want to get into a proper routine but I don't have enough money to go to the gym. I'm not overweight but would like to exercise in order to improve my health, strength and stamina.

Does anybody know of any good free resources that could help me? I specifically need information on routines without equipment (keep in mind they must be understandable to someone with no experience) and also on how to eat properly considering I will be burning more calories.

I am also a vegetarian.

meditation classes?

hapticactionnetwork — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 12:29:14 -0800

Should I take a meditation class? I'm interested in starting a meditation practice, and I'm not sure how to begin. I looked at some old questions and there's a lot of great advice and books and things, but I'm wondering specifically if I should look into meditation classes.

I know there's a Shambhala center near me, so if anyone has any thoughts about them specifically, that would be great! More generally though, what should I look for in a meditation class? Is there anything I should steer away from?

If you don't think meditation classes are the best way to get started, what is?

Thanks everybody

Please introduce a n00b to geocaching!

Arasithil — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:44:21 -0800

I've just learned about geocaching and it sounds incredible. Please help me get started, especially with choosing a receiver! I'm a poor student, so the cheaper the better, but I'm willing to spend a bit more if it's really worth it.

I've looked around a bit for recommendations, but I'm still having trouble deciding, and so I have turned to the hive mind for help. I've read this, but since it's more than two years old I was wondering if there have been improved models since then.

Any advice for beginners would also be greatly appreciated!

Minor details/questions:
- I normally live in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and I don't have a car, so I figure I'll mostly be geocaching around the UBC endowment lands or around Coquitlam to start off.
- Right now I'm in Japan for some time, so if there are models with cool features that I can only get here or that I can get for much cheaper I'd love to know.
- I have some friends I think might be interested - how enjoyable is geocaching with, say, 3-4 people? 4 times the fun, or just more frustrating because you only have one receiver between you?

Thanks very much in advance, everyone!

Getting started producing electronic music?

wastelands — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:54:55 -0800

How does an absolute beginner get started making electronic music? I've listened to electronic music for 13 years. I'm partial to ambient, noise, and anything abstract and experimental. I have always wanted to try my hand at creating music, but something like Reason 4 appears intimidating (not to mention expensive).

Does anyone have a recommendation for messing around and getting started with electronic music... without spending a bunch of money first? I'd like to see if I have a knack for it before I commit to major hardware and software purchases.

I've got an old school Dell computer at home running Windows XP, so compatibility with that platform would be nice.

Thanks!

Looking to start an overseas charity

pandemic — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 17:33:21 -0800

My friend is looking to begin a charity benefiting children in Africa. We live in the U.S. And we have no idea what we're doing. Any tips from someone who would know how to begin? A friend of mine has been talking about starting a charity that would provide new/used running shoes to underprivileged children (and probably adults as well) in a yet-to-be-named African nation.

I told him I want to help him but I think we'd be in way over our heads to try and take this overseas. The plan, in greater detail:

We're both college students, and he (the friend) wants to start collecting running shoes from students and businesses around town. That part we have a pretty solid plan for, it's everything that comes after that has us confused. How does one go about taking these shoes and getting them to the recipients? For now let's just say we're looking at Kenya--should we get in touch with some schools, or maybe a pre-existing charity group that could help us get in contact with some people over there? Are there any programs through the UN that we should look at?

What about the overwhelming legal issues?

He wants to operate as an independent entity which would rule out getting involved with any other similar groups.

Is this feasible?