Another Newbie

[LordPov]

Hi everyone!

I've been lurking around these fine forums for a few months now and thought I should finally bite the bullet and register.
Until a month ago, my only camera was an old Sony P&S (DSC-P8 ) which wasn't exactly a pleasure to use. I'm now a proud owner of a Nikon D80 with the very awesome 18-200mm VR. Photography is a lot more fun with this baby!
I only understand the basics of exposure, and still have a lot, LOT more to learn on the creative side. Practice will make perfect

I don't have any shots I'm happy enough to post here yet, there's so many talented photographers on this board that it's quite intimidating (but inspiring too).

Anyway, enough rambling! See you guys around sometime

edit: damn forum turned my P&S model into a smiley...

[Glen]

Welcome Lordpov, nice camera to start with

[Alpha_7]

Welcome to the forums, glad you've stepped out of the shadows to join our merry crew! Great starting kit, you've obviously research well, I've got the 18-200VR and the D200 and throughly enjoyed walking around Boston in my free time taking in the sights and snaping the "occasional photo". The D80 and 18-200VR will serve you very well!

[Raskill]

Welcome aboard.

Post some shots and don't be intimidated. Do you know where you want your photography to lead? Motorsports, Sports, Portraits, Nekid Chicks?

[Oscar]

Welcome to the forum, LordPov. Congratulations on the acquisition of a fine kit.
Hope you enjoy your time here. Post away and you can learn as you go.

Show us some shots from your D80 soon.

Cheers, Mick

[LordPov]

Thanks for the kind welcome!

I've already learnt so much since I got the D80 - particularly about exposure compensation (anyone else with a D80 find that they hang around -0.3 to -0.7 most of the time?). I'll definitely post some pics when I feel I have things more in my control.

Do you know where you want your photography to lead? Motorsports, Sports, Portraits, Nekid Chicks?

Since I'm just starting, I've been taking shots of pretty much everything I see. I imagine I'll eventually focus on the types of shots that I like looking at, which at the moment is urban and wildlife. Motorsport would be awesome, but I don't think I'd get to events often enough. I really, really love the model / fashion shots I've seen around here too (I won't name names), but again I think I won't have a lot of opportunity.
Nekid chicks would be great, but I don't think my wife would approve

[Marvin]

Welcome LordPov. We'll look forward to seeing some of your pics.

[Old Bob]

Wecome LordPov. You will find it's much more fun to participate, than just to observe. A very diverse and interesting family.

Bob

[Geoff]

Welcome Lordpov - you are off to a great start with a good camera. Don't be afraid to ask questions and post images for critique!

It'd be good to see you at some Sydney meets when they come up.

You will like it here

[Yi-P]

Welcome aboard to this community and the whole new experience in the long run photography

[iGBH]

Welcome aboard. You should learn a lot from here. You've chosen well with your kit too, I've also just ordered the D80 and 18-200 and i think is a great way to start out.

From reading comments around the place, the consensus is that straight out of the box the D80 overexposes images and most people adjust it to -0.7 to make up for it.