A new camera.

Along with trying to learn photoshop (here, here and here), I also bought a new camera a couple of months ago.  I was using a simple Canon PowerShot A3100, but was ready for something that was more robust.




My "old" camera.  Works great, but I just need more options.




I briefly debated on getting a digital SLR (like this one), but decided against it.  Although I would love to be able to take the gorgeous photos that can be taken with a digital SLR, I just do not have the time right now (or the money for that matter!) to commit myself to another hobby.  With all of the lenses and everything that go along with a digital SLR I just decided that I needed something that had the simplicity of a point and shoot, but that had more options to take better pictures in lower light settings, etc. ...  something that was sort of middle of the road.   So what did I buy?  Well, I went with another point and shoot camera, but one that is substantially nicer than the one I had before.  I decided on the Canon G12.  I first added this camera to my amazon wish list months ago, but was waiting until Canon released their newer version (the G1 X) because I figured that the G12 would come down in price ... and what do you know, it did?  It now is around $385, and for the price it really is a great camera!




My "new" camera.




So far I have been really happy with this camera, but there are considerably more options on the G12 than my old point and shoot.  Some of the options I don't even know what they are for, or what they do.  So to get the most out of my investment, I decided it would be prudent to purchase some sort of a book, so I bought  the book below (along with this memory card, and this extra 2 pack of batteries). The book has really been great so far, and got me started straight away with taking photos using this camera right out of the box. 

Although I have been making slow progress with this book, and have yet to get to the real meat and bones of it, I  have been starting to learn how to take some great photos.  Check out this photo below ... I took this inside Shedd Aquarium where it was very dark, without a flash and got a real nice shot of a these jelly fish while they were moving inside of a tank.  I did not edit this photo at all. 

Pretty decent picture considering the low light environment, movement, etc .... I also took these photos with my new camera while in Chicago (once again these have not been edited at all) ...

Now all I need is a good book (or web site) on photography basics.  I am vaguely aware of the rule of thirds but am not really that great on following it, and have a lot more to learn about composition and such. 

Is there a site or book you would recommend that has helped you learn how to compose great photos? If so, let me know!

Hugs,