msmoto said:
Yup, yup, yup.... make your own chart. First, take your camera out and shoot photos writing down what you are doing. Go through many of the menu items trying the different combinations. And shoot hundreds of shots. Then in the camera, look at these, decide what you like. And then....format your memory card and erase everything you have shot. And do it again, only this time, try to use your memory as to what settings you thought were best. And more recording on paper. Then edit in camera, erasing about half the shots, then to the computer, first edit another half of the shots. Now look at the notes to see what you have and make your "cheat sheets" to remind yourself what you want.

"OMG" must be your response. You have now spent about eight hours and have not much to show for it. But, you have learned your camera and have what you want.

There is a lot of wisdom in those words :)

Yup, yup, yup.... make your own chart. First, take your camera out and shoot photos writing down what you are doing. Go through many of the menu items trying the different combinations. And shoot hundreds of shots. Then in the camera, look at these, decide what you like. And then....format your memory card and erase everything you have shot. And do it again, only this time, try to use your memory as to what settings you thought were best. And more recording on paper. Then edit in camera, erasing about half the shots, then to the computer, first edit another half of the shots. Now look at the notes to see what you have and make your "cheat sheets" to remind yourself what you want.

"OMG" must be your response. You have now spent about eight hours and have not much to show for it. But, you have learned your camera and have what you want.

boemboem said:
Hi there,

Some time ago when using Google, I found a printable card which can be used to help you make decisions about what s-speed,aperture to use. I believe it was at A6 format (think it was a PDF)

Does anyone use such a card or does anyone know where to find it?

I can't disagree with Paperman about learning and trial and error. B&H sells laminated "cheat sheets" specifically tailored to each camera. I believe these sheets are geared toward camera functions and not what specific settings to use for a particular photo. There are so many variables such as light, desired depth of field, focal length of lens, subject of photograph, subject distance, whether subject is moving or stationary, desired outcome, etc. that it would be really challenging to produce a formulaic solution for the limitless possibilities one could encounter. Then, to fit that all on a card of reasonable size would be a considerable challenge.

Let's not get lazy :-) Better figure out yourself or you will never have a full grasp of the logic behind all settings/selections. There are preset/pre-programmed modes in your DSLR if that's what you're looking for but it takes all the excitement away :-)

Trial & error - best method of learning.

Hi there,

Some time ago when using Google, I found a printable card which can be used to help you make decisions about what s-speed,aperture to use. I believe it was at A6 format (think it was a PDF)

Does anyone use such a card or does anyone know where to find it?