Moved up to the wonderful world of DSLRs!

After suffering through many years of aged and lousy point-and-shoot cameras, finally decided to bite the bullet and pick up a DSLR. This was not necessarily planned for this year, so we went looking for a decent camera on which we can start building yet another addictive hobby.

Wound up picking up a lightly used (less than 5,000 actuations) Canon 450D (Rebel XSi). It only included the kit lens but we plan on investing in both a telephoto and macro lens in the future at some point. Also included several filters (UV haze, Polarized, Neutral Density), a nice Canon case, and a Dummies book so we can learn how to use the freaking thing. Only messed around with it for a short time so far but I'm excited to dive into this thing.

I'm not gonna lie, this thing is intimidating. Hopefully I can figure it out. :please:

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated!

Pick up the book "Understanding Exposure"

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/techniques.htm
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials.htm

Those two links will help you understand what is going on in the camera. When you change this or that. Some great info.

Great pick up...Welcome to the new addiction of DSLR's... :D

I've had mine for about six weeks now...and still somewhat intimidated by the whole thing, and slow trying to figure out the right settings for each picture. But it's worth the effort, I believe! Congrats on your new hobby! :D