SLR simulator prepares noobies for next generation digital cameras

I've taught many a person over the past 3 years how to use their digital camera. And I've had a ton of fun doing it, mainly because today's digital cameras are so darn easy to use.

But I have a feeling that's about to change.

You see, what some of you might not know is that there exists an entire series of higher-end digital cameras that are out of most noobies' league. I'm referring to digital SLR, or DSLR, cameras. You know, the kind of camera where you actually have to worry about lighting, focusing and shutter speed (among other things).

These cameras are a far cry from the turn it on and press a button digital cameras we are just getting used to.

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But guess what? Digital camera manufacturers want you to spend more money. Surpised? I didn't think so. That's why they have created entry-level DSLRs. And the prices of these entry-level DSLRs are getting more attractive every day.

So this leads me back to my original point. How are we all supposed to learn how to use these new digital cameras? Well, I'd love to tell you that you should all call Noobie but even Mr. Noobie himself struggles with a DSLR.

SLR simulator

Luckily for all of us (myself included), a good friend of mine, Jon Arnold, has developed an incredible web site where you can practice taking pictures with a DSLR camera (actually the sites work for both manual SLR and digital SLRs but who's keeping track?)

This site is incredible. There are individual settings for lighting, distance, focal length, ISO, aperature and shutter speed. And if you don't know what any of these are, who cares? Just slide the settings left and right, click the Snap photo! button and see how your picture turns out.

And for you die-hards that really have to know, Jon put a short description of each setting right below the simluator on the web site.

Go ahead and check it out. I guarantee you'll have some fun and learn something along the way!

P.S. Bonus points to the first person that can figure out how to take a shot with no motion on the pinwheel without screwing up the rest of the picture!

About Jon Arnold

Jon Arnold is a photographer, Photoshop guru, and president of Tuitive, an Indianapolis-based team of researchers, designers, and developers committed to making technology more user-friendly. Oh, and the company that designed the Noobie web site!