I found it on sale and went ahead and got it. The Canon EOS Rebel XTi. with the 18-55mm lens.
This looks like some serious learning to come with it. LOL. A far cry from my Nikon L1 (just point and shoot).

I want to try to stay away from full auto as much as I can. Would love to really learn and understand the workings of Photog. Anyone have any Rec's on a book or DVD on photog basics. I do get some of the Aperture/Shutter speed, etc. But learning some real technique would be nice.

Also thanks to all who commented on my old thread about the camera itself. Appreciate it.

Wish me luck and skill...lol
-B

Scott Kelby's book is a pretty good place to start IMO. Good luck with your new camera.
http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Photography-Book-Scott-Kelby/dp/032147404X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-2726080-2525209?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1180657113&sr=1-1

Attached Link: The Camera (Ansel Adams Photography, Book 1)

Would love to really learn and understand the workings of Photog.

You can't go wrong with the Ansel Adams photography books. 

What he discusses about camera and lens applies to all cameras,
film or digital. 

The second book, "The Negative (Ansel Adams Photography, Book 2)";
and the third book, "The Print (Ansel Adams Photography, Book 3)" are
still interesting but do not directly apply to the digital process. 

Two other books that may help ...

Busch, Davi D.; "Photoshop 7: Photographer's Guide"

and

"Adobe Phoroshop 7.0: (Classroom in a Book)"

Sometimes with photoshop techniques, Google wil help you find
on-line tutorials. 

No matter what book or topic you investigate ... the most important
information is the interaction between lens, shutter speed and f/ stop. 
Knowing how those factors interact/relate and how your camera
uses them -- how you select them is key. 

HTH

--
Martin

I agree with both the others urls.
Also like anything practice with settings. I still use auto on some things and shutter and aperature on others. Depends what i am shooting at the time.
I find the book that comes with the camera is my bible. Take it everywhere with me.
Also when viewing photos on rendo i look at the settings that person uses. Thats if they show.
Found that really helpful. Also ask. If you see an image ask what settings they used then go practice it. I have learnt heaps just by doing that.
Anyway have fun and good luck.
Chris:)

Very cool suggestions so far. Thanks people! I can always count on R for quality info...
B

Usefully  too:
http://photo.net/equipment/canon/digital_rebel_xti/

I can't recommend any books as I'm not a book person, I've usually learn't via trial & error, suggestions, critique from more knowledgable than I, but you'll have a lot of fun with that camera, I think it's the same as the 400D

Stuart

Yes, the XTI is the same as the 400D..That's what I bought earlier this year.

As for a book..I can highly recomend

Bryan Peteresons book

[ Understanding Exposure: How to shot great photographs with a film or digital camera.

](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/asin/0817463003/ref=nosim/tirebouchon-20)It's an easy read, yet clear and concise..(only around $15 !!)

another book by the same author...
[
Learning to See Creatively: Design, Color & Composition in Photography

](http://www.amazon.com/Learning-See-Creatively-Composition-Photography/dp/0817441816/ref=sr_1_4/105-8286532-6556459?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1180796820&sr=1-4)

For some reason that first book jumps out to me pushin...
I will looking into that on Amazon or maybe hit up borders tomorrow.

Thanks..

, "The Print (Ansel Adams Photography, Book 3)" is super. It may be for the old prints in the darkroom ,but you can get real good ideals for the use in "Adobe Phoroshop 7.0:" or any type of photoshop type program.