Well, for the most part, it looks like most of us are Canon-heads. Personally, I like to save my photos in RAW+jpg. That way I have benefit of having a quick jpg I can view quickly and upload to someone or whatever but I also have a RAW version that gives me much more control and editing capabilities with the right software. Of course you only get that option in the Advanced Zone modes, not in the Basic Zone modes like Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-Up, etc. If you want to slowly start moving your way out into the advanced modes, gain a little more control over your shots and be able to save your photos in RAW+jpg format, give Mode P (Program AE) a try. AE stands for auto exposure. P mode is basically the same as full auto with the exception that the flash will not automatically fire. You'll have to press the little flash release button to make the flash pop up if you know your going to need the flash. Other than that, the shutter, aperture and ISO will be set pretty much just as it would in full auto. The main difference is you can then adjust those if you wish. So, that might be a good way to learn and play. See how the camera would take the shot, then adjust shutter speed, aperture, ISO or any combination of these and see how it affects your shot. I mean, you wouldn't want to do it on one of those "to die for, I'll not live if I don't get this shot" shots, but it's a good way to learn.
Also, for those wanting to learn more about shutter speed, aperture size, f/stops and ISO and what all that stuff means, an excellent book I've found is Bryan Peterson's "Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Updated Edition)". It's laid out well, explains the techniques and has tons of example photos to show you what the author is talking about. You can pick it up for about $17 new or $11 used from Amazon here:
Amazon.com: exposure
I've just noticed Mr. Peterson has come out with another book "Understanding Shutter Speed Creative Action and Low-Light Photography Beyond 1/125 Second". I can't recommend it since I haven't read it but I can't recommend the first book enough and plan to purchase this newer one soon. You can check it out here is you like:
Amazon.com: Understanding Shutter Speed: Creative...
Oh well, that's enough of my advice for this early in the morning. Everyone have a great day and let's all go take some wonderful shots of our little guys!
- Byron