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I always try to do stuff "first time" i.e. without any post-processing (takes too much time that I don't have)
I would really recommend learning to process your images, it doesn't take very long.
Some situations are impossible for your camera to get right - eg high contrast.
Ste_S-
I would really recommend learning to process your images, it doesn't take very long.
Some situations are impossible for your camera to get right - eg high contrast.I didn't say I never post-process my images, I just say I try not to... I think if you go out with the idea in your head that "I can take whatever, I'll just post-process it when I get home" you will have a lot harder time than if you go out with the intention of taking a good image first time.
But yeah, you're right, I should probably invest a bit more time in trying to learn some techniques. As I said already, though, I don't have very much time - and have I do a huge backlog of photos.
d0cA
My first digital SLR was a nikon d80 with the standard zoom lens (i think it was 18-105mm?). it was more than enough for me and I got some great shots with it, including ones that I printed somewhat bigger than A4 - was it A3? A2?? Anyway, point is that 10.2 megapixels is still plenty and it was a good camera and you can find it cheap online... saying that, Rockwell recommends a d90:
(Aside: I really like his site for reviews etc)
I also totally agree with @ad441 that a holiday is a perfect time to start - lots of time to practice. I always try to do stuff "first time" i.e. without any post-processing (takes too much time that I don't have). I recommend only using the viewfinder, too - i.e. put the camera to your face, use your eye and don't look at the screen on the back when you're taking photos. Also, experiment! that is, maybe take the same photo, but with different speed/aperture, or ISO, or whatever... that's the way to learn (for me at least).