While I was in Japan, I was given permission (by my dad) to purchase a camera at Yadobashi or BIC Camera. I got a Sony α6700 with an 18-130mm lense, with my own money that I'd saved from working at the beginning of this summer (they sent one giant direct deposit while I was in Japan).

Most, if not all of my photos should now be taken with that camera, especially if I am making a planned trip and not simply taking photos on the fly. I've learned the basic functions of the camera, but I need/want to master the art of actually taking my own photos (not on Auto).

And yes, I know this camera body is quite overkill for streetlight pics, but I've heard overwhelmingly great things about it, and decided to future-proof my photography adventure (in terms of camera body) for many years to come.

If anyone has any experience with this or similar Sony Alpha cameras, do let me know. And generally, any tips, tricks, and techniques are appreciated.

You will learn it fairly quickly, and then you can refine your methods afterwards. To learn without the auto function, I suggest you look up the sunny 16 rule. That is a great starting point. Without the hassle and wait time constraints of film, you should progress fairly quickly. Good luck on your new photography adventure !

PS I learned the sunny 16 rule quite easily back in the day with film cameras, and I wasn't a very prolific photographer.

Thanks, Sol! 

You will learn it fairly quickly, and then you can refine your methods afterwards. To learn without the auto function, I suggest you look up the sunny 16 rule. That is a great starting point. Without the hassle and wait time constraints of film, you should progress fairly quickly. Good luck on your new photography adventure !

PS I learned the sunny 16 rule quite easily back in the day with film cameras, and I wasn't a very prolific photographer.

It is completely unnecessary to use manual modes with a modern digital camera. Just at all. Do not listen to old farts suggesting so. Start with P mode instead.

If you are interested to modify the camera suggested exposure and see the effects, play with exposure compensation adjustment.
If you would like to know the effects of aperture and depth of field, set the camera to A mode.

For advanced photography, manual mode is sometimes needed for night shots, and for studio/still life/flash work.

In practice, composition and lighting are the most important things for a photograph. The less distraction the camera brings, the better. If you can make a shoot in a full auto mode, just do it move on and forget that 50 years old suggestions.

@RRK, what's wrong with learning to use the manual mode on a camera ? Just curious at your comment...

It is totally unnecessary today and is just a waste of efforts. Period. Manual mode itself is OK of course, but it absolutely should not be used to teach someone how to photograph!

What a person learning to photograph should really build up first, is a feeling of how his camera reacts to light. Auto mode is OK at that time. A subconscious correlation in the brain between what was seen on the scene with the eyes, and how the photograph ends up. Digital camera helps immensely on this.

As the next step there comes a knowledge of how you can adapt picture taking to get a better picture of the present scene. Even total manual control may be, if really necessary. Including the ability to judge the scene critically and coming to conclusion that you *can not* get a good picture of it now due to a crappy light and just have to move along )

 

@Maxim : Do however you like with your camera. Explore its features to your heart's content.

@RRK : thank you for your opinion.

I will now gracefully exit this topic before it gets in a less desirable disagreement.