Learning my camera

Learning the new camera. Taking what i have learned from friends, atop research on my own and a New Lens, and a standard UV filter, seeing what i can do with the camera and factory editing software.

http://chris.bonta-kun.net/Gallery%2...f9a08146d3.jpg
http://chris.bonta-kun.net/Gallery%2...286e7a89d3.jpg
http://chris.bonta-kun.net/Gallery%2...652fdb0be1.jpg
http://chris.bonta-kun.net/Gallery%2...e8598ec5eb.jpg


I would like to know what happened here. I had the Exposure set to +0.7, F5.6, ISO 200 with the white balance set to sunny day...
http://chris.bonta-kun.net/Gallery%2...b14b0993ce.jpg

Then i played around with color and contrast...
http://chris.bonta-kun.net/Gallery%2...420b674cb8.jpg

Still have a lot to learn.

For that shot of the engine, you are going to need to step up the shutter speed. Everything looks washed out because there was so much light. Also, drop the exp back down to 0. With that bright of a day, you shouldnt need to mess with it.

Also, what camera are you using?

Sony A200, which i have found to be a VERY difficult camera to learn.

but i got it new for $250 so i cant complain!

...but seriously, I guess i was suposed to be a pro when i got this, instructions read like an instruction manual with no hints on How to, just where the settings are.

Well it is a users guide, not a how to. That is a good camera. You can use old Minolta lenses with it and there are tones of them around.
As far as the settings go, leave it in auto/auto no flash till you get used to it some more. Just go out and take pics, that is the best way to learn to use it.