Help on a new camera (Rye?)

[smarls]

HI, I recently got my first digital camera for a gift: a Casio, exelim z-55. 5 megapixel (lucky me!)
Anyways, while I understand it is not a professional grade camera by any means, it is plenty powerful enough for my inexperienced self, and I was wondering if anyone had any advice on using it?
I have been, and will continue to play around with the macro setting etc., and I am sure this will help improve my picture quality...but other suggstions would be great. I am particualrly interested in methods for getting the best tank shots.
I looked through the ultimate photo thread (all 15 pages of them!) and was truly impressed by everyone's tank and skills! It looks like, darken the room, tripod the camera, no flash, micro settings, and get lucky! Anything else I am missing? Any ideas on how some of those pictures (particularly Rye's)seem "spot lighted" in certain areas only?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Stewart

 

[nm reef]

Congrads on the new camera...if possible try shooting in a mode that allows you to manually adjust the aperture and/or shutter speeds...most come with a very detailed users guide...take your time and go thru it in detail.There are a few sites that have some great advice....this is my favorite location for photography help.

 

[smarls]

NM,
Thanks for the advice and I will check out the site. I think probably my basic problem is that I don't know anything about photography! I guess, just like when I started reefing, time to start reading!
Stewart