Hi Nick. I got the same camera as you. I bought mine last year n like you. I didn't have a clue how to use it. I got so much better with it now tho. Very good camera. Settings to capture good lightening in settings. Set your filter to F11 and your ISO to 800 depending how dark it is. Could also leave it in 100 but the photos will come out abit darker. Turn your lens settings to manual. Don't use automatic. If u do. The camera won't let you take the photo at night. I found that out last year. You also need a little clicker so you can take the photos without touching the camera. Have it on long exposer for about 5 or 6 seconds. There's also plenty of videos on you tube that will show you how to use it. Hope that helped ya out abit.