Are tripods essential ? Im having doubts.

[Ry@n]

I have used my 400D for a couple of days now and to be honest its not quite as good as what i imagined.

I am a beginner, but i was hoping to at least take focused sharp shots.
I want to love the camera and be inspired to get out and take some pics but most the pics i have taken are rubbish.

For 'everyday', landscape and macro shots, do you guys think that a tripod is the problem i am facing ? I.e. i dont have one.

Is there any words of wisdom i need to hear to get me started?

Im using the 400D + Kit lense + Skylight 1A filter.
Thanks in advanced.

P.s. i was hoping to get on instantly with it, and be bugged to buy wide+telephoto lenses but i just dont see that yet. I have 30 days money back which id rather not have to do.

 

[Ry@n]

Thanks for the comments.

The reason i am slightly dissapointed is that i used to get some pretty decent shots with my Fujifilm S7000 bridge camera. I used to also use it at moto-x and people thought my shots were brilliant, i even sold some

I hope and want the move to DSLR to only get better.
Here are some random pics that i have taken last 2 days:
I have a broken foot so cannot move as well as id like to

Anyway here is the LINK
All the images have been resized, which makes them appear sharper than at 100% crop.
I tried some HDR's even though i know its a required skill. Dont tell me off for messing around !
I have read some photography mags (Practical Photography) which seems really helpfull. Also i read these forums allot.
Any comments are greatly welcome, ill read and remeber them.

 

[Ry@n]

Thanks allot for your comments.

I think i have made my mind up and am going to take it back and go for a bridge camera.

The main reason is cost, i knew i would have to buy a telephoto lense for moto-x use, but i did not realise the one i saw for £240 is not really good enough, and im more likely going to have to spend £500 on the Canon 55-200mm F4L lense or similar. I doubt buying a cheaper lense would be good enough.

I cannot justify spending so much on something i am not so certain on.

Looks like ill take a look at the Fujifilm S9600 as this seems a pretty decent all rounder.

Dont go mocking me I have read all your comments thoroughly and come to the conclusion that im not so keen on photography as i first thought. I spend to much time racing Moto-X rather than being a photographer for it.

Thanks again, i will still be frequenting these forums.
Ryan