I always learn more there than reading the manual.

There are lots of good videos, some specific to your camera model, and some focused on general principles of photography. There are also good vids of instruction on the use of photo editing programs.

Have fun!

don't use auto if you can avoid it. Experiment. When I'm out with my camera, I've found others out with their cameras to be very generous in sharing their knowledge. But above all else, have fun!

I printed the one for my latest camera so I could carry it with me.

For my first DSLR (Nikon D70) I bought the Magic Lantern book to go with it but for the Canon there doesn't seem to be a recent version. There are several books listed on Amazon, you may want to see which of those are good.

Reading about the features is OK but you will also want to take lots of pictures to test out what you learn. A while back someone posted the link to this set of exercises - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/tips-and-solutions/13-creative-exercises-photographers?utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Content&utm_source=WeeklyContent%20150802&utm_content=Explora&utm_term=13-Creative-Exercises Those are a good way to get familiar with the various functions of your camera.

A ND filter is like a pair of sunglasses for your camera. It reduces the amount of light so that you can use a slower shutter speed. Most modern cameras have very high maximum shutter speeds, so they are no longer essential, but they are used in certain situations when you want a slower shutter speed than you could normally use. So you will not need one, although you may want one. Personally I use one rarely. Actually I never use them and instead stack two screw on polarizers and turn one to get as much attenuation as I want.

Eat the apple one bite at a time. The best way to learn if you are new to DSLR is figure out how to turn off all of the automatic functions like auto exposure, auto focus, auto white balance, and auto flash metering and figure out how to control all of those things manually. Then experiment with turning on those things one at a time and learning the various modes that are available with each one. At the heart of every DSLR is a fully functional manual camera that works the same way my Nikon did 35 years ago.

They do nada, except protect the business end from impact. A cheap filter has saved us the need to replace an expensive lens. I think twice to be exact.

I know, I take my toys to places most rational people stay away from, but even a side of the road photo, and car that sends a small rock flying could damage an expensive lens.

Hell we just replaced the head of the tripod for a better head. Still kept the old one since again, where we take te gear.

I've learned through listening to those more knowledgeable than myself and the consensus is that UV filters have zero use on digital cameras. With film they had some usefulness, but digital sensors don't 'see' UV so there's no need. In fact most UV filters aren't real high quality and any time you put another piece of glass in front of your lens you introduce reflections and distortion. The only filter I use with any kind of regularity is a circular polarizer, the rest of the time my lenses go naked (although I ALWAYS use lens hoods to keep anything from contacting the front lens element).

since they were out of ND filters. Apparently they are similar enough. The UV filter might be mostly to protect the lens then?

I used to be in that group also and always had a UV filter on my lenses. After listening to more experienced photographers and doing some research I changed my mind and decided that the only protection lenses need is a lens hood which will protect from impact. The elements in modern lenses are very hard and quite resistant to being scratched by dust. Just do a bit of research on the proper way to clean lenses (a Rocket Blower is invaluable) and you're good to go. So, in my opinion a UV filter isn't really necessary for protection, plus it's quite possibly adding distortion and unwanted reflections to your photos.

as professional press photographers. We all have them.. not because it changes the photo, does nothing for the photo. But it protects the lens from impact. We have lost a filter or two to impact but the lens is fine.

Oh and as to the hood. It is not meant for impact, but to reduce light flare during the day. It does nada at night, but it is useful if somebody grabs the front of the lens. You can rotate the camera body 90 degrees and leave them holding a 3 dollar piece of equipment. It is a worthy maneuver to practice.

The only time my cap is off is when I'm taking a picture. I've yet to damage the front element of any lens I've ever owned.

Yes, people who by UV filters for digital cameras are doing so only for protection.
The question is usually, protection from what?
UV filters can protect from dust and water spray. There use as impact protection is questionable, but sometimes it does work.
The most common problem with using UV filters for protection is that people buy cheap filters that degrade their images.

does not affect the photo, but dang protects the lens.

Take my words on this, we have killed a couple filters, lenses are fine.

After that, youtube is a great resource and if you have done video, many of the principles are the same.