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View Full Version : Need some pointers with my new Nikon D40.


chrisheltra
08-29-2009, 08:31 PM
So I must admit firstly that Im a complete newb when it come to Digital SLR cameras. This is my first and Ive always have had point and shoots previous to this camera.

I found a Nikon D40 package today at BB for a reasonable price so I went ahead and grabbed it because I wasnt happy with the lacking quality of my point and shoot cameras pics from my most recent trip to Mt Rainier (http://s548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/chrisheltra/Mount%20Rainier/) and Mt St Helens (http://s548.photobucket.com/albums/ii342/chrisheltra/Mount%20St%20Helens/). The camera came with the body and all accessories, Nikon 18-55mm Lens, Nikon?« 55-200mm Telephoto Lens and a D-SLR Backpack.

Now what I want to know is what pointers can you guys give me to take better pics right out of the gates rather than trial and error and occupying a lot of time. I want to avoid the trial and error route because I have another work trip to Ft Drum in two weeks and plan on visiting Niagara Falls. Also what are some good websites and forums I can go to for tutorials and how-to's?

Another thing Im interested in is HDR photos. I tried it with my other cameras but had only slight success. I understand the D40 can do bracketing and I would like to find out how to do that also.

If your going to give me pointers please use limited camera people talk and if you do use camera talk explain what it means to me.

Thanks

PS Mike I think you had one of these so I would like to hear from you too.

Jeff
08-29-2009, 08:46 PM
If you want the full potential out of pictures learn how to set the aperture ( shutter speed ) and the F stop and ISO for the right conditions . Here is a good link for understanding a SLR camera that might can help you out some .

Just my opinion on HDR stuff but it only looks good on landscapes and scenery . I have yet to see one car picture done in HDR stuff that I would say wow that's cool !

http://photo.net/learn/basic-photo-tips/aperture-shutterspeed-iso/

Mike
08-29-2009, 08:50 PM
I have the Canon 40D, but the terminology should be close to the same.

Getting the correct exposure will be the toughest thing. The point and shoot cameras do it automatically, A DSLR allows you to choose it.


Do a couple quick google searches on Exposure, Shutter Speed, F-Stop/Aperture, ISO, and come back and ask some more questions.

Mike
08-29-2009, 08:54 PM
Also your DSLR should have an auto setting. Until you get better acquainted with setting your own exposure setting you may need to use it.

dkbmxer002
08-30-2009, 12:24 AM
make sure you take off the lens cap. and the power button always gets me.

Harry
08-30-2009, 10:04 AM
I have a Canon Rebet XT. I am still not familiar enough with it to use it proficiently. I bought mine from Wolf Cameras and they had a book that explained the setting more in depth. I don't know about everyone else, but it will take alot of time using it to learn alot of the features.

Jeff
08-30-2009, 11:30 AM
When you get familiar with the settings you can get waterfall shots like this one I took at Chimney Rock NC .

http://www.carolinahorsepower.com/Jeff/waterfall.jpg

Shibby
08-30-2009, 11:32 AM
that's awesome...wish I knew my camera that well...still learning with mine...

Dave
08-30-2009, 12:02 PM
Jeff, your my hero:hysterical::hysterical:

Jeff
08-30-2009, 12:36 PM
Why ? I was showing an example of what slowing down the shutter speed and having the right exposure can do .

Matts94Z28
08-30-2009, 12:46 PM
That's a pretty good link you posted... I definitely put that in my favorites.

Dave
08-30-2009, 01:56 PM
Why ? I was showing an example of what slowing down the shutter speed and having the right exposure can do .

Just messing with you:poke:, I don't think I've seen someone take those kinds of photo's that I know personally. It's an art, and I think your pretty good at it:hail:

Harry
08-30-2009, 04:55 PM
Man Jeff. Maybe you need to start a class. Show Off.

wsa111
09-02-2009, 07:34 PM
Chris, congradulations on your purchase of a Nikon camera.

I would suggest you take a tripod to the falls to steady the camera for some slow shutter speed photos of the falling water.

These are some shots i took in Jamica last spring.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/wsa111/ochoriofalls-05.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/wsa111/DunnFalls3_edited-2.jpg

I took these with film but you can do the same thing with digital.

The only problem you may encounter is getting the shutter speed to its slowest setting using S shutter priority. If you still have too much light you may need a neutral density filter to block some light & let you use the slowest shutter speed available. The slow shutter speed lets you blur the moving water & make it look like foam.
I normally use a Nikon D200 which is a much more sophiscated unit than you have, but if used correctly the results will be close.

Read your owners manual many times so you can benefit from using aperature priority & shutter priority to its fullest. Bill