New Nikon PLEASE HELP

[sweetc6]

Hey guys I just purchased a Nikon d40 with a Nikon 18-200vr lense.I have been playing around with it a bit and the pics are getting better.Can anyone with a similar set up please share your info.Right now I am Using Auto setting,but I would like to know what settings you guys have the best luck with?Should I use raw? Please help.Thanks Gary

[jaespark87]

i also just purchased a Nikon D40x with stock lens. I would like some input on this well

[scorcherjf]

I suggest playing with "A" mode (not sure what it's called on Nikons) for aperture priority. You pick the aperture, and the camera chooses the shutter, ISO, etc. Play around and see what different F stops do to depth of field, amount of light coming in (compare different F stops with the shutter and ISO that the camera chooses).

[oneintheory]

The best tip i can give you is to maintain as low an ISO as possible. Your images are going to start to be noisy above ISO 400 on a lower-end camera. That may mean you have to extend your shutter time, so in lower light situations, you'll need a pretty steady hand or a lens with image stabilization.

and there's a sticky at the top of the forum page with some helpful info.

be aware, this is an addiction. a very expensive one.

[jpsum]

Originally Posted by scorcherjf

I suggest playing with "A" mode (not sure what it's called on Nikons) for aperture priority. You pick the aperture, and the camera chooses the shutter, ISO, etc. Play around and see what different F stops do to depth of field, amount of light coming in (compare different F stops with the shutter and ISO that the camera chooses).

+1

Play with the A mode first, this will give you the biggest difference when compared with a point-and-shoot camera. Remember, the larger the F-stop (small aperture opening), the darker the picture. The smaller the F-Stop (large aperture opening), the brighter the picture. Smaller F-stop will also give you a "blurry background" effect. This is something you can't get with a point-and-shoot camera.

The D40 will actually show you the size of the aperture in the LCD display.

The 18-200VR is awesome for outdoor shooting, but it could be tricky shooting indoor. It's hard to get the same exposure everytime.

[golfinz]

Read the sticky over and over again and as you do sit at the computer and just take different pics of objects in the room you are in. The best practice is getting out of auto mode and start taking pictures

[TurboFan]

Quit auto. Learn to use manual mode, and you will learn how the camera works.

[Georgeair]

A and P modes are nice half steps toward using full manual mode. Definitely get used to remembering exactly what ISO you're shooting and adjust as needed - it is NOT set and forget. Toy with fill flash. Definitely get used to using the center-focus setting and a half-trigger push to hold the focus on what you want as you re-compose the shot.

For "point and shoot"-ish pix, I'd recommend the P mode instead of auto.

[golfinz]

Originally Posted by TurboFan

Quit auto. Learn to use manual mode, and you will learn how the camera works.

I agree with learning manual mode but shooting in A or S mode is a step away from auto but not as intimidating as manual. You can take awesome shots in A or S mode, just check out my Yellowstone thread. A and S modes are nice if you dont have the time to setup manual mode and still want to have control of the camera settings

[TurboFan]

I still think using A and S in a crutch. Go out and shoot around in M, and you will learn much more quickly.