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Congratulations, I hope you have lots of fun with it.
The first port of call I'd recommend is Ken Rockwell, though many dislike his advice, but like he says it's just advice you don't have to follow it:
www.kenrockwell.com/tech.htm
Secondly, Tom Ang gives some great advice on this site:
www.idigitalphoto.com/
From there it's a case of figuring out your own photographic interests. For example, if you get in to off-camera flash, Strobist (http://strobist.blogspot.com/) or Lighting Mods (http://lightingmods.blogspot.com/) are must-reads.
Posted 54 months ago.
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One tip for beginners that's specific to the D40/D50/D70/D80 is to use those scene modes. I can sense all the people cringing as they read this.
True... scene modes limit adjustability and oftentimes don't perform as expected. And while I would never recommend someone rely on scene modes, I think they can be a useful feature. For someone starting out and just trying to figure out how to set up the shot, a scene mode may provide a beachhead.
If you are overwhelmed by where to start, try by taking a couple of shots in a scene mode which you think closely matches what you're trying to achieve. And if the results look good or close then analyse the histogram and shooting data. Note the exposure values. Then switch over to one of the program modes (A, S, P) or go manual and set up the camera with the same exposure parameters. Now take your shot and again look at the histogram. From here you can tweak t achieve the desired results.
This method not only teaches you how to operate the camera well with the traditional PSAM modes (why don't we ever call it SPAM?) but also helps you to reverse-engineer what those scene modes do. So if you are ever in a tight situation where time is critical and don't have the confidence or time to work in PSAM, you can better pick one of those scene modes that will do what you want. In the end, you get a better understanding of your camera.
In time, you will find yourself touching those scene modes less and less as your photographic eye becomes better at judging the scene and determining the right exposure parameters.
Posted 54 months ago.
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Be wary of the scene modes - a few of them switch on Auto ISO which makes direct interpretation of what teh camera did more difficult.
I'm not saying don't use them - they are a positive step away from the full auto mode wher you have no control over anything - just be careful when it comes to interperating what they are doing.
Posted 54 months ago.
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hey jaded1608. I got a do40x and new wide angle yesterday and feel the same way you do! We'll learn together! and thanks for posting! :)
Posted 54 months ago.
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Yep.. The Auto ISO thing can throw you off but remember that ISO is an exposure parameter which should be paid attention to regardless of what mode you're in. So the moral of the story is to pay attention to it as well as aperture and shutter-speed and use it as one of the things you would adjust in manual mode. Also there are times when a scene mode suggesting a higher ISO is not a bad thing.
Posted 54 months ago.
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thank you all so much!
Posted 54 months ago.
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Don't forget the appropriate FLICKR group for your particular camera, the D80 in this case. You'll pick up a wealth of tips and info from other D80 users. Actually you should probably check the D40 & D70 groups also as they each have some common elements. Have a great time learning.
Posted 54 months ago.
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I really like what the guys over at The Luminous Landscape do. They cover a lot of topics and you can trust them to give an honest opinion. Work your way through their Understanding-Series and you'll have a firm footing into photography. It's not the end-all but it is a good beginning.
www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/
You might go to the bottom and start with the Understanding Exposure.
Posted 54 months ago.
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