got a nikon d90 for xmas

[NICOBKN]

Hey guys

Just got a nikon for xmas. I dont know much about cameras , in fact i dont know anything!!

I just wanted to ask the pros what is the best way to learn about photography and my camera. I have 3-4 lenses that were my dads from his old nikon (early 90s model) and they all seem to fit.

thank you

[snipe]

Good for you. it's cool for the lenses, only problem would be that the automatic focus doesn't work.

You can always buy books, but so far, none have helped me much except to give creative ideas.

For starters, stay in the automatic mode and experiment with the creative modes from time to time just so you can get comfortable with the camera. That's one of the things I overlook and sometimes the automatic mode gives better images than advanced modes since I have a hard time deciding the settings needed for the shot I want.

Very important would be to get some kind of training, whether it be from a store, online, books, workshops, forums or so on. I usually check quebecphotos.ca and there are some good ressources there. You can actually post your picture and ask for critique/suggestions and the people are generally nice. There are some outings organized by the more esperienced members and they're always glad to help out.
Their weekly contest should be a good motivation to go out there and take pictures.

Wish you loads of fun!

[Janno]

Great info, but the only thing I would suggest opposing snipe is to learn how to use the 3 manual modes first.

If you learn how to use each manual mode (Fully Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Speed Priority), and using the different ISOs, you'll learn much faster, and understand photography much better. You won't have that "cushion" that tells you "this is too complicated for now, I'll shoot on an auto mode."

It will be very frustrating at first, but once you get good shots by doing the adjustments yourself, you'll feel so gratified.

The d90 is an awesome camera to start with; I just purchased the "newer" model, the D7000. It has the advantage of having a slightly better high-ISO performance, but the D90 is still very capable of doing so.

My first suggestion would be to buy a 35mm or 50mm F/1.8 lens, which will give you a great understanding of DOF, and how aperture works. It's also great for low-light, without needing a flash.

For now, I suggest setting your ISO to 800, and shooting in Aperture Priority (Av mode) unless you're outside. If you see that your pictures are blurry, it's probably cause there's not enough light coming in. Either zoom-out (i'm guessing you have the 18-55, or 18-105), or make sure your Aperture (f/ number) is at the lowest number possible (probably f/ 3.5)

[NICOBKN]

Thanks for the tips guys!

I think im gonna have to buy a photography dictionary.

Janno how do u switch the manual modes?

[almostock]

start by reading the instruction manuel

[Janno]

start by reading the instruction manuel

QFT.

The dial on the top changes the modes...

[NICOBKN]

will do thanks

[Duberman]

x2 on the 35mm or 50mm lens. I learned a lot quicker using my 50mm lens.

I would also suggest buying one of the books dedicated to your camera model, there are tons of them on amazon or chapters, ditch the instruction manual. The manual doesn't really cover the theory, just tells you how to use a feature without explaining when or why you would use it.

The books are like the instruction manual however they're more complete and cover a lot basics to get you started and help you understand how cameras work, settings to use for certain type of photography, etc. Many of them will also cover composition and explain the golden ratio and the rules of thirds.

[NICOBKN]

thanks man!

[Pablo_2.5]

Stores like L L Lozeau etc offers courses you can take to learn basic photography, they had a promotion during the holidays, free classes when buying a DSLR.

[NICOBKN]

^mine was bought at future shop!

I have some info about the lenses

#1 Nikon series E, 50mm 1:18

#2 Zykkor mc auto, 1:2.8 f=28mm

#3 Zykkor 1:45 f=80-200mm

#4 Aubell super wider semi fish-eye 0.42x

What do all those numbers mean ? from what i read above i should stick to the 50mm ?

I searched on ebay for the books and there a few of them, anybody knows if there is one in particular that would be a good purchase?

-Mastering dikon d90 by Darrell Young

-Nikon d90 by Jon sparks

-David Busch's Nikon D90 Guide to Digital Slr Photography

-Nikon D90 For Dummies-Julie Adair King

-Nikon D90 Multimedia Workshop - Matt Paden

Thanks once again!

[soncep]

Like porn, everything is free on the net!

www.kenrockwell.com

Go read on that site... you will discover that your camera in the wrong hands will yield average to mediocre pictures...

Not to bust your enthusiastic, but I believe you should just use the stock lens for now and put it in auto mode.
Concentrate on content and let the Nikon engineers do all the work of exposure, white balance, and ISO...

And Dawson gives great photography classes...

[Cryptkeeper]

I want a d90! mainly for 24p video mode.

[soncep]

I want a d90! mainly for 24p video mode.

If you want video mode... Get a Cannon... (Said by a Nikon fan... )
Nikon are not quite there for Video IMHO...

Unless you get the D3100 or the D7000 that are quite good for video...

[NICOBKN]

Took these today in manual mode. Followed Jano's advice and set my ISO at 800, I was changing my shutter and aperture constantly. Borrowed my friends 18-55mm.

Im still a bit confused about aperture and shutter.

Anyway what do you guys think ?

[Boily]

nice pictures !
Good job @ controlling those settings in manual mode..
Honestly I don't use it alot (unless I'm shooting with flashes)
I mostly use Av or Tv