Jumping on the SLR bandwagon

I am so happy. We just got the Nikon SLR. Any advice that anyone can give? Thanks!

Re: Jumping on the SLR bandwagon

Keep it on auto!!

My friend taught me to hold the button down halfway...until the red light blinks. That's what you're focusing on. If you press it halfway and move the camera, the original thing that you focused on will still be in focus but off to the side or wherever you moved it.

I hope that makes sense. It does in my head...

Re: Jumping on the SLR bandwagon

Thanks, Im going to have to remember that...the problem is, I am having a hard time putting the thing together, who knows if I will ever figure out how to use it

Re: Jumping on the SLR bandwagon

Which model is it? The best advice is just practice, try different things, Nikons are really user-friendly, I think. My 35mm is a Nikon and I chose it #1 because I liked the way it felt in my hands and #2 because it was intuititive. Just practice! the great thing about digi is you're not wasting film and you can see results right away.

Get a UV filter for your lenses. I don't know if it makes a difference with digital (I still shoot 100% film) but it protects your lens, so it's well worth it!

ETA: Don't keep it on auto! Learn to use it.There's no point in getting an SLR if you don't take advantage of the features!
For action shots, use it on shutter priority and set a high shutter speed

For other shots, I mostly leave it on Aperture priority. The higher the aperture (really the smaller the hole) the larger depth of field (meaning more will be in focus in the foreground and background) but if you want to really isolate a subject from the background, set it to a low aperture and your subjects will really pop!

Message edited 11/24/2007 3:05:22 PM.

Re: Jumping on the SLR bandwagon