Nikon DSLR & lighting question

The lighting in my house is horrible. I don't get much natural light, plus the lighting we have is less than desirable. I hate it, pictures always come out with shadows or too dark (I have a good Nikon point & shoot camera, a decent camera I'd say, but it often tells me it's too dark to take the pic, no matter what I do).

I am pushing for a Nikon d40 ASAP, will my pics still be crappy b/c of the lighting in my house, or will the camera help me out?

Thanks!

Re: Nikon DSLR & lighting question

I am FAR from an expert, but I'd say they'll come out a bit better .... but lighting is such an important part of photography -- outside pics will always be the best, IMO!

Re: Nikon DSLR & lighting question

Re: Nikon DSLR & lighting question

I almost always use natural light or a flash.

I know with the DSLR, you can adjust the aperture & fstop to compensate for the lack of light. I just don't know what that means or how to do it.

Re: Nikon DSLR & lighting question

Re: Nikon DSLR & lighting question

Posted by nbc188

Posted by nrthshgrl

I almost always use natural light or a flash.

I know with the DSLR, you can adjust the aperture & fstop to compensate for the lack of light. I just don't know what that means or how to do it.

Oh no, if you don't know wht it means or how to do it, I'm sunk

Re: Nikon DSLR & lighting question

Posted by nrthshgrl

Posted by nbc188

Posted by nrthshgrl

I almost always use natural light or a flash.

I know with the DSLR, you can adjust the aperture & fstop to compensate for the lack of light. I just don't know what that means or how to do it.

Oh no, if you don't know wht it means or how to do it, I'm sunk

Nah. You'll be fine. Either way get the camera & we'll figure it out together. You can't go wrong with it!

Re: Nikon DSLR & lighting question

I think the DSLR will give you better pictures in general and the lighting problems can be fixed a little if you know what you're doing. I absolutely hate flash photography for portraits. I avoid using the flash whenever possible, especially for babies. It's just too harsh. To take better pictures in low lighting a lens with a lower f-stop will allow you to take more pictures without a flash. My favorite lens is a 50mm f/1.8 for that reason. Opening up the aperture makes such a huge difference. A DSLR will also allow you to change the ISO settings that should help a little too. Also if you have to use the flash, get a bounce flash for your camera so it will be less harsh and give you a softer more diffused light than the pop up flash on the camera.

Re: Nikon DSLR & lighting question

I have a Nikon D50 DSLR and I still have troubles with taking pictures indoors because of poor lighting. I am thinking of getting an external flash too because the one on the camera isn't helping.

Re: Nikon DSLR & lighting question

Posted by nbc188

Thanks Can I give you my DH's phone # so you can help me with the sell?

Message edited 2/9/2008 11:28:30 AM.

Re: Nikon DSLR & lighting question

Posted by nrthshgrl

Posted by nbc188

Thanks Can I give you my DH's phone # so you can help me with the sell?

Get him to a photoshoot. Almost everyone's husband ante up'ed for one afterwards.

Re: Nikon DSLR & lighting question

Posted by chmlengr

Posted by nrthshgrl

Posted by nbc188

Thanks Can I give you my DH's phone # so you can help me with the sell?

Get him to a photoshoot. Almost everyone's husband ante up'ed for one afterwards.

Yep, my DH was sold on getting one right after Barb did a maternity shoot for me.

Barb needs to come over with a new 56" plasma flat screen because I'm really bugging DH for a new tv

Re: Nikon DSLR & lighting question

With the D40x, I find that the pics are MUCH better. I actually find no problems taking pics. Which I did with my previous camera. I have poor lighting in house also.

Re: Nikon DSLR & lighting question