Early Christmas Gift

[belle41379]

I just had to share my excitement! I've just been give a Nikon D3000!!!! Does anyone else have this camera and have any tips? I can't believe this!!!!! It was TOTALLY unexpcted!

 

[Renysmom]

I just had to share my excitement! I've just been give a Nikon D3000!!!! Does anyone else have this camera and have any tips? I can't believe this!!!!! It was TOTALLY unexpcted!

My biggest piece of advise and I think Kathy, Corey, Don and others will agree is that while a better dSLR helps, the camera doesn't make the photo's the photographer does.

Read your manual, and read it again. Visit Nikon message boards and ask questions. If you have never used a programmable camera go to Amazon and order Understanding Exposure, Understanding Shutter Speed and Creative Composition all by Bryan Peterson. His books are amazing learning tools, easy to understand and very much recommended by most photography groups. After that shoot and shoot some more, you may want to get a external drive (or 2), the prices have really dropped. Use on external just for your master backup, one for your working files. and lastly HAVE FUN!!!

 

[ms*mountaineer]

We just got a Nikon DSLR today too! I've never had an SLR before - I have a lot to learn. We've just been taking pictures of the tree and cat from various angles - trying out different things. This is fun!

 

[wdwfreeksince88]

Make sure you check out the photography board here on the dis also. Since I got my new dslr I have learned so much from that board. MAKE SURE TO READ THE MANUAL COVER TO COVER!!!! Good luck & great photos

 

[safetymom]

I agree with Kelly. Read the manual. Every so often I take a day to practice. I take the manual and my camera and go out shooting. I take a notebook and make notes.

But above all enjoy!!!

 

[DebºoºS]

Congratulations & Welcome to the DIS Nikon Family
Dittos on reading the manual cover to cover as well as Understanding Exposure. Also a great stocking stuffer @ $10.95 would be the Bert's Cheat Sheet. It's a camera specific laminated reference card that slips right in your bag. Very handy for any new camera owner. http://www.photocheatsheets.com/cs.aspx?pr=118

Stop over at the photography board there's a wealth of information and a lot of friendly DISers.
Looking forward to seeing your new camera trip pics

 

[jcb]

I second the manual advice. First thing I do with any new equipment is to download the PDF of the manual so I can search it when an issue arises. There is no substitute for practice either. Errors crop up at the most awkward times, like right when you are about to load test track, and knowing that the lock switch on the lens aperature is off, saves a lot of grief. Just speaking from experience.

 

[belle41379]

Thanks Everyone!

The first thing I did was read the manual. Then I started taking random shots, just to get a feel for what it does. I tried to take some photos similar to what I will at WDW (close ups of flowers, extended shots, etc.). I was also given an additional lense, so I'll be able to take some nice shots from far away. I'm pretty good with my normal, digital "point and shoot" camera, so I'm excited to see what I can get with the new lenses, etc. I'll have to look into getting the book you all recomend.

 

[MM32830]

Another book (or rather, a series of 3 books) you should buy (available at Amazon) is the "Digital Photography" series by Scott Kelby. Scott's writing style is so laid back that he makes learning fun.

Check out his web site (www.scottkelby.com). He has lots of free stuff there that will make you a better photographer.



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Armand