Finally took the plunge...leaving in less than 3 weeks!

[ranthony]

Well, I made the decision to buy a DSLR many months ago and then kept 'guilting' myself into not spending the money (stay at home mom here).

After researching, I made the decision to buy the Nikon D40 and the Nikon SB400 flash. Now, I know most of you are thinking hmmm...I'd of stayed away from the D40 because of the focus motor issue, but I don't have a bunch of lenses in my gear bag now, and as I mentioned above, $$$ is an issue.

Anyways, I ordered the camera last night and even though I have some knowledge of photography I know I don't have much time to learn what I probably need to know. So, I'm OK with the 'auto' setting for this trip. I have 3 kids in tow anyways (including twin 2 year olds) so I don't have time for adjusting settings and bracketting.

Knowing the situation...are there any tips, hints, suggestions on making the most of 'auto' mode? Or, times when I absolutley shouldn't use it?

Just so you know, I'm more interested in candid shots of my family watching Spectro (for example) as opposed to shooting the actual parade.

 

[Groucho]

I would go with "P" mode, I think generally all Auto gives you is the flash popping up automatically, and usually various options are locked out. Since you have a "real" flash, you'll want to use that whenever you do need flash. Otherwise, you'll probably do OK in "P" mode, the main thing you'll want to remember to change is ISO when it gets dark (like for SpectoMagic) or inside - any time that you're getting blurry photos because the shutter speed is too long.

And don't forget to set the ISO back to Auto when you're back in the sun! But don't feel bad if you forget a few times, I think we've all forgotten.