Nikon D3000

What I'm trying to do (I recently got a D5000) is try to learn and apply 2 or 3 new things every week (starting with the more basic things, and working my way up to some of the harder options)
If you look at all the features the camera offers, and read all the incredible things that are posted here, it can almost get overwhelming. This way, you can just focus on 2 or 3 new things and try and get a good understanding of them before trying something else.

I'm also trying to do the same thing with my editing program (I also just recently got Paint Shop Pro Photo Ultimate X2). There is so much that these programs can do that it too can be overwhelming if you try and take it all in at once.

Another thing you should do is try and experiment as much as possible. One of the best things about digital cameras if being able to shoot as much as you want, and you don't need to worry about the cost of film development.
So just keep shooting away every chance you get, and try and incorporate a new thing or two every week or so. Also, feel free to post any question you have (if it's not already being discussed). There is no such thing as a dumb question, and there are some really, really helpful people here who can probably answer any question you have. I know I have learned so much from the great advice I've received here.

But, most importantly, just make sure you have fun with your new camera. :thumbsup2
 
Congratulations!

My tip: if you don't already have a basic understanding of how ISO, aperture, and shutter speed work together, then get and read the book Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson.

It wasn't until I read that book that the light bulb went off and I started to have an inkling of how my camera works.

I'd also suggest reading it before/with your manual. If you have your manual in hand while you read Understanding Exposure, you can then figure out how to change ISO, aperture, and shutter speed as you read.

Have fun!
 
Look into the viewfinder and hold the button 1/2 way down. On the bottom left there's a green light that comes on when in focus. That light comes on even if you are doing manual focus. I just found mine and I bought the 5000 in August :lmao:

Seriously, just enjoy every shot you take with it. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE and turn the flash off:thumbsup2

Welcome to Club Nikon! :dance3:
 
Look into the viewfinder and hold the button 1/2 way down. On the bottom left there's a green light that comes on when in focus. That light comes on even if you are doing manual focus. I just found mine and I bought the 5000 in August :lmao:

Seriously, just enjoy every shot you take with it. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE and turn the flash off:thumbsup2

Welcome to Club Nikon! :dance3:

I wouldn't recommend turning the flash off. Even outdoors in San Juan, Puerto Rico I'd say 50% of my shots used the flash.
 

Being a newbie to a DSLR, you may want to try the Magic Lantern book for your specific camera. It goes for about $15.00 at Amazon. I have found them to be better than the manuals that come with the cameras. Learn all the controls of the camera and what they mean. During my last trip to WDW while trying to shoot in the dark, I accidentally pushed the wrong buttons and deleted my pictures from a character dinner!:sad1:
 
Thank you all so much for the tips! I'll definitley check out the additional resources that you all suggested. I got to play with it a little today but not as much as I wanted to. I may have to take it to work one day this week and go to our local Botanical Gardens to play with some settings...that is if it is warm enough.
 
I just purchased a D5000 and I have no clue as to what i'm doing :confused3. I am taking a class [for free] at a local camera shop and then I am looking to read the manual from cover to cover. I bought an 8Gig card and I have been taking pictures like a crazy person. I hope to learn the absolute basics before my next trip to WDW. I can totally empathize with you though. Good luck!

Jose
Norwalk, CT.
 
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I just purchased a D5000 and I have no clue as to what i'm doing :confused3. I am taking a class [for free] at a local camera shop and then I am looking to read the manual from cover to cover. I bought an 8Gig card and I have been taking pictures like a crazy person. I hope to learn the absolute basics before my next trip to WDW.

The camera class should really help. Hopefully the manual isn't too confusing.

Try going to your local bookstore and checking out Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson (here's the link to the book on Amazon). While you're there, you should also check out any "Intro to Digital Photography" book. There should be dozens and dozens of such books at your bookstore. Find one that fits your reading / learning style.

I was flipping through "Digital Photography for Dummies" the other day at the bookstore, and it's packed with great information...much of the same information we answer all the time on this message board.


PS: I thought you were set on buying a Sony a few months ago! What changed your mind?...Just curious.
 
Thanks for the info. I will surely do as you say.

I sure was going to get a Sony but when I did some comparing and research and then felt and held the cameras, I felt more of an affinity for this Nikon. I also got a hefty gift card from my wife from Best Buy and they had a nice deal on it so that pretty much sealed the deal - pun intended!

Funny how you remembered that though. Let's me know that people here really pay attention. That's cool! :thumbsup2

Thanks again.

Jose
 
After reading post on here and posting an earlier question myself....I am new to DSLR's, and also going to Ritz Camera and Best Buy....I have decided to purchase the Nikon D3000. Initially I was leaning towards the D5000..but I will not use video and I NEVER use the LED screen for taking pictures on my P & S...so for a difference of $240.00 ( this includes a lens) I decided on the D3000.

Now my next question would be.....what other lens should I choose. I would like a lens with a better zoom and other than that I am not sure. This camera comes with the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens.

So my photography experts..for a newbie....what other lens should I look at.

Thanks
 
If you are looking for reach, I'd recommend the Nikon 70-300VR.

If you are looking for a fast lens for low light, get the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 AFS.

If you want to ditch the kit lens, I'd get the Nikon 18-200VR which is just as fast as the 18-55 but a lot more useful (and expensive).
 
How about the 55-200mm (for reach) and the 35mm f/1.8 (for low light).

They both relatively inexpensive.
 
From another relatively newbie, I would also recommend the 55 - 200. It does give you quite a bit reach, and it takes some really great shots. I know it isn't as nice as some of the more expensive lenses, but as a newbie I think it will more than cover almost any photo need you will have any time soon.
If you are looking for a lens that will give you good indoor sports or low light shots, then this isn't the lens you would want, but for a good every day use kind of lens that lets you zoom in pretty close and take some really nice quality shots, I don't think you can go wrong.
 
I just bought this same camera for Christmas for myself and love it,I'm a newbie too.Which lenses do you need all you can afford :rotfl2: Just kidding I bought the Tamron 18mm-270mm 3.5-6.3 with their version of VR it's my walk around lens at the WDW.I have the 35mm 1.8 nikon and I love that lens for low light.Thinking about getting another Tamron 2.8f they are a decent lens.It all depends on how much you can spend and what you want too take pictures of.Good Luck on picking the right lens
 
DH and I have been researching DSLR cameras and were torn between a Canon Rebel XS or Nikon D3000. We went to Best Buy to look at them and talk to someone who knew more about them than we did. The saleswoman owns two Canons but took a Nikon home on their employee loan-out program and loved it! We also learned that the accessories are less expensive with Nikon. We found a good package deal at Amazon and have ordered it. It shipped today and I am so excited to get it and start taking pictures!
 
Did you like the feel of the Nikon better? Also, I would not put too much credit in someone at BB. They are by no stretch of the word an expert. most only know what they have been told to say by management. They also sometimes get kickbacks (spifs) from the manufacturers to sell certain items. Since you didn't buy from them, no big deal, but just do not place all your faith in them.

As for the camera itself, it seems pretty nice and you really cannot go wrong with any DSLR. Just be sure that you are really going to be happy with it. I am not dogging Nikon and saying you should have gone Canon, since I shoot Pentax and would have recommended that :) Also, I would not put too much faith in Nikon being cheaper than Canon on accessories. It can fluctuate either way depending on what you are talking about.
 
I have been looking at this camera for a while. I was wondering if anyone has any reviews on it (maybe pics taken on it), what else I might need with it (should I have photo editing software), etc.

Also, right now best buy has it for sale with the
Nikon - Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom Lens

What is this used for and should I get it now when it is on sale as a package so that in a few months I am not wanting it?

If there is anything else anyone can tell me or point me to I would really appreciate it. My husband knows how bad I want to get one and is thinking of getting it for my bday next week but I want to be sure about it before he splurges on it.
 
Ok... I am just now noticing that there are different packages and idk the difference between these lenses...

Nikon - Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom Lens

Nikon - Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom Lens


I am new to all of this. I am figuring if I get this camera, I will get a book that will help me. This will be my summer hobby (I am a teacher and will have all summer to learn)
 
Ok... I am just now noticing that there are different packages and idk the difference between these lenses...

Nikon - Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom Lens

Nikon - Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom Lens


I am new to all of this. I am figuring if I get this camera, I will get a book that will help me. This will be my summer hobby (I am a teacher and will have all summer to learn)

VR = Vibration Reduction and it means you can take pictures at slower shutter speeds provided the subject is still.

The D3000 is a good camera but I would highly suggest looking into the D5000. It has a better sensor.
 
I did not look at the deals, but I suspect that there are better deals than BB. Look at Adorama, B&H, and Buydig.
 













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