Nikon d5200 tips and advice....

[dredick]

Hi all! Just ordered my 1st DSLR. Went with the NIKON D5200 CAMERA W 18-55MM VR. Not top of the line or in your camera ranks, but I hope I made the right choice for the $. Any tips? I really want great night shots ( fireworks, parade) and zoom. Newbie.. any advice would be appreciated!

 

[havoc315]

Hi all! Just ordered my 1st DSLR. Went with the NIKON D5200 CAMERA W 18-55MM VR. Not top of the line or in your camera ranks, but I hope I made the right choice for the $. Any tips? I really want great night shots ( fireworks, parade) and zoom. Newbie.. any advice would be appreciated!

1. Read. Learn. Whether it be books about exposure, books about composition, using flash, etc.. The more you learn, the better photographer you will be. And this is the cheapest way to improve your photography.

2. Along with #1, learn to shoot RAW. Shoot RAW and process your photos yourself in Lightroom or Nikon's software. The images will look flat at first. But with some practice, you will get better results than letting the camera process the jpegs. It does add time to your workflow.. you may not want to shoot everything raw. But for your "special" shots, like fireworks, etc.. you definitely want to be able to process yourself.

3. Without breaking the bank, the simple important gear would be a decent tripod (especially if you want fireworks!), some photo processing software (See Lightroom, #2 above). And perhaps an external flash, if you learn to use it properly. (#1 above).

Good luck and enjoy!

 

[dredick]

1. Read. Learn. Whether it be books about exposure, books about composition, using flash, etc.. The more you learn, the better photographer you will be. And this is the cheapest way to improve your photography.

2. Along with #1, learn to shoot RAW. Shoot RAW and process your photos yourself in Lightroom or Nikon's software. The images will look flat at first. But with some practice, you will get better results than letting the camera process the jpegs. It does add time to your workflow.. you may not want to shoot everything raw. But for your "special" shots, like fireworks, etc.. you definitely want to be able to process yourself.

3. Without breaking the bank, the simple important gear would be a decent tripod (especially if you want fireworks!), some photo processing software (See Lightroom, #2 above). And perhaps an external flash, if you learn to use it properly. (#1 above).

Good luck and enjoy!

Thank you! Looks like I have some reading to do! Any book suggestions?

 

[havoc315]

Thank you! Looks like I have some reading to do! Any book suggestions?

A lot of people recommend "Understanding Exposure" as a good starting point. But honestly, anything you read from a pro will help.

There is a lot of minutia you can learn, whole books written about proper use of off-camera lighting... how to pose wedding portraits, etc. But in the end, they are focusing on 2 main areas:
1 -- Exposure. Understanding how aperture/shutter speed/ISO work together to create a proper exposure. Along the same lines, how they affect depth of field, how they can be used to freeze action (as in sports) or blur action (as in fireworks where you want long light trails as opposed to a quick instant in time).

2-- Composition. The starting point being "Rule of Thirds" -- In the simplest of terms, don't center your subject.. work off center. But it does become more complex -- Positioning people, filling the frame, considering the direction and quality of light.

So anything you read, that starts to make you think about these things....

Also, join some groups on flickr... Take a look at what other shooters are doing. There are lots of Disney groups, and you can see how others are handling parades and fireworks. Seeing work from others can help you better decide how you want to compose your shots. You can see what works and what doesn't.

 

[firemanchip]

I got a lot from "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Petersen. I think he does a great job explaining the basics of photography. I also purchased David Busch`s guide for my camera (T3i and now a 70D), he does a great job breaking down what my camera is capable of doing and how to use it. I`m not sure if he does Nikon or not but I find his book to be a very useful tool. But honestly just going out and experimenting has been my biggest help. Have fun!

 

[dredick]

Thank you so much! I will get to studying. Do I need to add a lens?

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

My recommendation would be to hold off on any additional lenses until you decide what direction your photography is going to take you. What you have purchased is the kit lens that most of us start with. Its an all-around good starter lens. As you gain more knowledge, you will develop a "style" that will dictate what lenses you will need to capture what you want to shoot. Look at lenses (and other equipment) as tools in your tool box. My favorite saying is "the right tool for the right job!" Can you use a screwdriver as a chisel? Yes, but if you have a chisel that will work better. To begin with, it may be overwhelming when folks start getting technical, but once you learn the photographic jargon, it gets a lot easier. Understanding Exposure is very good at explaining the jargon and basic building blocks of photography. I was out of photography for a long time and when I decided to jump back in, never in my wildest imagination did I ever think that I would be doing what I'm doing. That is why my recommendation is to hold off for awhile on any new equipment.

 

[havoc315]

Thank you so much! I will get to studying. Do I need to add a lens?

I agree with GiannasPappa.... Photographers are prone to GAS -- Gear Acquisition Syndrome. I've gone through it myself. There is lots of great gear that you can collect.. each for a different need. It becomes very easy to say.. "I need to upgrade this... I need that lens for this type of shot.. etc etc"

Over time, build up the gear that fits your style. For now, learn the ins and outs of what you have. If you get serious, you will eventually want to buy other lenses, but none are "needs" right now.

 

[dredick]

Got it! Thank you so much! I'm excited to get started!

 

[xlxo]

Some thoughts...

• congratulations!!!
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xevuZBc_vg8
• Perhaps a local night school course to get some experience and feed back?

Lenses? Depends on your interest.

• 50 f/1.8 for low light?
• 18-200mm for a wide zoom?
• 18-300mm for really wide zoom?
• 24-70mm f/2.8 for mid-zoom and quality? Warning this lens is NOT cheap.
• 55-200mm? While affordable... I hate swapping lens

Other NAS (Nikon Aquisition Syndrome)

• flash like the SB910?
• tripod

What about a good all-weather padded LowePro camera bag and a NC/UV filter to protect those lenses?

 

[dredick]

Great video. Thanks! Looking like this will be a great starter camera!

 

[f19810]

I have the 5100 and am very pleased with it. If you decide to take night shots (epcot and mk are great for this) and/or fireworks, you need a tripod. The tripod is for long exposures and you don't want the camera to shake. I just got the mefoto road trip for $189. It has good reviews. Along with the tripod, you need a remote shutter release. Just pushing the shutter button to take a picture can cause the camera to shake. They are very cheap and worth it.


One more thing, don't walk around with the camera attached to the eye! There is to much to take in to just see WDW through the lens of a camera.

 

[f19810]

Some thoughts...

What about a good all-weather padded LowePro camera bag and a NC/UV filter to protect those lenses?

Yes, you need a filter to protect the lens. It is a lot cheaper to replace the filter when it gets scratched and/ or dented ( and in time it will) then to replace the lens. I was told to get a digital UV filter.

 

[boBQuincy]

Yes, you need a filter to protect the lens. It is a lot cheaper to replace the filter when it gets scratched and/ or dented ( and in time it will) then to replace the lens. I was told to get a digital UV filter.

There are those who always use filters and those who never do, both camps have their reasons. However, if you use a filter it is best to remove it at night because they can cause some strange reflections in your photos from lights.

 

[BBQMonster]

I also have the D5200 and love it. Everyone has given you some really good suggestions so far so I only have a few things to add.

As far as reading material goes you can add me to the Understanding Exposure came. It's an easy read and it taught me a lot. I would also recommend "David Busch's Nikon D5200 Guide to Digital SLR Photography". It is very detailed and goes through and explains each setting on the 5200. Not only what it does, but when to use it and when not to use it. As a DSLR Newbie I think you will find it to be a valuable resource.

As far as night photography goes I would recommend a wired remote shutter release like the Nikon MC-DC2 in addition to a good tripod.

When it comes to a lens remember you always have the option of renting one. I have heard good things about Kingdom Camera Rental and Borrow Lenses.

Hope this helps.

BBQMonster

 

[dredick]

I have learned so much here, reading, and watching videos. So much great information! Thank you!

 

[dredick]

More questions! Now that I'm playing with the camera, I can see needing a extra battery for Disney! Also, what is a great camera bag for Disney? The one that came in the bundle is awkward!

 

[xlxo]

Some thoughts...

• I always like LowePro for bags. The padding saved my camera from a 3ft drop onto concrete (No, I do not plan to repeat the test). LowePro also has a patent on the built-in all weather cover.
• I prefer backpacks as it's easier on my senior shoulders. Single strap and shoulder bags don't feel right all day
• always have a second battery for a DSLR, especially when you plan to be taking lots of pictures. Ever consider a veritical grip? I like using AA rechargeables as a second battery.
• That LCD screen is the main reason my your battery runs low quickly

 

[dredick]

Some thoughts...

• I always like LowePro for bags. The padding saved my camera from a 3ft drop onto concrete (No, I do not plan to repeat the test). LowePro also has a patent on the built-in all weather cover.
• I prefer backpacks as it's easier on my senior shoulders. Single strap and shoulder bags don't feel right all day
• always have a second battery for a DSLR, especially when you plan to be taking lots of pictures. Ever consider a veritical grip? I like using AA rechargeables as a second battery.
• That LCD screen is the main reason my your battery runs low quickly

Ok. What is a grip? I didn't think about the LCD screen. But you gotta look, right! Lol! Does the camera stay secure in a backpack? We have a nice one for our laptop that DH said holds cameras.

 

[xlxo]

Ok. What is a grip? I didn't think about the LCD screen. But you gotta look, right! Lol! Does the camera stay secure in a backpack? We have a nice one for our laptop that DH said holds cameras.

The longer and more often you look at the LCD screen. The shorter the battery life. Do you use LiveView instead of the viewfinder.... the worse the battery life. After a few pictures you know your exposure and should only need to check after a few dozen pictures. I don't pick and delete my images with the camera (kills battery life and can't see sharpness on a tiny screen), but copy the images to my computer to delete them.

A grip is an attachment that fits the bottom of your DSLR that makes it easier to hold your camera for portrait photography (camera on it's side). It allows you to hold one or two additional batteries. It is also an AA battery adapter. Do you have big hands, it may make your camera easier to hold. Just realized your entry Nikon does not have an official grip. There are third party grips, but can't recommend them without experience.

Camera is perfectly secure with a photographer backpack. You just adjust the padding for bigger and smaller camera/lenses. You need to think....

• do you just want a backpack to hold your camera? What about something bigger for lenses? flash? spare batteries? spare media card? food? drinks? valuables? a camcorder? tablet? laptop? Pay attention to weight!
• do you want something that holds a lot? do you want something that can fit as airline carry-on?
• rain protection? I like LowePro?
• access? back? side? mid?
• theft? Do you want something that looks like a camera bag? Or something that blends in as a regular backpack when travelling on public transit?

My fav backpack...
http://store.lowepro.com/ca/backpacks/rover-aw-ii-ca

My second fav backpack when travelling with longer lenses and needing a clean place to open up.
http://store.lowepro.com/ca/backpacks/flipside-400-aw-ca

When I need to carry a second mounted DSLR and I can use my car...
http://www.tamrac.com/products/cyberproexpress/