Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

andyj · Contributing Member Joined: 22 Jan 2006 Posts: 58

Well after some advice from here months ago I finally got round to buying a DSLR I went for the D40 I got a good deal on ebay so couldn't refuse! Anyway, I am happy with it but have no idea about how to use it properly so has anyone got any pointers? Very Happy

Cheers!

slippery42 · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 11:00 pm Post subject: tip one

if your using it for reptile photography use the aperture priority mode.

A high F stop i.e. F22 will give you more depth of field though you may mneed a tripod
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Using Nikon D300's and pro lenses

Stuart · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 11:44 pm Post subject:

as mentioned try using it in AP mode and set it on a relatively high F number.If you find the pics are coming out dark try increasing the ISO but remember the higher the ISO the more grainy the pic becomes...use the flash but I always turn mine down so it doesn't blow areas out..and you can also adjust the exposure compensation. Best thing to do is just experiment..next on your list will be a decent macro lens if you haven't got one. Cool

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andyj · Contributing Member Joined: 22 Jan 2006 Posts: 58

Right I think i NEED to have a good read of the manual then look at your advice again as that means nothing to me as yet! Laughing

I have taken a couple of pics so far but without changing anything just pointed and shot so to speak.

sally the skink · I've settled in... Joined: 01 Dec 2006 Posts: 29

ahh nice dog Laughing

Cleef · Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 12:14 am Post subject:

Doesn't look like you're doing much wrong there dude, great photos.

I find the hardest photos to take are fairly close up shots with only unnatural/little light available as the flash tends to over expose the shot, requires a fiddle with aperture settings.
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Stuart · Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 12:18 am Post subject:

If the flash is over exposing as it were just turn it down...great shots for first play with the camera.. Wink

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Stuart · Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 12:20 am Post subject:

Just looked at your data on the dogs pic and you shot that at F5.6 I would try a head on shot like that with a minimum of f22
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andyj · Contributing Member Joined: 22 Jan 2006 Posts: 58

Thanks for the hints and comments i will look in the manual and figure out how to change the "f" setting. I think I need the dummies guide to digital as it really confuses me. Hope I get the hang of it eventually!

Stuart · Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 10:08 pm Post subject:

I'm sure you will mate..your off to a good start with that camera and afetr experimenting with different settings things will start to drop into place..if you have any questions feel free to ask.
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