D40 started a hobby!

[metafocal]

Quick History:

My Minolta Z1 took to long to capture photos and images were in need of Photoshop attention on a regular basis. I lost several opportunities do to shutter lag and in a fit of rage, well, the camera doest work now and the wife isnt happy...

After a couple weeks of searching reviewing and visiting camera shops, I finally bought the Nikon D40. I knew nothing about a DSLR and luckily there was a camera shop that sold Nikon, Pentax, Canon etc. that was cool enough to help me out.

Long story short, It was Nikon D40 or the Pentax K100d. Looked into the D50, *istD, EOS xt, and what I found out was which one makes me feel confident. There is alot to think about! Came down to these two:

Pentax K100d - Nice weighted feeling in your hand. Has the AF motor built in. Looks very well made. (pictures do it no justice).
Nikon D40 - Less lag, more natural realistic picture, less intimidating for a newbie like me =)

I have owned it for 6 hours, can't put it down. I just cannot belive the difference this camera makes. I am sure some of you guru's know a library of information and can point out issues, but this is very fun to use. I bought a UV thing for it, and a Tamrac bag as well. I can see me spending money on this new gem...

So I find myself posting a "thread" and trying to calm my excitment down. I need to know what I do next to get better. Man these pictures are shockingly good (to me). I read alot from this site and figured I would stay here. Have good advice? Help me out and point me in the next direction!

Thanks!

[shoeytennis]

welcome and congratulations, the d40 is a great beginnger dslr with great quality!
I dont know really what to say unless you have any questions about lenses, shooting in certain conditions or what not.
But what i can say is, figure out what youll be taking most pictures of then look at getting a nice lens, good memory card,flash if neccesary and what not.
any questions i will answer and ramble on about them.

[XaiLo]

Please allow me to make a recommendation "Understanding Exposure" Revised Edition by Bryan Peterson is an excellent book and is Under $20 I can't say enough good things about this book. Reading is light enjoyable and filled with practicle examples.

Congratulations and happy shooting. :)

[metafocal]

I want to be able to get real close to my target. For instance, I would like to zoom in on things and make them close up. (probably said that wrong). What I do know is I like quality, and would rather save up than buy something iffy. When you look in the camera through the eye piece, what should I be thinking?

I know that is weird to say but, I am sure there is a standard thought process that happens when your ready to capture. Going manual seems scary right now as I know "jack". Claning and care is probabl a good start...

Thanks to all and these forums!

[rawpaw18]

I Second the Bryan Peterson book Understading Exposure, read and reread your manual, ask questions, and seacrh this site for info. Welcome to the forum and let the onset of NAS begin (Nikon Acquisition Syndrome).

Sounds like you are already wanting a macro lens, and so it begins.

[gmtech79]

Congrats!! The Bryan Peterson book is great and also you might want to get his DVD "The Perfect Picture". I read his book and then got the DVD, it was nice to visually learn from him, since I learn better visually than by reading.
Hope to see some pics soon. Enjoy.

[Kellie]

I understand your excitement! I bought a D40 yesterday (my first DSLR) and am thrilled with it so far. I do know a bit about photography, but still have to learn all the ins and outs of this particular camera.

Like others have said, Byran Peterson's Understanding Exposure is a MUST read! That book alone is what convinced me to upgrade from point and shoot. I wanted more control and wanted to understand exactly how to gain that control with great results. I am no longer afraid of full manual settings. Auto everything is no longer the way for me! Read it and you will be even more excited about your new camera. :)

[Dark Lotus]

The D40 is what started me too. I cannot stop taking pictures. Photography is definetly becoming one of my favorite hobbies.

[metafocal]

Thank you everyone! I will get both the DVD and Book. I am dying to spend money on a lense, I need to get closer to objects from afar.

Macro? (what is it?)
Is Nikkor, Tamron, Sigma....which is typically best?
Is there a lens (Or "glass") that can get me close up without standing on my subject?

Well I am going to check amazon, and start ordering. I do feel it would be in my best interests to not buy a lense and wait for you guys..

Thanks!! I think this can get expensive...

[metafocal]

I forgot to ask, the D40's lcd flashes black on the image sometimes if there is white (or too much) in the picture, still looking in book...

[rawpaw18]

I need to get closer to objects from afar.

Macro? (what is it?)
Is Nikkor, Tamron, Sigma....which is typically best?
Is there a lens (Or "glass") that can get me close up without standing on my subject?

Thanks!! I think this can get expensive...

A zoom lens is what you are looking for if the subject is far away such as animals in the distance that you can not get close too, a macro is for something closer that you want to fill the frame with ie. flowers, bugs real up close type of shooting.

Which lenses are best is subjective, some of the time the nod goes to the Nikon over third party but ymmv. there are some very capable third party lenses as well. If you get into specific lenses ask for opinions of people that have tried them or search results on sites such as pbase.com for sample images

Yes $$$$$$

The blinking on your lcd is showing the highlights of your photo that are blown out(no detail), -ev may help in certain shots, or faster shutter speed, different metering, sometimes you will just have highlights due to the lack of dynamic range of the camera.

[metafocal]

Well thanks to everyone who posted. I will spend alot of time looking at posts and getting more knowledgeable.

See you all later and thank you very very much!

[eduardofrances]

http://www.fredparker.com/ultexp1.htm A great link to learn about manual exposure be sure to have enough time and your camera with you to understand it, this is a great resource :) Welcome and enjoy a lot taking photos ;)