Just got my first DSLR... A Nikon D40X w/ 18-55 & a 55-200mm lense. Have only used it for one month now. My girlfriend & I went to Key West & Ft. Lauderdale for a few weeks. I've been...

bowmar Loc: Battle Creek, MI

A Nikon D40X w/ 18-55 & a 55-200mm lense. Have only used it for one month now. My girlfriend & I went to Key West & Ft. Lauderdale for a few weeks.

I've been shooting photos since 1964 When I got my first SLR camera ... a ZEISS w/18/55 & 55-200 mm lenses. Joined them 4-H Club then & began my adventure then.

Now.... I'm baffled by all the settings & only used it in AUTO mode while I was down there ... got 5 GB worth of really great shots!

Have bought several books on compostion, use of my D40X, & a really nice one on Starting.

I'm disabled, an accident with anti-freeze in my Mt. Dew. Someone at work wanted my job. Lefty me with only the use of my left hand. Limited use of my right hand.

Questions;

1.) can I use my Sigma flash w/ my new camera ?
2.) how do you use the other settings
3.) what is the best way to get up to speed with this thing...I'm no novice at SLR cameras...just am confused by all the settings on my new find.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Welcome to UHH bowmar. What I found the most challenging about first DSLR, after using film SLR for years, was remembering which wheel, button or menu to use to change various settings. Did a good user's manual come with your camera? If not, should be able to find online.

I'm a Canon gal so don't want to guess at where you will find them, but I'd suggest just use baby steps. For example, find how to set ISO, then aperture, and go out and take photos at different depths of field 'til you get used to accessing your fstop choices through a wheel or touch screen.

Annie_Girl Loc: It's none of your business

I recommend picking up a copy of Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson http://www.amazon.com/dp/0817463003/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=2261012531&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7776660421374885566&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_5yx6gqcw2r_b

It will get you on your way.

Sadly there are no magic settings to give, it all depends on the light you have available and the final product you are looking for.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Annie_Girl wrote:

I recommend picking up a copy of Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson http://www.amazon.com/dp/0817463003/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=2261012531&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7776660421374885566&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_5yx6gqcw2r_b

It will get you on your way.

Sadly there are no magic settings to give, it all depends on the light you have available and the final product you are looking for.

Annie, I think you missed the part where OP said is no novice to SLR's and has been shooting since 1964.

Annie_Girl Loc: It's none of your business

Linda From Maine wrote:

Annie, I think you missed the part where OP said is no novice to SLR's and has been shooting since 1964.

Nope, but when he asked about what settings to use, I figured he needed a refresher course. :)

bowmar Loc: Battle Creek, MI

You figured VERY right too...a refresher course would be helpful...Wanna' just get away from the Auto mode...Already have a Fuji Finepix 2700 EXR...point & shoot very mindless camera...(???)

craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

bowmar wrote:

A Nikon D40X w/ 18-55 & a 55-200mm lense. Have... (show quote)

Bowman - welcome from the home of the legendary "bowman", Robin Hood - Sherwood Forest and the city of Nottingham !

A "refresher" you say ? This set of short instructional and free videos is informative and easy to digest. You can start wherever you like and just move at your own pace.

It might be right "up your street",

http://www.photographycourses.biz/all_photography_videos.html

Gramps Loc: Republic of Tejas--Tomball, TX

craggycrossers wrote:

Bowman - welcome from the home of the legendary "bowman", Robin Hood - Sherwood Forest and the city of Nottingham !

A "refresher" you say ? This set of short instructional and free videos is informative and easy to digest. You can start wherever you like and just move at your own pace.

It might be right "up your street",

http://www.photographycourses.biz/all_photography_videos.html

To use the vernacular---aint it a gas? Just don't let the Wannabe N/C PP cultists drive you up the wall with their "help". You'll never learn it all over nite or in a hundred years---but like making love it's one hell of a lot of fun getting good at it!!!!

cockney greg Loc: London E17

Hi Bowmar just wanted to say you will find a host of helpful videos on all aspects if you google youtube, and put in your camera and what you want to do.A big welcome aboard by the way.

georgemc Loc: Mississippi, USA

bowmar wrote:

A Nikon D40X w/ 18-55 & a 55-200mm lense. Have... (show quote)

Bomar, About 3 yrs ago I was in the place you are now with DSLR's. I had some knowledge of photography but not these new camera's. The D40/40x manual was of some limited benefit but the most helpful book I have ever seen is Thom Hogan's "Complete Guide to:"..There's a series of them. Find them here:
http://www.bythom.com/
It comes on DVD and if you wish (I did) you can get a bound copy. They're not cheap, but they are worth every penny if you really want to know the camera.

craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

Hey bowmar - got it right this time !

Sorry about misrepresenting your username - it's getting a little late here, dreamland is calling and the matchsticks in my eyes are tumbling out ! Or did I just have one too many "wee drams" this evening ........ ?

But take a look at the series of videos I suggest - easy learning !

cockney greg Loc: London E17

craggycrossers wrote:

Hey bowmar - got it right this time !

Sorry about misrepresenting your username - it's getting a little late here, dreamland is calling and the matchsticks in my eyes are tumbling out ! Or did I just have one too many "wee drams" this evening ........ ?

But take a look at the series of videos I suggest - easy learning !

No such thing as too many, and a nice new avatar!

craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

cockney greg wrote:

No such thing as too many, and a nice new avatar!

Cheers buddy ! Time, maybe, for you to come out from behind that big fish !! One more is OK you said ...... ? Slanje ..... !

cockney greg Loc: London E17

craggycrossers wrote:

Cheers buddy ! Time, maybe, for you to come out from behind that big fish !! One more is OK you said ...... ? Slanje ..... !

:thumbup: :thumbup:

bowmar Loc: Battle Creek, MI

Yes... I did find the original manual online...Thanks.