JD750 Loc: SoCal

No. Give it a go before you do that.

You are just going through the DSLR learning curve.

Just curious why did you decide to move from Canon to Nikon? Not that there is anything wrong with that, they both make fine cameras. But what motivated that decision?

Carusoswi

I am not familiar with Nikon cameras, but have a lifetime of experience in photography, and feel that the basics have not been altered by the migration to digital and the development of cameras that tend to integrate computer-like menus into their user interface.

So, others may correct me if what I say is negated by a complex interface that requires a lot of multi-layer menu exploration to change settings. My first camera was an all manual Yashica SLR (film). The correct exposure was determined by setting either the shutter speed or the aperture (lens opening), then adjusting the other of these two variables until the in-camera light meter indicated correct exposure. Focus was manual, although there was a little circle in the view finder that split the image. Until correct focus was achieved, that split would not align. Align it, and bingo, as sharp a focus as any camera before or since would provide.

In my experience, nothing that has been introduced over the years has changed the principals upon which that very basic camera depended to produce stunningly clear images.

You can read books about photography if you like, but my approach to photography is similar to my approach with computers and computer applications (perhaps it is more accurate to state that my approach to computers is similar to my approach to photography, since photography came first, LOL).

Rather than do a lot of up front reading, work with your camera first to develop some frame of reference, encounter some problems that you need to solve, then look to specific reading topics that address those problems.

If your previous camera is similar to your new one (as has been suggested in previous posts on this thread), you may already have done this, but, if I were you, I would sit in my house, take a few photos with the camera set to P and note the settings that the camera suggests (you can sit in your house, on your patio, at the lake, wherever, LOL). Then, switch the camera to manual, dial in the same settings, take the photo. Both should come out the same.

From there, still in manual, change one of the settings (shutter or aperture), take a photo and note the differences. Also, try changing each settings to maintain exposure. If you up the shutter speed one "notch", open the lens one "notch" and note that the photo should still look mostly the same (ok, "notch" should be "stop", but I use "notch" to keep it simple).

For the basics, that's all there is to it. You do not work up to "manual". It's not some magical, super process that improves your photography. All manual mode does is to lock your camera into exposure settings that you dictate. I was elated when the need to set both shutter speed and aperture manually was eliminated. Auto focus was also a God-send to me. Manual mode gives you nothing you cannot achieve in the automated modes as most cameras provide means by which to override or adjust auto settings set by the camera (that's another topic you can tackle after you develop some understanding of basic exposure).

Do not be intimated. If you are pressured to shoot photos that are important to you before you feel confident, by all means, set the camera to P or Auto and grab those shots. When you want to learn more about your camera, try shooting unimportant test shots in manual, making adjustments until you see what works. If you start to feel frustrated, take the same shot in Auto or P, copy that setting in manual and work from there.

I "learned" photography on film cameras that had no automation, whatsoever. Then came the exposure automation (P, A (you choose aperture, camera sets correct shutter speed), S (you choose shutter speed, camera sets correct aperture), and, finally, Minolta introduced the first viable auto focus cameras. I say finally, but, ultimately, digital cameras were introduced which really changed the game for anyone wishing to "learn" photography.

As a film first guy, digital truly expanded my photographic knowledge because I did not have to worry about the cost of film as I tried to expand my photographic skills. Want to learn bounce flash, hook up your flash, point the head wherever, shoot, and, if you don't like the results, try something else and shoot again, and again, and again until you like what you get. Make note of what works, what doesn't, and you have gained invaluable photographic knowledge.

In the film days, we had to guess (albeit, educated guesses) about when to override our camera's light meter in situations where the meter would be "fooled." Today, we don't have to do so much guessing as we can simply take a digital shot, evaluate it, and, if it is not right, make appropriate adjustments, and take the shot again.

You have made your investment in your camera, so, from this point forward, you risk nothing and incur no additional cost to experiment to your hearts desire.

I highly suggest you do just that. You will learn how your camera works, the basics of exposure, and, then, I would look to the excellent resources suggested in the many helpful posts in this thread to solve the problems that are relevant to what you are looking to achieve photographically.

Most important of all, I assume from your post that you have a sincere interest in this wonderful pastime of photography. It sounds as though you are just starring your journey. I can assure you that, if you continue that journey, there is much in the way of wonderment and satisfaction to be experienced. Have fun!!

Caruso

jmarmaro

I haven't had a moment to scan all the replies here, but if nobody has mentioned this yet, I find that the best instructional videos out there for specific cameras are the Fast Start videos taught by John Greengo with Creative Live. One of my cameras; the Canon EOS 7D Mk ii has a 600 page manual. Daunting. I even bought a book on the camera. Also, I have looked at the videos on YouTube for this, and even Scott Kelby's. These are all quite good, but none really come close to the video series by John Greengo. Right now, the one for your camera is on sale for $17. In my opinion, worth every cent. I continually go back to it if I forget something. The entire series on my camera is almost 8 hours. John does call it the longest one. (which he does for the 5D mk iv as well, when the video series for the 7D mk ii is actually longer.) But don't get put off by length. Each video is arranged in separate chapters as separate videos. You can watch only those of need or interest, or all of them. I also have a few others of his, for my 6D, Fuji XT-1, and a few others. They are CONSISTENTLY excellent and very detailed. Here is the link:
https://www.creativelive.com/class/nikon-d5600-fast-start-john-greengo?via=site-header_0

One last comment; viewing his video lessons for a camera you are considering is also a great way to determine if it has just the features you need (or not).

bleirer

That's just crazy talk. The camera had auto mode and scene modes and jpeg just like the point and shoot. Use those while you are learning to shoot manual and interpret a histogram.

pumakat

Thanks for the tip. My camera has been languishing in auto mode for a while.

dukepresley

This is a long post; I admit that I did not read each entry, but got the gist of the replies. I entered the Nikon world in the early 90’s with a Nikon film camera (SLR — actually don’t remember which one).

Moved to a P&S, then to a series of Nikon choices: D50, D90, D300S, D700 & last Christmas, bought a D750. (Current lens most frequently used: Nikkor 24-70 f2.8)
I basically used the same strategy with each of them: buy a book based on Amazon reviews of the particular camera, set to “Auto” & grow from there...generally using Aperture mostly. Got to Manual on the D700, but not there completely on the D750.

I am a “semi-serious” avid amateur at the best, but enjoy travel, landscape & grandkids photography. My method may not excite the purists, but it works for a guy in his late 70’s!

Waterboy23 Loc: Toms River, NJ

In 2010, after many years of using various point and shoot cameras, I joined a Camera Club and attended a presentation on Basic Photography. Afterward, I contacted the instructor and asked him to recommend a DSLR. He suggested a Nikon D3100 which I was very pleased with, to say the least. At the same time, I purchased two Nikon lenses: an 18-55mm and a 55-300mm telephoto which you might want to consider as well. About 3 years later I decided to upgrade and opted for the D7100 which I still haven't mastered (I'm 85, one up on you) but I agree with all the folks who suggested that you keep the 5600. You can use it as a point and shoot in A and P modes to start with and move up to the more advanced modes as you become more confident with it. Lots of luck!

SteveR Loc: Michigan

My daughter's first DSLR was the D7500. Prior to that she shot primarily with a cell phone. She's picked it up pretty quickly. Hang in there, get a good book to help you understand your camera that goes beyond the manual. Learn the focus system as well as the exposure triangle and how it works.

Abo

Don't give up.

you're doing the right things already ie reading the manual.

Suddenly it will all come together. You will realize "this is so simple why was I fazed by it".

Study the manual with the camera and go through the steps. Don't be dismayed if you need to go back and rehash.

Lastly, there are only 3 important aspects:

1. The size of the aperture... the numbers designate a fraction. f8 means 1/8th, f16 means 1/16th.
So the bigger the number the smaller the aperture. It's a way of controlling how much light the
sensor is exposed to.

2. The speed of the shutter... ie the amount of time the shutter is open for... Simply know as "Shutter Speed". "125" means the shutter is open for 1/125th of a second, "60" means the shutter is open for 1/60th of a second etc. It's also a way of controlling how much light the
sensor is exposed to.

3. ISO... Which is simply how sensitive the sensor is to light. The higher the number the more
sensitive the sensor is to light. You want to keep ISO at its "native" setting... unless a good
exposure can't be achieved with shutter speed and/or aperture.

Surf the net for information about the above 3 items... particularly the first two.

You'll be amazed at how simple it all is. And you are so right when you said "bells and whistles"...
because for the most part, apart from the above 3 items, the other stuff is just bells and whistles.

The technical side of using the camera is as simple as falling off a log, it seems complicated at first
because of all the bells and whistles.

Have fun Trapper.

knoxworks Loc: Western Mass.

Be patient with yourself. Take photos everyday. (They don't have to be prizewinners -- though you might get one.) That will help make you comfortable with your camera. Learn a little at a time. When you read your manual or watch videos, a little at a time, do it with your camera at hand. When I went from film to digital in 2006 I pretty much learned everything about my new Canon. I didn't need to. Eventually I mastered the critical settings and got comfortable with mainly three modes: manual, aperture priority, and shutter speed priority. Shooting with A or P at first is a good way to start.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

The camera is not a problem. Once you grasp what it takes to expose a subject the way you want to capture it you will realize that most cameras do the same thing. They control the amount of light, the amount of movement and the amount of focus. There is a pretty good book titled, "Understanding Exposure" by a fellow named Peterson, I believe, You can buy it in a digital presentation. When you grasp what it takes to make an image the way you want it the camera will not matter. much. It just a means. Photography is a learned skill and has a language all its own. Have fun.

Flyerace Loc: Mt Pleasant, WI

Some universities offer camera education as a part time class. Pretty inexpensive, but great value. They will walk you through the camera and its features. Worth the effort. Took me from an AUTO to a sophisticated photographer. Then with all that knowledge, have fun shooting everything under the sun. I have had Nikons since 1971 and own 3 of the "5000" series cameras. The 55mm micro lens is on one, the 16-80mm lens is on the second camera and the 200-500mm will be on the third. That way I don't have to change lenses very often. I purchased the "5000" series cameras for the lighter weight. They work great!

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

Not much difference in complexity between a 3xxx series camera and a 5xxx. the more you play with it the more you will learn.

Race Raccoon Loc: Yankton, South Dakota

I agree with what's been said, but for a newbie who wants instant gratification while studying, suggest he might start simply by using his scene modes. He'll get pretty darned good shots while he's learning enough to advance to auto, P, & subsequently to the other advanced shooting modes.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Yes, Yes, Yes.

I'm not sure the OP needs more books or more videos - some human contact seems like a much better solution. Classes in some college, or through a camera or other store, or via a club - that seems much better to me.