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Bought a Nikon D850 to replace my D40X
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Mar 18, 2024 08:47:30   #
Bobby123
 
rpm wrote:
So, I broke down & purchased a D850 after shooting 18 years with my D40X. The new one has so many buttons & it's heavy! Can't wait to do something with it but think I'm gonna need a lesson or two... any suggestions to get me up to speed?


Yes, go out and shoot! There's nothing like a little practice to get your feet wet. Shoot your dog, the neighbor's house, a pond, whatever is in front of you. Then you can decide which settings you like and see progress. Reading and watching videos is great but you have to grab the bull by the horns, or the camera by the grip, and shoot it!

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Mar 18, 2024 08:58:28   #
rpm Loc: Houston, TX
 
kpmac wrote:
Review everything Steve Perry has to offer. And YouTube is your friend. I love mine but it took a while to learn it.


Kpmac, okay, thanks. Steve Perry you say... note taken. I will be okay. Feel not so intimidated this morning. Thanks again. rpm

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Mar 18, 2024 09:03:08   #
rpm Loc: Houston, TX
 
Cwilson341 wrote:
A lot depends on how you prefer to learn. YouTube has lots of good videos. Personally I do best with a manual. For my D850 I have David Busch’s book. I just start at the beginning Ning and work my way though everything that is of interest to me. As you use the camera more, the book is a great reference to go back to.

My only problem with the D850 is the weight.


Carol, thanks. You really have some nice shots... I will look for David Busch's book. Note taken.
Thanks again, rpm

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Mar 18, 2024 09:05:41   #
rpm Loc: Houston, TX
 
BebuLamar wrote:
I do best with the manual that came with the camera. You may have to download it though as they may not give you the printed copy. Use the big manual not the quick start one.


BebuLamar, yes, it came with two small manuals. one in English & one in Spanish. It's shirt pocket size so I'm thinking about downloading a copy to my computer & phone for quick reference.
Thanks again, rpm

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Mar 18, 2024 09:06:17   #
DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA
 
Can't wait to do something with it but think I'm gonna need a lesson or two... any suggestions to get me up to speed?[/quote]

When I got my D850, I learned a few functions and used the camera and then, reading the manual and Busch's book, studied a few functions and worked those into my routine. Doing this on a leisurely schedule worked for me.

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Mar 18, 2024 09:08:32   #
rpm Loc: Houston, TX
 
Bill_de wrote:
There is a lot to learn, but no need to rush it all at once. The basics are still the same. I always use the owner's manual as a first reference.

As Ken said, "Review everything Steve Perry has to offer. And YouTube is your friend."

I have owned a D850 since shortly after they were released.
No Regrets!

---


Bill, thanks. And yes, I'm beginning to put it together. It's going to be a combination of everything. Videos, usage & actually talking to others about the subject. I'm pretty stubborn sometimes. But I'm learning to ask questions. Thanks again, rpm

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Mar 18, 2024 09:12:41   #
rpm Loc: Houston, TX
 
therwol wrote:
What FX lenses do you have? You need good ones to appreciate this camera's potential. Yes, it's heavy. You'll either get used to it or you won't.

The big manual that comes with the camera is complete, but I prefer a book that's written in narrative form. I use Darrell Young's.


Therwol, I took my AF-S 18-55 mm off my old D40X and put it on the D850 just to start. I know New VR lenses are in my future as well as a new tripod, bag & other goodies. Carol said David Busch has a good book. Thanks for your support. rpm

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Mar 18, 2024 09:17:27   #
rpm Loc: Houston, TX
 
User ID wrote:
David Busch or Darrell Young book.

You already know how to use an SLR, so the main operational difference is more features and the books cover that.

As youve most likely been warned a high rez camera can reveal bad lenses for what they are. But theres are verrrrrry few bad modern lenses. Use good ones, but ignore geeks that insist that only maximum primo lenses are worthy of your D850. Nikons own corporate marketeers propagated that idea. They even published a list, and the geeks swallowed it hook, line, and sinker.

Get a good book and use decent lenses, for which I strongly recommend VR lenses. High rez cameras can accentuate unsteadyness to an unfortunate degree. Some lenses on the "Official D850 approved" list lack VR, which shows you that the list is a marketing ploy that ignores actual user reality. Insist on VR.
David Busch or Darrell Young book. br br You alre... (show quote)




User-ID, you are correct. Will be getting some VR lenses and being a Geek isn't something I'm caught up with. "If it works just use it until it breaks, and then get a better one" is usually my motto. On the other hand, I'm 15 years behind the times. Thanks for your support. rpm

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Mar 18, 2024 09:20:01   #
coolhanduke Loc: Redondo Beach, CA
 
Congratulations, you will love it!!
As suggested, you tube.

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Mar 18, 2024 09:22:16   #
rpm Loc: Houston, TX
 
Rongnongno wrote:
Quite a jump here...

The main thing you need to learn is that this camera is finicky in some ways, as are all high density camera. These cameras will register every motion that takes place, both in the scene and when you hold it.

Your solutions are simple: Higher ISO, Higher speed, greater stability when holding the camera or a tripod.

I have this camera and trust me it is an incredible tool. Check a sample here. Another
sample
, using severe cropping that really makes the image worthless.

As several mentioned Steve Perry is a dependable source of information.
Quite a jump here... br br The main thing you nee... (show quote)



Rongnongno, yes, it's been a long time coming. Really should have upgraded so long ago but just loved shooting with my Nikon D40X and never really knew any difference. Ignorance is bliss I guess... maybe, maybe not ?
Thanks, rpm

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Mar 18, 2024 09:25:06   #
rpm Loc: Houston, TX
 
therwol wrote:
I have a lot of experience with my D850. VR in a mediocre lens (such as a 24-120 or 28-300) trumps absolute sharpness in a non-VR lens for handheld shots at relatively slow shutter speeds. It becomes irrelevant at shutter speeds of 1/1000 or faster or when using a tripod, neither of which is always an option. Increasing ISO to boost the shutter speed is not a perfect solution unless done in moderation. At some point, noise and reduced dynamic range become apparent. The bottom line as far as I'm concerned is to have at least one VR general purpose lens, the best you can afford, and just take pictures. Mine is the 24-120 f/4 VR. Be aware that non-VR lenses have some limitations with a camera like this, but they can bring out the best in this camera if you use them properly.
I have a lot of experience with my D850. VR in a ... (show quote)


Therwol, good in-site and I agree with everything you said. Took some notes & will look into the 24-120 f/4 VR. Sounds like a good start for me. Thanks again, rpm

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Mar 18, 2024 09:28:50   #
rpm Loc: Houston, TX
 
Rongnongno wrote:
err...

Do you ride a chariot with a pair of oxen?


Rongnongno, I was wondering when somebody was going to give me grief about the whole affair. I admit, I'm a lot like this guy, if I could get a car with roll up windows and a distributor cap I would! Old ways are good ways sometimes... lol rpm

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Mar 18, 2024 09:30:40   #
rpm Loc: Houston, TX
 
Coolhand, thanks. Its been a long time coming. I was really excited leaving Best Buy Saturday. I do need to upgrade some lenses & tripods, & bags... Thanks, rpm

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Mar 18, 2024 09:34:41   #
coolhanduke Loc: Redondo Beach, CA
 
24-120 is my go to lens for D850. Also consider 29-300.

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Mar 18, 2024 09:46:20   #
gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast
 
Start with YouTube on basic setups. Watch a couple different ones. Try to match your D40x settings, then explore and experiment. Good shooting.

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