Feeling Stupid
Sep 4, 2017 11:13:59 #
I received a Nikon D3400 as a gift and am having an awful time understanding all the function. I would like to be able to take sharp, nice pictures but for the most part I fail miserably.
Sep 4, 2017 11:23:24 #
Youtube is your friend. Every camera is a learning curve. Set it on auto and practice, practice, practice. You don't have to know all the functions at once. I like using a single focus point at first, myself. Watch youtube videos to get it set up properly. Don't feel stupid.....everyone starts somewhere. Good luck!
Sep 4, 2017 11:26:24 #
I agree, Youtube. Also, read blogs and photography websites. You'll get there. Shoot, shoot, and shoot some more.
Sep 4, 2017 11:36:31 #
Read the manual...all of it! I know, boring, boring, boring, but...knowledge of your camera will free you to quit thinking so much about settings and concentrate more on your subjects. And I agree - YouTube is a wonderful resource and I use it extensively.
Sep 4, 2017 11:37:09 #
cyclespeed
Loc: Calgary, Alberta Canada
Find the little green auto button, set it and forget it. You'll have more success for sure.
Sep 4, 2017 11:39:17 #
I kinda felt the same way 5 years ago when I got into photography. Here's a website that taught me a lot and made it simple. You'll have to watch several of the videos before things come into focus (pun intended). They're fairly entertaining though. Go to http://www.photographycourses.biz
Walt
Walt
Sep 4, 2017 16:24:33 #
dmannin1 wrote:
I received a Nikon D3400 as a gift and am having an awful time understanding all the function. I would like to be able to take sharp, nice pictures but for the most part I fail miserably.
Put it on auto.....let it 'get you up and running'. Search online for written tutorials on tricks and techniques and work through them. (Utube goes too quick - reading and doing is always at your own speed) You will be amazed at what you 'can do' very quickly....and you will learn a lot about your camera and how to get different settings to work.
Camera settings look far more difficult than they really are. Look online and get a BASIC understanding of Aperture, speed and ISO (Sensor sensitivity)....Relate this to the techniques you work through and the articles you read.
Set aside time to 'do photography'.....the more you carry your camera = the more familiar and relaxed you will become about using it. If in doubt.....go back to Auto to capture what you see first and then fiddle and faff as the techniques suggest (that way you know you have at least one reasonably great result)
Then it is simply read and practice.
Have fun....it is not as hard as people like to make out. Honest!
Sep 4, 2017 16:40:58 #
Sep 4, 2017 16:50:49 #
Put the camera on auto, take a pic, then look at the ISO and aperture and shutter speed. You'll start getting an idea of what the settings should be.
If the camera takes blurry pix on auto. Set it on the edge of a table and take a pic. If its still blurry then its the camera, take it back.
If you read the manual and have no idea what it says or what any of it means. Its then time to take a photography course at your local Night school or college or join a camera club for some help. Or find someone here on Uhh that lives close by and they can help you.
If the camera takes blurry pix on auto. Set it on the edge of a table and take a pic. If its still blurry then its the camera, take it back.
If you read the manual and have no idea what it says or what any of it means. Its then time to take a photography course at your local Night school or college or join a camera club for some help. Or find someone here on Uhh that lives close by and they can help you.
Sep 4, 2017 17:35:43 #
dmannin1 wrote:
I received a Nikon D3400 as a gift and am having an awful time understanding all the function. I would like to be able to take sharp, nice pictures but for the most part I fail miserably.
Have you read the manual? It is pretty simplified so you can get started quickly, then little by little explore the features and functions later.
Otherwise, join a local photo club. There will be people there that will be able to help, and there are likely others in your situation.
Sep 4, 2017 20:41:49 #
dmannin1 wrote:
I received a Nikon D3400 as a gift and am having an awful time understanding all the function. I would like to be able to take sharp, nice pictures but for the most part I fail miserably.
http://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/products/330/D3400.html
Sep 5, 2017 05:42:02 #
dmannin1 wrote:
I received a Nikon D3400 as a gift and am having an awful time understanding all the function. I would like to be able to take sharp, nice pictures but for the most part I fail miserably.
Put it on Auto and shoot away. Below are some helpful links. The video by CreativeLive is very good.
https://www.creativelive.com/courses/nikon-d3400-fast-start-john-greengo
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d3400/users-guide/index.htm
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d3400/users-guide/menus-setup.htm
http://ezinearticles.com/?Setting-Up-Your-Nikon-D3400-DSLR-Camera-Properly&id=9680613
https://www.cameratips.com/nikon/d3400
Sep 5, 2017 06:21:58 #
Consider getting a tripod with a nice ball head. Also try using mirror lockup along with a 2 sec shutter delay if you have it. That is best for still subjects and not people.
Sep 5, 2017 06:40:04 #
dmannin1 wrote:
I received a Nikon D3400 as a gift and am having an awful time understanding all the function. I would like to be able to take sharp, nice pictures but for the most part I fail miserably.
youtube and look up videos for the expose triangle. Without understanding Shutter, aperture and ISO, you will be doomed to shooting in auto mode and crossing your fingers.
Sep 5, 2017 06:56:55 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
dmannin1 wrote:
I received a Nikon D3400 as a gift and am having an awful time understanding all the function. I would like to be able to take sharp, nice pictures but for the most part I fail miserably.
Do not feel bad, Utube to the rescue. Try this one, and there are many, many, more.
https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=mcafee&p=how+to+shoot+the+Nikon+D3400#id=3&vid=facb05bf67132c3875f75d7122bc5359&action=view
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