I am in the process of covering all of the features in the manual. I downloaded a very good e-book from a UHH member and it is great!!. I am learning about my camera and also the AF functionality.

When I really thought about it, I had never read an actual book on photography- mostly posts and short articles. "Reading is fundamental."

Thanks for the suggestions.

Not sure if I made it clear that I did some PP on these shots. I do not have the originals now, but will post. Would you still suggest resetting to factory?

Lots of room for improvement: Please elaborate.

This is my first post with my new camera. Please let me know what you think. I was going for a warm feel and not sure if I over-corrected the contrast for color detail.

Please let me know if you think it looks too saturated as sometimes my color judgement is different from most. The puppy dog picture seems to be a little out of focus on the eyes, but I was learning the focusing system and have a better understanding of the operations now.

Fire away!!

(Download)


(Download)

Everyone. Thank you for your input. So basically I am not doing anything wrong, but I also do need to learn my camera well enough to ween myself from it and use it rarely if any.

I am using a more professional level of camera now and I am just excited about all of the features and understand how using them ALL can make taking pictures easier and my prints better.

Very good point. Learning a new camera at this time.

Hello. I have a question. I have an above average understanding and experience with photography and my question is- Is it "Cheating" to take a picture on Auto to see the best settings the camera would choose for the scene and then adjust my Manual settings to get the look I want?

I usually tend to like the warmer tones and rustic/B&W look. One side of me says that the end goal is to get a good picture that expresses what you see, but the other side says to shoot away.

Why take 10-15 pictures if it can be done in 5?

Any thoughts?

*UPDATE*

My wife purchased me a refurb D7200. The body is in perfect condition despite the general warning about "cosmetic scratches..." I have not yet check the shutter count. I will have to check into how to do that I have seen it before.

The video shoots at 60fps and is FLUID and exactly what I wanted. Having to get used to zooming with one hand and panning with the other. On my handheld the zoom was with the forefinger as with most.

I have yet to photograph anything but some random shots around the house and yard, but I plan to really get out when the weather turns nice again. Texas is beautiful in the Spring. I am really impressed with what I have been able to capture. Sorry I do not have anything converted now that I am proud of. We are planning a road trip to West Texas and I plan to run the shutter count up way high then.

All in all for under $600, the camera was a good decision- no a GREAT decision. This will be a camera that I keep until eternity and plan to pass it down to one of my kids when I find out which one shows an interest.

Thank you for all of the suggestions.

Best pic I have seen in a while. (No offense to others)

Not a secret. Just something only the site admin might be able to answer... tech stuff!!! LOL.

Thanks. I have sent a PM.

Is there a specific person that is the admin of this site/forum? Please PM me if that is you.

There is not a problem... I just have a question.

Thank you.

Very commendable. We are all greater because of this act. Thank you!!

@amfoto1- I currently have the kit lens- 18-55mm and a Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G ED Auto Focus-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens.

I will most likely add a lens pretty quickly after my purchase, but these two should work ok with whatever I buy.

@camerapapi, I know my skills could improve, but I have seen the depth and feel of other camera's images and that puts mine to shame. Also, the low-light issue with the D40 just sends me insane. During the day it is great, but indoors and during night games is really bad.

I have tried all things, but flash which can be distracting in a gym and useless in a football stadium at night.

Thanks everyone for the information. I am torn between buying refurb or from individual. I know photogs take care of their equipment, but equipment breaks down also. I do not want to buy something and have to buy another body in a couple of years.

I don't need 4K (right now), and the D5600 is looking really tempting.