Using back button Focus along with single-point help solve as much as possible my focus problems that I had with my D3100 using the 55 to 200 lens. Also you can adjust your meter to see which one works best. Believe me it is a little bit of a trick to focus these Nikon cameras but once in focus they do amazing work. Don't give up

I'm also a mid lifer who just a few years ago was new to the DSLR. Just wish someone would have shared with me a few pointers to take better pictures. For me pictures are all about color and hue and believe me you won't get that with automatic settings. However you can improve your color in sharpness but using the S setting s standing 4 shutter speed control. In this mode your camera automatically sets the aperture. With aperture automatic the only setting necessary to change from time to time is the ISO which you're probably aware is how much light you're allowing into the camera. Play with these two settings seeing how high you can set your shutter speed and match your ISO with it and you will get clearer and sharper pictures with a color that you're his Desiring. Of course you can get better color with manual and aperture but this is a great compromise and set you on your way understanding the camera settings. Of course always shoot in raw or raw + jpeg is that gives you the most information and in Nikon allows you to use your processor to enhance your photos. There are no videos on how to use the processor it's just something you have to learn on your own. Last but not least is learn how to focus your camera you will notice that this is a little bit of a trick but that's why I went to higher shutter speeds to begin with and it really worked. I also use the back focus button instead of the shutter button to focus that way I'm controlling my focus before each and every shot. Have fun and take great pictures on your vacation.

I've had my camera for about two-and-a-half 3 years and when I got it I was also a a person to the DSLR having only used a point and shoot before and having no knowledge of camera settings. So here's what I wish someone would have told me back then to get better pictures. First always use your camera in raw or raw + jpeg. That allows you to use the processor in the camera to enhance each photo you take Andy gives the most information when you put it on a computer. Also learn to use the S 4 shutter speed setting on your camera. It's very easy to use because it automatically turns your aperture well loan you to have control over the ISO which is you probably know is how much light is coming in your camera. The higher your shutter speed the less chance of handshake your camera will register. Just be careful not to give it to much Iso as your pictures will start to get grainy. Have fun playing with this and you will see what I mean it's simple and easy. Also learn to focus your camera remembering that it low light if you don't have a little light lens this will be difficult. Personally I use the back focus option which you can go online and learn how to set up. It may not be the best way to focus but for me it works and that way I don't have to keep setting my camera to either automatic Servo or single servo. Have fun on your vacation and I hope you take great pictures