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Anonymous
My D40X with 18-135mm kit lens will arrive on Monday afternoon. I have never owned a DSLR before. What should I do to teach myself how to use this camera?

Would the next step up be to buy a better lens? Ken Rockwell raves about the 18-200mm VR:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18200.htm

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-18-200mm-3-5-5-6-ED-IF-Zoom-Nikkor/dp/B000BY52NU/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-112
2632-2609406?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1194143938&sr=8-1

But fuck, that's expensive.
>> Anonymous
Meh, should've gone with the D40 and spent the money you saved on a better lens. Actually, I kinda regret buying a D40 now that I want to buy more lenses for mine.
>> Anonymous
First of all, Ken Rockwell is a douche. Second, read the manual and consider getting the book Understanding Exposure to help you in your pursuits.
>> Anonymous
50mm f/1.8 or a good flash are the way to go. As far as learning, go down to your local camera shop and have them run you through the basics, then just go out and shoot and see what works. Also, there are tons of beginner photography guides all over the net.
>> Anonymous
step 1) take a lot of photos, since it's free.
>> Anonymous
I have a D40x and I went ahead and spent the money for the 18-200mm VR you linked. I don't regret it a bit, the camera is awesome, and the lens is nothing short of amazing. For an amateur photographer you can pretty much put that lens on your camera and never take it off. Absolutely worth the price, imo.
>> Anonymous
>>88419
>Actually, I kinda regret buying a D40 now that I want to buy more lenses for mine

Don't we all.
>> ac !!VPzQAxYPAMA
>>88443
Step 2: Take lots more pictures, 'cause it's still free.