File :-(, x, )
help :( Anonymous
so i got my camera today (i was the guy about to buy from bestpricecamers.com) anyway i had class all day then physical training so i didnt get to really give it a run but i took a few quick shots on my lunch break so please some constructive feed back with each pic ill try to post what im trying to take a pic of
here i was trying to capture the unit crest on my beret the shiny thing on the hat i dont like this at all but its the first thing i thought to take a pic of
EXIF data available. Clickhereto show/hide.
Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeNIKON CORPORATIONCamera ModelNIKON D40Camera SoftwareVer.1.10Maximum Lens Aperturef/4.3Sensing MethodOne-Chip Color AreaColor Filter Array Pattern836Focal Length (35mm Equiv)46 mmImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2007:03:26 00:02:28Exposure Time1/13 secF-Numberf/4.5Exposure ProgramNot DefinedISO Speed Rating800Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternLight SourceUnknownFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length31.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width3008Image Height2000RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoScene Capture TypeStandardGain ControlLow Gain UpContrastNormalSharpnessHardSubject Distance RangeUnknownISO Speed Used800Color ModeCOLORImage QualityNORMALWhite BalanceAUTOImage SharpeningAUTOFocus ModeAF-AFlash Compensation0.0 EVISO Speed Requested800Tone CompensationAUTOLens TypeNikon D SeriesLens Range18.0 - 55.0 mm; f/3.5 - f/5.6Auto FocusDynamic Area, Center Selected, Top FocusedShooting/Bracketing ModeSingle Frame/OffColor ModeLandscape sRGBLighting TypeNATURALNoise ReductionOFFCamera Actuations1Saturation 2AUTODigital Vari-ProgramSPORT
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
just trying to focus on the root beer can i had from last night

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeNIKON CORPORATIONCamera ModelNIKON D40Camera SoftwareVer.1.10Maximum Lens Aperturef/5.3Sensing MethodOne-Chip Color AreaColor Filter Array Pattern836Focal Length (35mm Equiv)67 mmImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2007:03:26 00:11:26Exposure Time1/10 secF-Numberf/5.3Exposure ProgramNot DefinedISO Speed Rating800Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternLight SourceUnknownFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length45.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width3008Image Height2000RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoScene Capture TypeStandardGain ControlLow Gain UpContrastSoftSharpnessHardSubject Distance RangeUnknownISO Speed Used800Color ModeCOLORImage QualityNORMALWhite BalanceAUTOImage SharpeningAUTOFocus ModeAF-AFlash Compensation0.0 EVISO Speed Requested800Tone CompensationAUTOLens TypeNikon D SeriesLens Range18.0 - 55.0 mm; f/3.5 - f/5.6Auto FocusDynamic Area, Center Selected, Top FocusedShooting/Bracketing ModeSingle Frame/OffColor ModeLandscape sRGBLighting TypeNATURALNoise ReductionOFFCamera Actuations9Saturation 2AUTODigital Vari-ProgramSPORT
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
tree i dunno i was sitting by my window and just shot out of it i like how its hard to tell there is a screen between the tree and camera anyway like i said i have no real idea what im doing right now

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeNIKON CORPORATIONCamera ModelNIKON D40Camera SoftwareVer.1.10Maximum Lens Aperturef/3.5Sensing MethodOne-Chip Color AreaColor Filter Array Pattern836Focal Length (35mm Equiv)27 mmImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2007:03:26 00:14:02Exposure Time1/125 secF-Numberf/8.0Exposure ProgramNot DefinedISO Speed Rating200Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternLight SourceUnknownFlashNo FlashFocal Length18.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width3008Image Height2000RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoScene Capture TypeStandardGain ControlNoneContrastNormalSharpnessNormalSubject Distance RangeUnknownISO Speed Used200Color ModeCOLORImage QualityNORMALWhite BalanceAUTOImage SharpeningAUTOFocus ModeAF-AFlash SettingNORMALFlash Compensation0.0 EVISO Speed Requested200Tone CompensationAUTOLens TypeNikon D SeriesLens Range18.0 - 55.0 mm; f/3.5 - f/5.6Auto FocusSingle Area, Center Selected, Top FocusedShooting/Bracketing ModeSingle Frame/OffColor ModeLandscape sRGBLighting TypeNATURALNoise ReductionOFFCamera Actuations10Saturation 2AUTODigital Vari-ProgramCLOSE UP
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
drain by the tree once again im just trying to focus on random things so i can get a feel for how this works

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeNIKON CORPORATIONCamera ModelNIKON D40Camera SoftwareVer.1.10Maximum Lens Aperturef/4.0Sensing MethodOne-Chip Color AreaColor Filter Array Pattern836Focal Length (35mm Equiv)42 mmImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2007:03:26 00:14:19Exposure Time1/100 secF-Numberf/8.0Exposure ProgramNot DefinedISO Speed Rating200Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternLight SourceUnknownFlashNo FlashFocal Length28.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width3008Image Height2000RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoScene Capture TypeStandardGain ControlNoneContrastNormalSharpnessNormalSubject Distance RangeUnknownISO Speed Used200Color ModeCOLORImage QualityNORMALWhite BalanceAUTOImage SharpeningAUTOFocus ModeAF-AFlash SettingNORMALFlash Compensation0.0 EVISO Speed Requested200Tone CompensationAUTOLens TypeNikon D SeriesLens Range18.0 - 55.0 mm; f/3.5 - f/5.6Auto FocusSingle Area, Center Selected, Top FocusedShooting/Bracketing ModeSingle Frame/OffColor ModeLandscape sRGBLighting TypeNATURALNoise ReductionOFFCamera Actuations11Saturation 2AUTODigital Vari-ProgramCLOSE UP
>> Anonymous
What kind of camera did you get?
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
motor bike in the parking lot

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeNIKON CORPORATIONCamera ModelNIKON D40Camera SoftwareVer.1.10Maximum Lens Aperturef/5.7Sensing MethodOne-Chip Color AreaColor Filter Array Pattern836Focal Length (35mm Equiv)82 mmImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2007:03:26 00:14:28Exposure Time1/125 secF-Numberf/8.0Exposure ProgramNot DefinedISO Speed Rating200Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternLight SourceUnknownFlashNo FlashFocal Length55.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width3008Image Height2000RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoScene Capture TypeStandardGain ControlNoneContrastNormalSharpnessNormalSubject Distance RangeUnknownISO Speed Used200Color ModeCOLORImage QualityNORMALWhite BalanceAUTOImage SharpeningAUTOFocus ModeAF-AFlash SettingNORMALFlash Compensation0.0 EVISO Speed Requested200Tone CompensationAUTOLens TypeNikon D SeriesLens Range18.0 - 55.0 mm; f/3.5 - f/5.6Auto FocusSingle Area, Center Selected, Top FocusedShooting/Bracketing ModeSingle Frame/OffColor ModeLandscape sRGBLighting TypeNATURALNoise ReductionOFFCamera Actuations12Saturation 2AUTODigital Vari-ProgramCLOSE UP
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
just trying to get a pic of these guys but the camera doesnt seem to zoom that far... but i think im just messing it up anyway thats all i got for now sorry if its garbage

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeNIKON CORPORATIONCamera ModelNIKON D40Camera SoftwareVer.1.10Maximum Lens Aperturef/5.3Sensing MethodOne-Chip Color AreaColor Filter Array Pattern836Focal Length (35mm Equiv)67 mmImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2007:03:26 00:14:52Exposure Time1/100 secF-Numberf/8.0Exposure ProgramNot DefinedISO Speed Rating200Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternLight SourceUnknownFlashNo FlashFocal Length45.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width3008Image Height2000RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoScene Capture TypeStandardGain ControlNoneContrastNormalSharpnessNormalSubject Distance RangeUnknownISO Speed Used200Color ModeCOLORImage QualityNORMALWhite BalanceAUTOImage SharpeningAUTOFocus ModeAF-AFlash SettingNORMALFlash Compensation0.0 EVISO Speed Requested200Tone CompensationAUTOLens TypeNikon D SeriesLens Range18.0 - 55.0 mm; f/3.5 - f/5.6Auto FocusSingle Area, Center Selected, Top FocusedShooting/Bracketing ModeSingle Frame/OffColor ModeLandscape sRGBLighting TypeNATURALNoise ReductionOFFCamera Actuations13Saturation 2AUTODigital Vari-ProgramCLOSE UP
>> Anonymous
its in the exif data but its a nikon d40
>> Anonymous
Doh, stupid me. just browsing really.

No real composition to the pictures, but thats cause your just playing around i assume.

The camera seems to have good quality and clarity though. work around with some composition when you have the time and the real quality will be more clear.
>> Anonymous
composition is what im actually taking pictures of right see i got a few photography ebooks but i didnt think i would get the camera till next week so i havent really had time to read them but yeah i havent really taken pictures of anything yet
>> Anonymous
Take some time readng the books.

one book i would reccomend is John Hedgecoe's guide to Black and White photography. You may not be interested in B&L photography, but the books main focus is on composition, things to mind when taking pictures, and helpful thoughts.

Good beginners book, and even brings up some things advanced photographers can forget sometimes.
>> Anonymous
it's kind of confusing trying to figure out what you're saying since you don't use periods, but composition is how you lay stuff out in a photo. it's where you place the subject, it's how you frame the subject, it's where you take the photo from, it's the angle you take it from. it's basically placement of things in your photo.

instead of randomly taking pictures of random things then posting them, read up a bit first, then try to use what you learn to take some pictures and post those. then hopefully you'll actually be able to understand what people are saying about the pictures from your reading and then you'll be able to actually learn from what comments you get. at the very least, i'd suggest you learn the basics of composition and the lingo.
>> Anonymous
your right, i should read more before i post. i guess i was just excited about my new camera, anyway ill start reading tonight.
>> Anonymous
Its ok, i did the same when i got my first camera, an AE-1. I must have wasted 10 rolls of film because i thought i could do it all right off the bat.

Funny thing, I still rely on my AE-1 to this day, 10 years later.

If you want a little help from a Photography major, feel free to email me. I enjoy helping aspiring photographers.
>> Anonymous
thanks, i might hold you up to that. anyhow any advice on how to take care of my new toy, i know i cant just clean the lens with my shirt :/
>> Anonymous
It should have come with a cloth for cleaning it. If not i reccomend you go to your nearest camera store and drop a few bucks for a simple camera care kit.

Common Sense Says: Dont drop it, get it really wet (ive used my rebel in the rain and it was fine), dont scratch the lense, and if you do take the lense off be HORRIBLY careful with the internal components. its not a car, so dont dink around with the physical components of it till you really know what your doing.

Ive seen many people kill 100+ dollars by scratching the internal LCD or Mirror depending on the camera. Treat it like its your own kin and it will serve you well.
>> Anonymous
i plan on taking care of it now. im reading up on the rule of three, and the gold rule? its kind of interesting, now that im actualy starting to understand what makes the photos work.
>> Anonymous
>>38785
yeah, we all get excited over new toys. at least it's digital so you aren't burning money at the same time lol. i would say ideally you would only need a blower to clean your lens of dust, but things happen so a really soft/fine cloth would probably do nice. however, the coatings on lenses are pretty durable nowadays, so its less of a worry than before, but i still dont like taking chances of scratching up the coating so i just keep my lens capped whenever i'm not using it and just use a blower to keep the dust off.
>> Anonymous
>>38794
does microfiber work for lens cleaning?
>> Anonymous
Yes it does. Well at least it does for me :P
>> Anonymous
>>38796
>>38800
?
>> Anonymous
>>38804

??
>> Anonymous
>>38806
>>38804
???
>> Anonymous
>>38808

????

Am i doin it right?
>> Anonymous
>>38809
>>38808
>>38806
>>38804
!
>> Anonymous
>>38804
>>38806
>>38808
>>38809
>>38813

O RLY?
>> des
>>38796
you really should get a blower/brush before using any cloth on the actual lens. You don't want to take a chace at grinding a speck of hard dust into the front element.
I just use a cloth on skylight filters when I'm out shooting though, they're relatively cheap.
>> Anonymous
>>38790,>>38998

I've always found that keeping a polarizer on the lens is lots easier then worrying about keeping the lens safe (Or any sort of filter which you expect to be using most of the time, really.) - Bonus points for quick attach filters, for when you need to take off your filter to catch a nice picture of a reflection - And if you manage to scratch it on accident, who cares? 20 bux for a new Polarizer is tons cheaper then a new lens. Polarizers are probably hands-down the single most important filter you could possibly own anyway.

Should you opt to get a Polarizer filter; just be sure you get a Circular polarizer; Linear polarizers tend to screw with Autofocus and light metering.

On a side note; it's pretty nice to see a new guy who actually listens. I'm pissing tired of running into people go go "WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT (Equipment/My pictures/etc etc)", and always ends up either getting offended, or refusing to listen to anybody despite asking them for their advice.
>> Anonymous
>>39060

A 20 dollar polarizer is going to be a piece of garbage. Don't take this advice. Even a $20 UV filter will degrade the image quality of your lens. What's the point of putting the protective filter over your lens if it just degrades the image quality to what it would be if you had a scratch on the front element? If you're really so fucking clumsy that you're slamming your front element into things when the lens cap is off then you shouldn't have a nice camera in the first place.

I only use a UV filter if I'm in adverse weather conditions (in rain, at the beach or in dusty areas) and even then I use a Hoya filter.

I use a circular polarizer when I want its desired effect. A CPL will suck up 2 stops of light so it's totally impractical for any kind of indoor or low-light photography. If you want a CPL that's even worth putting on your camera you're going to have to spend at least $75 on it. The 77mm B+W I have for my 17-40 L was $120. The difference in your images between a $20 CPL and a $120 one is astounding.
>> des
>>39063
I'll mostly agree.
-
If you can't afford new, remember, KEH *does* have a filters section :3
>> Macheath
>>39063

Well, obviously a 77mm filter is going to command a higher price. But $20 for a 52mm or 58mm filter is too cheap? Come on.

Then again, I'm unhappy with the UV filter that came in this $25 Opteka essential pack :( The polarizer is fine though.
>> Anonymous
>>38780
What other books would be recommended for beginners?
>> Anonymous
>>39085

Scott Kelby's "The Digital Photography Book"
>> Anonymous
>>39063
I suppose you're right about that. I've always bought all my gear except for the body used. Never bought a separate polarizer either - The one I use came bundled with a wonky old Soviet-made Nikon-mount Mirror lens - Both the lens and filters were surprisingly good for something from the Soviet era, and a mere $125 at that - Can't tell you much about it though since the manual is all jibberish to me, but it's a 500mm, f6.3; named '3M 6A'. I'd strongly recommend the OP and anybody else with a Nikon who's lacking in beefy lenses pick one up.
>> heavyweather !4AIf7oXcbA
The best thing any aspiring photographer can do is to look at really great photography, just like writers benefit from reading other great authors.

A few names to throw out there: Richard Avedon, James Nachtwey, Robert Capa, Elliott Erwitt, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Irving Penn, Annie Leibovitz, just to name a few. Go to your school's fine arts library, they'll have plenty of photo books. Happy shooting!
>> Anonymous
i dont go to school i kill people.....


anyway, this weekend i plan on picking up a few books. i took a few pictures yesterday, but i got yelled at by the cops.
we arent allowed to take photos on military installations i suppose.
>> heavyweather !4AIf7oXcbA
>>39126
Hah, nice. Then I know the BX bookstore should have some. And see if they carry JPG Magazine, also. Great serious amateur and pro work in there.
>> Anonymous
Haha you have the same shitty secrataries(sp) and chains we have at goodfellow -_-
>> Anonymous
Haha you have the same shitty secretaries and chains we have at goodfellow -_-
>> Anonymous
well im on redstone arsenal, we are an army post.


anyway i get why they yelled we have quite a bit of top secret shit out here. they also told me if i got caught taking pictures of the wrong thing my camera would be disassembled, regardless of weather it worked or not when it was returned to me. :(