I just bought the Nikon D80 and after years of film experience I discovered this is a whole new world and I am overwhelmed. Other than taking a class, any ideas where to learn more about its operations?
2006-12-29 03:36:10 · 5 answers · asked by AVA 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Photography
If you bought it a camera store they often run classes that are free for their customers. The classes are taught by Nikon company professionals at the store with refreshments served to keep it relaxed and informal. The classes cover the use of the camera, the use of photo software, the selection of lenses, and the way a photographer thinks to take a great photo. They also spend time answering questions on specifics and helping you with any new upgrades of software your camera is missing. It is also a way to meet other D80 owners and talk to them about what they are doing.
If you did not buy the camera from their store they charge a fee for the class but it is not high.
Nikon itself also runs a school but it is more photo-oriented and less camera-oriented. Look for it on Nikon's web site.
2006-12-29 03:45:49 · answer #1 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a book called "The Digital Photography Book" by Scott Kelby. Yes, it will cover a lot you already know but it will also open up many new areas such as dynamic range limitations, using the histogram, white balance, and other things digital.
If you are into listening to MP3s I'd suggest downloading some photography podcasts from the internet. They are free and are digital oriented. There is one at www.Nikonians.org (find the podcast link) and a whole series at www.photocastnework.com (or maybe .net). None of these will be so specific as to cover the details of just the D80 but they will talk about digital photography.
I purchased a D50 last year and found the same steep learning curve. When I shot film I never really worried about white balance, never saw a historgram, and didn't have all of the buttons and dials. Listening to podcasts, doing a lot of shooting, and taking a class at a local college helped tremendously.
Another learning curve with digitial had to do with post processing. Photoshop seems almost essential to get that "pop" from an image and I knew almost nothing about that before. I still know just a little but the podcasts (audio and video versions) have helped with a lot of simple tips and tricks.
One last thing and I hope this comes across well, be sure to read that manual. I hate to read manuals but found I had to read this one to understand all of those buttons, dials (only one dial on the D50), and menu options. I went from having that manual stashed away in the camera box to carrying it my camera bag.
2006-12-31 03:06:39 · answer #2 · answered by k3s793 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check out Nikon's website for some tips with using your new camera
2006-12-29 11:40:29 · answer #3 · answered by Jon 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By trial and error. when I bought my D70 I read the manual but was pickled, but by playing with buttons trying different settings I learnt so much.
2007-01-01 19:09:23 · answer #4 · answered by madmum 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to www.dpreview.com
In depth detail on the operation's of this camera with spec reviews.
2006-12-29 20:37:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋