Advice for a DSLR newbie. Got a Nikon D70 to learn the ropes on...

LordSplodge · 4 Nov 2011 at 11:38

OK so I have this D70 and a Sigma DC 18-200 F3.5-6.3 lens. Basically I have it on indefinite loan to help me learn the ropes of owning a "proper" DSLR camera before I pony up my own cash.

It didn't come with any manuals but I am going to see if you can still get the manual from Nikons website.

It has so many buttons I don't even have a clue where to start so can the friendly guys in the Photography and Video forum give me some advice? I've had it off auto a few times and taken some good shots but mostly terrible shots!

Cheers

James J · 4 Nov 2011 at 11:47

The dial on the top left of the camera will get you started off quite nicely. The M A S P part with the silverish background on that dial are the 4 settings you want to get to know in able to use a DSLR to any decent extent.

M = Manual, where you control the aperature, shutter speed, iso ect all yourself
A = Aperature priority mode, where you choose the aperature and the camera then chooses a suitable shutter speed for you
S = Shutter priority, opposite of aperature mode
P = Program mode, where you use presets you select in advance on the camera for specific styles of photography.

Personally if your learning, stick it on A or S and go from there. The little A/M on the lens (flip switch thing) is for the automatic/manual zoom selector and the lock is probably a zoom creep lock or a "macro" focal range lock.

The scroll wheel on the top right of the back of the camera is what you'll be using all of the time to change shutter speeds and other values on the camera. I can't really see what the other buttons are in relation to what I own (nikon D5100) so can't help you out much there I'm afraid!

Columbo · 4 Nov 2011 at 12:16

Right I'll start with a couple of tips.

1: Use Aperture Priority to start with (A on the dial)

The means that when you turn dial on where your right thumb is you are allowing more or less light in. The lower the number the more light is being allowed in.

The camera will then calculate an appropriate shutter speed depending on what the camera is being pointed at.

2: Use Auto ISO (to start with)

In the menu system there should be an option for this and it should ask for a max value. Set this to 800 (as a start). ISO basically increases the cameras sensitivity to light. As the available light decreases the cameras sensitivity needs to increase to be able to maintain a low enough shutter speed. However as the ISO increases, noise (grain) is introduced to the image.

3: Auto Focus

When learning don't try to be clever with the auto focus points. In the menu only have the centre AF point on. Put your subject in the middle of the frame, wait for the beep and snap.

4: Composition

Once your are feeling a little more confident whenever you are taking a shot, think about where you are in relation to the subject. Don't simply stand there and point, its amazing how different as photo can simply by getting on your knees or even your belt buckle.

I'm sure some of the other more experienced chaps will be along with better advice but I started out with doing the above and it helped me get a good understanding of the basics.

There is also a very good book call Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson which I cannot recommend highly enough

LordSplodge · 4 Nov 2011 at 12:38

Cheers. I've been experimenting with Aperture priority to get some relatively shallow depth of field shots. Also had a bash with Shutter priority to do some night shots. They turned out soft but I don't have a remote shutter trigger so it was probably camera shake.

Hopefully I'll track down the manual and get the book recommended. Should be interesting!