TABLE OF CONTENTS. Nikon D Nikon 18-55mm

Transcription

1 Nikon D Nikon 18-55mm TABLE OF CONTENTS CLICK TITLES TO JUMP AHEAD Portraits (Daylight): Portraits outdoors during the day Portraits (Low Light): Portraits indoors or in low light Kids, Pets & Fast Action (Dayight): Kids & pets outdoors during the day Families & Groups (Daylight): Families & groups outdoors during the day Families & Groups (Low Light): Families & groups indoors and in low light Food & Products (Day Light): Food and products outdoors during the day Food & Products (Low Light): Food and products indoors or in low light Nature & Architectural Detail: Natural & man-made details (day/night) Landscapes & Cityscapes: Mountain range, seascape, city (day/night) Sunsets & Sunrises: Colorful sunsets & sunrises with nice cloud detail HDR: Subjects and scenes with lots of contrasted light (bright/dark) Street Photography (Day Light): Candid shots of people, pets and things Buildings & Real Estate: Homes, skyscrapers, temples, monuments, etc... Fireworks, Lightning & Light Trails: Tripod required Stars, Galaxies & Northern Lights: Tripod and remote required Waterfalls & Streams: 0.9 ND filter suggested / Remote & tripod required Quick Reference: How to set ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed, etc...

2 INITIAL SETTINGS Nikon D Nikon 18-55mm PORTRAITS (DAYLIGHT) PORTRAIT (DAYLIGHT) SETUP Set the Zoom to 55mm Set the Aperture to f/5.6 Set the ISO to Auto (Max Sensitivity: 400 & Min Shutter Speed: 1/60) Set the Metering to Center Weighted On the lens, turn VR ON & switch A/M to A Set the AF-Area Mode to Single-Point AF & the Focus Mode to AF-S 1 INDIRECT LIGHT For more natural looking portraits with less squinty eyes and harsh shadows, it's best to shoot under indirect light (shade or cloud cover) rather than direct sunlight. FULL SUN If there isn't any indirect light nearby, position your subject so that the sun is hitting their back/shoulders at an angle. Be sure to keep the sun out of the frame of the shot. 2 Aim the center focus point at the subjects eyes, press the AE Lock (AE-L/AF-L) button, then half-press the shutter button. Continuing to half-press the shutter button, recompose the photo, then shoot. * If the subject s face is too dark, then turn the Built-in Flash ON by pressing the Flash (lightning) button on the front of the camera.

3 INITIAL SETTINGS Nikon D Nikon 18-55mm PORTRAITS (LOW LIGHT) PORTRAIT (LOW LIGHT) SETUP Set the Zoom to 35mm Set the Aperture to f/5 Set the ISO to Auto (Max Sensitivity: 3200 & Min Shutter Speed: 1/60) Set the Metering to Center Weighted On the lens, turn VR ON & switch A/M to A Set the AF-Area Mode to Single-Point AF & the Focus Mode to AF-S 1 WITHOUT FLASH For more natural looking portraits, disable the flash and use available light. Turn on as many lights as possible and/or position your subject near a window with indirect sunlight. WITH FLASH If it's too dark to shoot using available light, enable Slow Sync Flash (i button Flash Mode Slow). This will capture more ambient light, giving you a more balanced exposure. 2 Aim the center focus point at the subjects eyes, press the AE Lock (AE-L/AF-L) button, then half-press the shutter button. Continuing to half-press the shutter button, recompose the photo, then shoot. * When shooting in low light it's important that you and your subject remain very still during the exposure.

4 Nikon D Nikon 18-55mm KIDS, PETS & FAST ACTION (DAYLIGHT) INITIAL SETTINGS KIDS, PETS & FAST ACTION (DAYLIGHT) SETUP Enable Shutter Priority by rotating the mode dial to S Adjust the Shutter Speed to 1/500 Set the ISO to Auto with a Maximum Sensitivity of 800 Set the Metering to Matrix Set the Release Mode to Continuous On the lens, turn VR ON and switch A/M to A Set the AF-Area Mode to Auto-Area AF & the Focus Mode to AF-C 1 Half-press the shutter button to continuously focus on your subject as they move through the frame. 2 When ready, fully press the shutter and hold it down to fire off a burst of images in quick succession. This will increase your odds of capturing a keeper. * If you have trouble locking focus on the subject, switch the AF-Area Mode to Dynamic-Area AF then select the center focus point. Aim the center focus point at the subject and half-press the shutter button to continuously focus.this will put the focus priority in the center of the frame and will use nearby points if the subject moves.

5 Nikon D Nikon 18-55mm FAMILY PHOTOS & GROUPS (DAYLIGHT) INITIAL SETTINGS FAMILY & GROUP (DAYLIGHT) SETUP Set the Zoom between 18-24mm Set the Aperture to f/4 Set the ISO to Auto (Max Sensitivity: 400 & Min Shutter Speed: 1/60) Set the Metering to Center Weighted On the lens, turn VR ON & switch A/M to A Set the AF-Area Mode to Single-Point AF & the Focus Mode to AF-S 1 INDIRECT LIGHT For more natural looking group shots with less squinty eyes and harsh shadows, it's best to shoot under indirect light (shade or cloud cover) rather than direct sunlight. FULL SUN If there isn't any indirect light nearby, position your group so that the sun is hitting their back/shoulders at an angle. Be sure to keep the sun out of the frame of the shot. 2 Aim the center focus point at the person in the middle of the group, then pre-focus by half-pressing the shutter button. Continuing to half-press, recompose the photo and fully press the shutter to shoot. * If you're photographing a larger sized group (6 or more people), then increase the Aperture to f/8 to ensure everyone is in focus.

6 Nikon D Nikon 18-55mm FAMILY PHOTOS & GROUPS (LOW LIGHT) INITIAL SETTINGS FAMILY & GROUP (LOW LIGHT) SETUP Set the Zoom between 18-24mm Set the Aperture to f/4 Set the ISO to Auto (Max Sensitivity: 3200 & Min Shutter Speed: 1/60) Set the Metering to Center Weighted On the lens, turn VR ON & switch A/M to A Set the AF-Area Mode to Single-Point AF & the Focus Mode to AF-S 1 WITHOUT FLASH Turn on any as many lights as possible and/or position your family/group near a window with indirect sunlight. WITH FLASH If it's too dark to shoot with natural light, turn the Flash ON and enable Slow Sync Flash (i button Flash Mode Slow). This will illuminate your subject and capture more ambient light, giving you a more balanced exposure. 2 Aim the center focus point at the person in the middle of the group, then pre-focus by half-pressing the shutter button. Continuing to half-press, recompose the photo and fully press the shutter to shoot. * Try to keep the number of people in the group to less than 5. For larger groups, you ll get better results outdoors (during the day)

7 Nikon D Nikon 18-55mm FOOD & PRODUCTS (DAYLIGHT) INITIAL SETTINGS FOOD & PRODUCT (DAYLIGHT) SETUP 1 2 Set the Zoom to 35mm Set the Aperture to f/5 Set the ISO to Auto (Max Sensitivity: 400 & Min Shutter Speed: 1/60) Set the Metering to Center Weighted On the lens, turn VR ON & switch A/M to A Set the AF-Area Mode to Single-Point AF & the Focus Mode to AF-S INDIRECT LIGHT It's best to shoot under indirect light (shade or light cloud cover) rather than direct sunlight. Look for a shady spot next to a tree or building to take your shots. This will give you an even exposure without harsh shadows and overblown highlights. FULL SUN If there isn't any natural indirect light nearby, try using a white bed sheet or a white poster board to soften the harsh direct light over or near your food/product. Ultimately, you want to avoid harsh direct sunlight and shoot under softer indirect light. Aim the center focus point at the food/product and pre-focus by half-pressing the shutter button. Continuing to half-press, recompose the photo and fully press the shutter to shoot.

8 Nikon D Nikon 18-55mm FOOD & PRODUCTS (LOW LIGHT) INITIAL SETTINGS FOOD & PRODUCT (LOW LIGHT) SETUP 1 2 * Set the Zoom to 24mm Set the Aperture to f/4 Set the ISO to Auto (Max Sensitivity: 3200 & Min Shutter Speed: 1/60) Set the Metering to Center Weighted On the lens, turn VR ON & switch A/M to A Set the AF-Area Mode to Single-Point AF & the Focus Mode to AF-S WITHOUT A TRIPOD Make sure you remain very still during the shot to prevent camera shake. Also, be aware that you ll get more noise/grain when shooting without a tripod (due to higher ISO s). WITH A TRIPOD Turn VR OFF and adjust the ISO to 100 (disable Auto ISO). A tripod will help eliminate camera shake and allow you to use a low ISO which minimizes the effects of noise/grain. Aim the center focus point at the food/product and pre-focus by half-pressing the shutter button. Continuing to half-press, recompose the photo and fully press the shutter to shoot. Try to shoot during the day next to a North or South facing window with natural indirect sunlight.

9 Nikon D Nikon 18-55mm NATURE & ARCHITECTURAL DETAIL INITIAL SETTINGS NATURE & ARCHITECTURAL DETAIL SETUP 1 2 * Set the Aperture to the lowest f/# (f/3.5 at 18mm & f/5.6 at 55mm) Set the ISO to Auto (Max Sensitivity: 800 & Min Shutter Speed: 1/60) Set the Metering to Matrix On the lens, turn VR ON & switch A/M to A Set the AF-Area Mode to Single-Point AF Set the Focus Mode to AF-S WITHOUT A TRIPOD Make sure you remain very still during the shot to prevent camera shake. Also, be aware that you ll get more noise/grain when shooting without a tripod (due to higher ISO s). WITH A TRIPOD Turn VR OFF and adjust the ISO to 100 (disable Auto ISO). A tripod will help eliminate camera shake and allow you to use a low ISO which minimizes the effects of noise/grain. Aim the center focus point at the subject, then pre-focus by half-pressing the shutter button. Continuing to half-press, recompose the photo and fully press the shutter to shoot. If you have trouble focusing on your subject, you re probably within the minimum focusing distance. Back up a bit and re-focus.

10 INITIAL SETTINGS Nikon D Nikon 18-55mm LANDSCAPES & CITYSCAPES LANDSCAPE & CITYSCAPE SETUP 1 2 * * Set the Aperture to f/8 Set the ISO to 100 Set the Metering to Matrix On the lens, turn VR OFF & switch A/M to A Set the AF-Area Mode to Auto-Area AF Set the Focus Mode to AF-S WITH A TRIPOD For the best image quality, a tripod must be used to avoid camera shake and to utilize lower ISO's for less image noise/grain. I would also enable the Self-Timer or use a remote. WITHOUT A TRIPOD Turn VR ON, set the ISO to Auto, set the Max Sensitivity to 3200 & the Min Shutter Speed to 1/30. Pre-focus on the scene by half-pressing the shutter button, and when ready, fully press the shutter to shoot. If the sky is too bright or if the land is too dark, then you'll need to do an HDR exposure. See the HDR Cheat Card on pg 12 of this pack. For more dramatic light, try to shoot during the golden hour (sunset/sunrise) or the blue hour (hour after sunset/before sunrise).

11 INITIAL SETTINGS Nikon D Nikon 18-55mm SUNSETS & SUNRISES SUNSET & SUNRISE SETUP 1 2 * Set the Aperture to f/8 Set the ISO to 100 Set the Metering to Matrix On the lens, turn VR OFF & switch A/M to A Set the AF-Area Mode to Auto-Area AF Set the Focus Mode to AF-S WITH A TRIPOD For the best image quality, a tripod must be used to avoid camera shake and to utilize lower ISO's for less image noise/grain. I would also enable the Self-Timer or use a remote. WITHOUT A TRIPOD The settings will change: Turn VR ON, adjust the ISO to Auto and set the Maximum Sensitivity to 800 and the Minimum Shutter Speed to 1/30. Pre-focus on the sky by half-pressing the shutter button. Continuing to half-press, recompose the photo & fully press the shutter to shoot. If you want to brighten the foreground while retaining a colorful sky (sunset or sunrise), you'll need to do an HDR exposure. See the HDR Cheat Card on page 12 of this pack.

12 INITIAL SETTINGS HDR SETUP * Nikon D Nikon 18-55mm HDR Set the Aperture to f/8 Set the ISO to 100 Set the Metering to Matrix On the lens, turn VR OFF & switch A/M to A Set the AF-Area Mode to Auto-Area AF & the Focus Mode to AF-S Enable the Self-timer & set the Self-Timer Delay to 2 Seconds TRIPOD RECOMMENDED A tripod is recommended to capture an identical set of images with the same alignment for HDR processing. Locate the +/- value on the LCD info display. Make sure it reads: 0.0 Pre-focus on the scene by half-pressing the shutter button, and when ready, fully press the shutter to take your first shot. Next, locate the +/- button on top of the camera. Hold it down & rotate the command dial to Take a shot. Then follow the same steps, but rotate it to Take another shot. (See pg 63 of the manual) Using HDR software (I recommend Photomatix or HDR Efex Pro), import the three photos and follow the on-screen instructions to process the set of images into a single HDR image.

13 INITIAL SETTINGS Nikon D Nikon 18-55mm STREET (DAYLIGHT) STREET (DAYLIGHT) SETUP Set the Aperture to the lowest f/# (f/3.5 at 18mm & f/5.6 at 55mm) Set the ISO to Auto (Max Sensitivity: 800 & Min Shutter Speed: 1/125) Set the Metering to Matrix Set the Release Mode to Continuous On the lens, turn VR ON & switch A/M to A Set the AF-Area Mode to Auto-Area AF & the Focus Mode to AF-S 1 When you see a composition you like, quickly frame the shot, fully press the shutter button and hold it down to fire off a burst of shots in quick succession. This will increase your odds of capturing great moments and wonderful expressions. 2 If the camera is focusing on the wrong subject, switch the AF-Area Mode to Single-Point AF, then pre-focus on the subject by half-pressing the shutter button. When ready, fully press the shutter and hold it down to take a burst of shots. * Try to keep the Focal Length (zoom) of your lens between 35-55mm. This will allow you to shoot at a farther distance from the intended subject, giving the subject room to act naturally.

14 INITIAL SETTINGS Nikon D Nikon 18-55mm BUILDINGS & REAL ESTATE BUILDINGS & REAL ESTATE SETUP 1 2 * Set the Aperture to f/8 Set the ISO to 100 Set the Metering to Matrix On the lens, turn VR OFF & switch A/M to A Set the AF-Area Mode to Auto-Area AF Set the Focus Mode to AF-S WITH A TRIPOD For the best image quality, a tripod must be used to avoid camera shake and to utilize lower ISO's for less image noise/grain. I would also enable the Self-Timer or use a remote. WITHOUT A TRIPOD The settings will change: Turn VR ON, adjust the ISO to Auto and set the Maximum Sensitivity to 3200 and the Minimum Shutter Speed to 1/30. Pre-focus by half-pressing the shutter button. Continuing to halfpress, recompose the photo and fully press the shutter to shoot. For more dramatic light and better looking exteriors, try to shoot during the golden hour (sunset/sunrise) or during the blue hour (hour after sunset or before sunrise).

15 Nikon D Nikon 18-55mm FIREWORKS, LIGHTNING & LIGHT TRAILS INITIAL SETTINGS Enable Manual Mode by rotating the mode dial to M Set the Aperture to f/8 Set the Shutter Speed to Bulb Set the ISO to 100 On the lens, turn VR OFF & switch A/M to A Set the AF-Area Mode to Auto-Area AF Set the Focus Mode to AF-S FIREWORKS, LIGHTNING & LIGHT TRAILS SETUP 1 TRIPOD & REMOTE REQUIRED Needed to eliminate blur. 2 Half-press the shutter button to pre-focus, then switch the A/M button to M. You can now shoot w/out autofocusing each time. 3 Wireless Remote: Press the shutter button once to begin the exposure & again to end it. Wired Remote: Press & hold the shutter. 4 For Fireworks, play with a Shutter Speed between 3 & 10 seconds. For Lightning & Light Trails, play with a Shutter Speed between 10 & 30 seconds. * If you have trouble focusing, switch the AF-Area Mode to Single- Point AF, aim the center focus point over a contrasty subject (moon, street light, etc...), then follow the instructions described in step 2.

16 Nikon D Nikon 18-55mm STARS, GALAXIES & NORTHERN LIGHTS INITIAL SETTINGS STARS, GALAXIES & NORTHERN LIGHTS SETUP Enable Manual Mode by rotating the mode dial to M Set the Aperture to the lowest f/# (f/3.5 at 18mm & f/5.6 at 55mm) Set the Shutter Speed to 30 Seconds Set the ISO to 800 On the lens, turn VR OFF & switch A/M to A Set the AF-Area Mode to Single-Point AF Set the Focus Mode to AF-S 1 TRIPOD REQUIRED Mount the camera on a tripod to avoid camera shake. To ensure maximum sharpness, enable the Self-Timer or use a remote. 2 Aim the center focus point over a contrasty subject in the distance, then pre-focus by half-pressing the shutter button. 3 Once focused, flip the A/M switch on your lens to M. You'll now be able to take shot after shot without having to focus each time. * If the light in the sky is fairly bright you may need to shorten the Shutter Speed to 10 or 15 seconds. If the light level is quite dark, then you may need to raise your ISO to 1600 and possibly 3200.

17 INITIAL SETTINGS Nikon D Nikon 18-55mm WATERFALLS & STREAMS WATERFALLS & STREAMS SETUP Set the Aperture to f/16 Set the ISO to 100 Set the Metering to Matrix On the lens, turn VR OFF & switch A/M to A Set the AF-Area Mode to Single-Point AF & the Focus Mode to AF-S Enable the 2 Second Self-timer 1 ND FILTER RECOMMENDED Slows down the shutter speed. TRIPOD & REMOTE REQUIRED A tripod and remote are needed to eliminate blur due to camera shake. 2 Attach a Neutral Density filter (ND8 or 0.9 ND filter is recommended). 3 Pre-focus on the waterfall or stream by half-pressing the shutter button. Recompose the photo and then fully press the shutter. The self-timer will count down and fire off a shot. * For Smoother Water, set the Aperture to the highest f/number (f/22 at 18mm and f/36 at 55mm). For more Textured Water, adjust the Aperture between f/8 and f/16 until you get the look you re going for.

18 SHOOTING MODES Nikon D Nikon 18-55mm QUICK REFERENCE NIKON D3200 QUICK REFERENCE Aperture Priority: Rotate Mode Dial to A Rotate Command Dial to set the Aperture f-number (pg 56) Shutter Priority: Rotate Mode Dial to S Rotate Command Dial to set the Shutter Speed (pg 55) Manual Mode: Rotate Mode Dial to M Rotate Command Dial to set the Shutter Speed Press & hold the +/- button & rotate Command Dial to set Aperture f/number (pg 57) Bulb Mode: Rotate Mode Dial to M Rotate Command Dial to far left (pg 58) ISO: i button highlight ISO OK select the desired ISO (pg 51) Auto ISO: MENU button Shooting Menu ISO Sensitivity Settings Highlight Auto ISO Sensitivity Control Select ON (pg 129) Highlight Max Sensitivity Select ISO value (pg 129) Highlight Min Shutter Spd. Select a Shutter Speed (pg 129) Metering: i button highlight Metering OK (pg 60) AF-Area Mode: i button highlight AF-Area Mode OK (pg 38) Focus Mode: i button highlight Focus Mode OK (pg 40) Release Mode: Release Mode button Select Release Mode OK (pg 31) Self-Timer: Release Mode button Select Self-timer OK (pg 33) Self-Timer Delay: MENU button Setup Menu Self-timer ST Delay (pg 141)