D40 Tips and Tricks for good pictures

I just bought a D40 yesterday, it's my first DLSR. I could have afforded a D200 but wanted something small and light, if anyone wants to share their tips and tricks for good shot's I would love to hear them, I went out this afternoon and shot a little with it but didn't get anything worthy of posting. I currently just have the kit 18-55 lens but would take advice on good glass too, I'd like to get maybe the new 55-200 VR lens and a couple good high quality primes would be nice too.

I hope this thread will grow and stay around awhile to help other new D40 owners out.
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Nikon D40
Canon G5
http://www.pbase.com/davedent

I too was in the same situation in December. Instead of the D200 I opted for the D40, due to its size. I use it mostly for travel and family pics. I have the kit lens wiitch I don't use anymore. I have the 18-200 vr. I use it 85% of the time and a Sigma 30 1.4 HSM for the other 15%. I just came back from an extended trip to Grand Canyon Brice and Zion parks. The 2 lenses were perfect for this trip. I used the 18-200 for daytime and the Sigma for sunsets and low light. I think this could be the perfect kit!!! As soon as I have some time I will post some of my recent pics. Tll then look at my webiste for some other examples.
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A picture tells 1000 words. I'm trying to learn the language.

By the way, I always shoot in raw and use capture nx for pp. I use center weighterd metering 100% of the time. I usually set exp comp to -3.
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A picture tells 1000 words. I'm trying to learn the language.

goldy said:

By the way, I always shoot in raw and use capture nx for pp. I use
center weighterd metering 100% of the time. I usually set exp comp
to -3.

Click to expand...

I think you mean -.3 EV, not -3 EV. ;-)

larsbc

Shouldn't be too different for the D40. Just learn the basics such as shutter speed and aperture and you're already halfway there.

Would be easier to offer specific help if you post pics with problems.
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Don't wait for the Nikon D-whatever, have fun now!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_wijnands/

-Get better with composition
-pay attention to the histogram
-learn to use fill flash outdoors
-understand the rule of thirds and when to use it
-understand photography basics
-understand the sunny 16 rule

Nothing specific to the D40 but knowing these will definitely help you with any camera to start. Photography is not always about the equipment, it's about you and what you do with it.