D100 SLR newbie (in need of direction).

Hello everyone,

I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that my very first SLR is a D100 (with a 24-85, 2.8 nikor). I’m humbled and inspired by the cameras capability, not to mention really excited about learning more about photography with an SLR camera. I realize that a fancy camera does not make up for a lack of photographic experience, and I don’t expect to take award-winning photos right out of the box.

I’m really impressed how willing accomplished photographers on this board are will to offer advice and opinion to, uhhh “less experienced” photographers like me. I was hoping to glean a little advice to get me going in the right direction. Like all other successful endeavors I’ve been involved in I know the key is hard work and practice, and a little luck doesn’t hurt. But with photography, how and what do I practice?

I was hoping someone could offer a set of drills to “dial in” the D100 to get different results. Film is cheap, so how do I maximize the time that I have to shoot in order to learn what the camera can do and improve as a photographer?

I know that there is no magic recipe to make me a top-notch photographer, but any books, articles, or advice to get me going would be greatly appreciated. Who knows, one day I might actually be a contributing member of this online community!

Thanks!

Bob

bjones said:

Hello everyone,

I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that my very first SLR is a D100
(with a 24-85, 2.8 nikor). I’m humbled and inspired by the cameras
capability, not to mention really excited about learning more about
photography with an SLR camera. I realize that a fancy camera does
not make up for a lack of photographic experience, and I don’t
expect to take award-winning photos right out of the box.

I’m really impressed how willing accomplished photographers on this
board are will to offer advice and opinion to, uhhh “less
experienced” photographers like me. I was hoping to glean a little
advice to get me going in the right direction. Like all other
successful endeavors I’ve been involved in I know the key is hard
work and practice, and a little luck doesn’t hurt. But with
photography, how and what do I practice?

I was hoping someone could offer a set of drills to “dial in” the
D100 to get different results. Film is cheap, so how do I maximize
the time that I have to shoot in order to learn what the camera can
do and improve as a photographer?

I know that there is no magic recipe to make me a top-notch
photographer, but any books, articles, or advice to get me going
would be greatly appreciated. Who knows, one day I might actually
be a contributing member of this online community!

Thanks!

Bob

Click to expand...

Hi Bob,
I too am a newbie to digital although I have got an SLR!

I bought Thom Hogan's book on the D100 and have read it quite thoroughly, it is a great resource for this camera and has helped me immensely,
Regards
Sarah Powell

I agree with the advice to get Hogan's e-book. It's indispensible.

You will need to learn not just using the camera, but processing the images. Start with a consumer program like Photoshop Elements, but don't hesitate too long to rollup your sleeves and delve into Photoshop 7. The camera you bought deserves the power of Photoshop 7 to process the images in order to maximize the results from the camera. But because the learning curve is steep, you'll need to get a "how to" book for this.
--
lexfrank

I use PS 6.0 at the moment and it is indespensible but lucky for me my husband was using it for many years before me and he comes in handy!
S

Frank Becker said:

I agree with the advice to get Hogan's e-book. It's indispensible.

You will need to learn not just using the camera, but processing
the images. Start with a consumer program like Photoshop Elements,
but don't hesitate too long to rollup your sleeves and delve into
Photoshop 7. The camera you bought deserves the power of Photoshop
7 to process the images in order to maximize the results from the
camera. But because the learning curve is steep, you'll need to get
a "how to" book for this.
--
lexfrank

Click to expand...

bjones said:

Hello everyone,

I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that my very first SLR is a D100
(with a 24-85, 2.8 nikor). I’m humbled and inspired by the cameras
capability, not to mention really excited about learning more about
photography with an SLR camera. I realize that a fancy camera does
not make up for a lack of photographic experience, and I don’t
expect to take award-winning photos right out of the box.

I’m really impressed how willing accomplished photographers on this
board are will to offer advice and opinion to, uhhh “less
experienced” photographers like me. I was hoping to glean a little
advice to get me going in the right direction. Like all other
successful endeavors I’ve been involved in I know the key is hard
work and practice, and a little luck doesn’t hurt. But with
photography, how and what do I practice?

I was hoping someone could offer a set of drills to “dial in” the
D100 to get different results. Film is cheap, so how do I maximize
the time that I have to shoot in order to learn what the camera can
do and improve as a photographer?

I know that there is no magic recipe to make me a top-notch
photographer, but any books, articles, or advice to get me going
would be greatly appreciated. Who knows, one day I might actually
be a contributing member of this online community!

Thanks!

Bob

Click to expand...

Dont be embarrassed Bob,

This forum has changed heaps since the D100. It seems it is the first SLR for many others, and you are in similar company here. as well as many seasoned photographers including working pros.

I got my D100 yesterday, and it has so much stuff I will never use, even as a working photographer. You have a lot to learn both with the imaging side of the camera and even getting used to getting the most out of an SLR.

How to books like the "35mm handbook" even though it is film centered, the basics are the same, and will help you to get a good grounding in how to acheive desired results rather than rely on the camera setting things for you. If you are technically minded, Ansell adams books are great. There have been simplified versions of his Zone system out there also.

I would start with "P" and try using spot metering, you will soon get used to what to meter off, and this is the start of understanding the Zone system. Just for the exercise, set yourself up a scene with some black, some white and some medium tones (in the same light eg the sun)

take a shot metered off each of these, and compare your results on your computer. Experimenting like this and reading the technical books will make you an expert in no time, then you can get creative, because you will know how to acheive what you have imagined.

a.

Andrew,

Thanks for the kind words and the advice. I thought that going digital would be fun as I've worked with Photoshop since version 4.0. I know that I can tweak the levels and color as a follow-on to shooting, but I look forward to learning how to "do it right" in the camera.

One more question for you (or anyone). I put a Quantaray UV filter on to protect the lens (24-85 f2.8 nikor), I've noticed that most shots are still turning out dark. Could this be a product of the UV filter, or is operator error?

Also, I noticed the EXIF files, the shutter speed is not listed when I shooting program mode. Is this information recorded only when the camera is in Shutter priority mode? I was hoping to see all the info in order to review my shots a bit better.

Anyway, thanks again for the tips, take care.

Regards from Alaska - B

Andrew64673 said:

Dont be embarrassed Bob,
This forum has changed heaps since the D100. It seems it is the
first SLR for many others, and you are in similar company here. as
well as many seasoned photographers including working pros.
I got my D100 yesterday, and it has so much stuff I will never use,
even as a working photographer. You have a lot to learn both with
the imaging side of the camera and even getting used to getting the
most out of an SLR.

How to books like the "35mm handbook" even though it is film
centered, the basics are the same, and will help you to get a good
grounding in how to acheive desired results rather than rely on the
camera setting things for you. If you are technically minded,
Ansell adams books are great. There have been simplified versions
of his Zone system out there also.

I would start with "P" and try using spot metering, you will soon
get used to what to meter off, and this is the start of
understanding the Zone system. Just for the exercise, set yourself
up a scene with some black, some white and some medium tones (in
the same light eg the sun)
take a shot metered off each of these, and compare your results on
your computer. Experimenting like this and reading the technical
books will make you an expert in no time, then you can get
creative, because you will know how to acheive what you have
imagined.

a.

Click to expand...

I forgot to add the point to that little exercise, it is to see things how the camera meter sees it and translate that into how you think it should be.

I don't know about the exif data missing, but I have heard if you use windows XP to rotate images you will lose some of that data

a.

bjones said:

Thanks for the kind words and the advice. I thought that going
digital would be fun as I've worked with Photoshop since version
4.0. I know that I can tweak the levels and color as a follow-on
to shooting, but I look forward to learning how to "do it right" in
the camera.

One more question for you (or anyone). I put a Quantaray UV filter
on to protect the lens (24-85 f2.8 nikor), I've noticed that most
shots are still turning out dark. Could this be a product of the
UV filter, or is operator error?

Also, I noticed the EXIF files, the shutter speed is not listed
when I shooting program mode. Is this information recorded only
when the camera is in Shutter priority mode? I was hoping to see
all the info in order to review my shots a bit better.

Anyway, thanks again for the tips, take care.

Regards from Alaska - B

B. Jones said:

Dont be embarrassed Bob,
This forum has changed heaps since the D100. It seems it is the
first SLR for many others, and you are in similar company here. as
well as many seasoned photographers including working pros.
I got my D100 yesterday, and it has so much stuff I will never use,
even as a working photographer. You have a lot to learn both with
the imaging side of the camera and even getting used to getting the
most out of an SLR.

How to books like the "35mm handbook" even though it is film
centered, the basics are the same, and will help you to get a good
grounding in how to acheive desired results rather than rely on the
camera setting things for you. If you are technically minded,
Ansell adams books are great. There have been simplified versions
of his Zone system out there also.

I would start with "P" and try using spot metering, you will soon
get used to what to meter off, and this is the start of
understanding the Zone system. Just for the exercise, set yourself
up a scene with some black, some white and some medium tones (in
the same light eg the sun)
take a shot metered off each of these, and compare your results on
your computer. Experimenting like this and reading the technical
books will make you an expert in no time, then you can get
creative, because you will know how to acheive what you have
imagined.

a.

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

bjones said:

Andrew,

Thanks for the kind words and the advice. I thought that going
digital would be fun as I've worked with Photoshop since version
4.0. I know that I can tweak the levels and color as a follow-on
to shooting, but I look forward to learning how to "do it right" in
the camera.

One more question for you (or anyone). I put a Quantaray UV filter
on to protect the lens (24-85 f2.8 nikor), I've noticed that most
shots are still turning out dark. Could this be a product of the
UV filter, or is operator error?

Also, I noticed the EXIF files, the shutter speed is not listed
when I shooting program mode. Is this information recorded only
when the camera is in Shutter priority mode? I was hoping to see
all the info in order to review my shots a bit better.

Anyway, thanks again for the tips, take care.

Regards from Alaska - B

If you are consistantly getting dark shots, it could be either someting wrong with the camera or something to do with the subject matter eg, lots of white or back lighting or something.

Click to expand...

a.

Hi,
I am also currently learning on D100, although I had used several SLRs and

took a few photography classes. But it sure is different with this new technology, now that it is affordable to us pro-sumers.

Where can I get thisThom Hogan book?

Sonny

SDP said:

bjones said:

Hello everyone,

I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that my very first SLR is a D100
(with a 24-85, 2.8 nikor). I’m humbled and inspired by the cameras
capability, not to mention really excited about learning more about
photography with an SLR camera. I realize that a fancy camera does
not make up for a lack of photographic experience, and I don’t
expect to take award-winning photos right out of the box.

I’m really impressed how willing accomplished photographers on this
board are will to offer advice and opinion to, uhhh “less
experienced” photographers like me. I was hoping to glean a little
advice to get me going in the right direction. Like all other
successful endeavors I’ve been involved in I know the key is hard
work and practice, and a little luck doesn’t hurt. But with
photography, how and what do I practice?

I was hoping someone could offer a set of drills to “dial in” the
D100 to get different results. Film is cheap, so how do I maximize
the time that I have to shoot in order to learn what the camera can
do and improve as a photographer?

I know that there is no magic recipe to make me a top-notch
photographer, but any books, articles, or advice to get me going
would be greatly appreciated. Who knows, one day I might actually
be a contributing member of this online community!

Thanks!

Bob

Click to expand...

Hi Bob,
I too am a newbie to digital although I have got an SLR!
I bought Thom Hogan's book on the D100 and have read it quite
thoroughly, it is a great resource for this camera and has helped
me immensely,
Regards
Sarah Powell

Click to expand...

Interesting note that you keep getting underexposed shots,...I've noticed this as a trend in the first thousand -2000 shots I took as well.

I also notice a blur or soft or seemingly not quite focused quality on many of my shots as well.

I noticed that as I shoot now, i'll snap off a few in similar light conditions and compare the playback image to insure I'm in a proper exposure 'zone', then vary the aperture/shutter combination on the rear dial to match my intended depth of field. I haven't noticed the same underexposure problems recently.

I tend to shoot in Fine Large Jpeg format all the time with 2- 256MB CF cards on hand and erase poor shot as they arise.

I've kept to a 20mm Sigma 1.8 static focal length lense simply to reduce complexity with a UV filter.

I wonder if anybody else has noticed a lessor number of underexposed shots as they shoot more with the camera or perhaps I'm simply improving my skills?

Andrew said:

bjones said:

Andrew,

Thanks for the kind words and the advice. I thought that going
digital would be fun as I've worked with Photoshop since version
4.0. I know that I can tweak the levels and color as a follow-on
to shooting, but I look forward to learning how to "do it right" in
the camera.

One more question for you (or anyone). I put a Quantaray UV filter
on to protect the lens (24-85 f2.8 nikor), I've noticed that most
shots are still turning out dark. Could this be a product of the
UV filter, or is operator error?

Also, I noticed the EXIF files, the shutter speed is not listed
when I shooting program mode. Is this information recorded only
when the camera is in Shutter priority mode? I was hoping to see
all the info in order to review my shots a bit better.

Anyway, thanks again for the tips, take care.

Regards from Alaska - B

If you are consistantly getting dark shots, it could be either someting wrong with the camera or something to do with the subject matter eg, lots of white or back lighting or something.

Click to expand...

a.

Click to expand...

http://www.bythom.com

Teski

Sonny Trang said:

Where can I get thisThom Hogan book?

Sonny

SDP said:

bjones said:

Hello everyone,

I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that my very first SLR is a D100
(with a 24-85, 2.8 nikor). I’m humbled and inspired by the cameras
capability, not to mention really excited about learning more about
photography with an SLR camera. I realize that a fancy camera does
not make up for a lack of photographic experience, and I don’t
expect to take award-winning photos right out of the box.

I’m really impressed how willing accomplished photographers on this
board are will to offer advice and opinion to, uhhh “less
experienced” photographers like me. I was hoping to glean a little
advice to get me going in the right direction. Like all other
successful endeavors I’ve been involved in I know the key is hard
work and practice, and a little luck doesn’t hurt. But with
photography, how and what do I practice?

I was hoping someone could offer a set of drills to “dial in” the
D100 to get different results. Film is cheap, so how do I maximize
the time that I have to shoot in order to learn what the camera can
do and improve as a photographer?

I know that there is no magic recipe to make me a top-notch
photographer, but any books, articles, or advice to get me going
would be greatly appreciated. Who knows, one day I might actually
be a contributing member of this online community!

Thanks!

Bob

Click to expand...

Hi Bob,
I too am a newbie to digital although I have got an SLR!
I bought Thom Hogan's book on the D100 and have read it quite
thoroughly, it is a great resource for this camera and has helped
me immensely,
Regards
Sarah Powell

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Don't be embarrassed - and don't be intimidated by all the electronic wizardry of the D100 (or any modern SLR for that matter). The D100 is just a camera with three basic parameters to set: Aperture, shutter speed and distance. The rest is icing on the cake (though icing tastes good and looks great).

So with the D100 it's still about learning photography, which is no different from digital photography.

I suggest you read some book(s) about basic photography. I too suggest that you (maybe as the next step) learn something about the Zone System (invented by the great Ansel Adams), which gives an exellent understanding of the relationship between the exposure for light and shadow and the finished picture. The Zone system also incorporates film development as an important part of it all. That of course does not apply directly to digital cameras, but anyway you will find parallels to film development in the handling of pictures in say PhotoShop (or what you got) so the priciples still apply. You can shoot (mostly) good pictures with the D100 without knowing anything about the Zone System, but with the Zone Systen you will be able to anticipate the results beforehand, because you know what it is all about. That's really comforting.

For me the Zone System many years ago solved the mystery of exposure (and development - and now digital postprocessing). I like my D100 very much and use most of the features it offers. But I also still love and use my old Leica M cameras, and there is really not much I can do with the D100 that I can't do with the Leica. I - so to speak - have an "electronic" exposure control in the Leica, where my brain is the hardware and the Zone System is the software.

The wonderful thing about a digital camera is that you can practice endlessly. There is no film cost, and you can see the results almost immediately.

Good luck.

bjones said:

Hello everyone,

I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that my very first SLR is a D100
(with a 24-85, 2.8 nikor). I’m humbled and inspired by the cameras
capability, not to mention really excited about learning more about
photography with an SLR camera. I realize that a fancy camera does
not make up for a lack of photographic experience, and I don’t
expect to take award-winning photos right out of the box.

I’m really impressed how willing accomplished photographers on this
board are will to offer advice and opinion to, uhhh “less
experienced” photographers like me. I was hoping to glean a little
advice to get me going in the right direction. Like all other
successful endeavors I’ve been involved in I know the key is hard
work and practice, and a little luck doesn’t hurt. But with
photography, how and what do I practice?

I was hoping someone could offer a set of drills to “dial in” the
D100 to get different results. Film is cheap, so how do I maximize
the time that I have to shoot in order to learn what the camera can
do and improve as a photographer?

I know that there is no magic recipe to make me a top-notch
photographer, but any books, articles, or advice to get me going
would be greatly appreciated. Who knows, one day I might actually
be a contributing member of this online community!

Thanks!

Bob

Click to expand...

The EXIF data should be the same whether in P mode or others. I'd do a test where you look at the data in the camera, then again in the computer (with whatever software you use). If there's a discrepancy, then ask again. Not all software can decode all the fields correctly, as Nikon extends the standard EXIF standard with their own special fields (as does every other camera maker). Still shutter speed should be there.

When you use software to modify the file (even a simple rotation), you are changing the file, and that software may be losing some of the fields. So keep the original, and only manipulate the copy. Then see where the data is getting lost, and you'll find the culprit.

As to underexposure... No, it's not the UV filter at fault. If you're just getting started, I'd put the camera on matrix metering (I don't have good luck with center-weighted), and see how it does. Learn how to do exposure compensation, and take several pictures in a series with identical lighting. Then quickly upload them to a computer, and see just which ones are best. You may find that your computer monitor (or your viewing software) is making the picture look underexposed.

If you haven't done it yet, enable the histogram and the overexposure blinking feature. Use those in the camera to review the images. Do the earlier tests, and examine both histogram and blink-mode images, and see whether you can really increase exposure and still not blow out the highlights. If not, then the image is not underexposed.

bjones said:

Thanks for the kind words and the advice. I thought that going
digital would be fun as I've worked with Photoshop since version
4.0. I know that I can tweak the levels and color as a follow-on
to shooting, but I look forward to learning how to "do it right" in
the camera.

One more question for you (or anyone). I put a Quantaray UV filter
on to protect the lens (24-85 f2.8 nikor), I've noticed that most
shots are still turning out dark. Could this be a product of the
UV filter, or is operator error?

Also, I noticed the EXIF files, the shutter speed is not listed
when I shooting program mode. Is this information recorded only
when the camera is in Shutter priority mode? I was hoping to see
all the info in order to review my shots a bit better.

Anyway, thanks again for the tips, take care.

Regards from Alaska - B

B. Jones said:

Dont be embarrassed Bob,
This forum has changed heaps since the D100. It seems it is the
first SLR for many others, and you are in similar company here. as
well as many seasoned photographers including working pros.
I got my D100 yesterday, and it has so much stuff I will never use,
even as a working photographer. You have a lot to learn both with
the imaging side of the camera and even getting used to getting the
most out of an SLR.

How to books like the "35mm handbook" even though it is film
centered, the basics are the same, and will help you to get a good
grounding in how to acheive desired results rather than rely on the
camera setting things for you. If you are technically minded,
Ansell adams books are great. There have been simplified versions
of his Zone system out there also.

I would start with "P" and try using spot metering, you will soon
get used to what to meter off, and this is the start of
understanding the Zone system. Just for the exercise, set yourself
up a scene with some black, some white and some medium tones (in
the same light eg the sun)
take a shot metered off each of these, and compare your results on
your computer. Experimenting like this and reading the technical
books will make you an expert in no time, then you can get
creative, because you will know how to acheive what you have
imagined.

a.

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
DaveA

Congratulations on your purchase of the D100. The DSLR's are nice because they tend to feel more like a traditional camera and less like a gameboy.

As someone else noted, "P" mode is a good place to start. The beauty of "P" mode is that you can instantly adjust it more to your liking by using the back command wheel. Spin it one way and you'll get wider aperture to "blow out" distracting backgrounds. Spin it the other way and you can get more of the picture in focus with a smaller aperture. Be sure to note that when you adjust the program like this, all subsequent shots will be similarly modified, so you may get unintended results (e.g., every shot will shift to wide apertures, for example). Your D100 denotes this by displaying an asterisk by the P (like this: P*). The easiest way to change the P* mode back to its default, middle-of-the-road program (P) is to shut the camera off and then back on again.

As far as getting basic photographic wisdom and advice, a good place to start is at http://www.photo.net . There is a wealth of knowledge in both the areas about learning photography, and in a lot of the equipment reviews. (Ex: the 20mm f2.8 Nikkor is a great review about why super-wide is so much fun. Of course, you'd need the 14mm f2.8 Nikkor to approximate that wide a lens on your D100.) The best writing on the site is by the founder, Philip Greenspun, who has a marked anti-Nikon bias since he personally switched to Canon some years back. I don't always agree with Philip, but he is usually entertaining even when he is wrong.

But first and foremost, remember that digital compresses the learning cycle, so enjoy that! It used to be that when you tried shooting your first sunset you didn't get to see the results for hours, days or weeks. Now you can see the results immediately. Use the custom function that makes the "blown out" areas of your picture blink in the LCD display; that way you will start to get an awareness of the lighting extremes that your camera can handle in one shot. Experiment. Film is cheaper than ever with digital. Have fun!

--Steve

Hi there....I had some underexposure problems the first day that I used my camera and I was in P mode. So I sought some advise from Thom Hogan, who replied as follows:

"If you’re using flash correctly, your flash exposure compensation is most likely going to be negative, usually around -1 stop for portrait/people work, more for scenics/still life. Anyone who suggests simply dialing in positive flash compensation would be classified in the “blind leading the blind” category.

My guess is that you were in Program mode and that your ambient exposure was underexposed. You were also in the default balanced fill-flash mode, so you asked the camera to BALANCE the ambient and flash exposures.

Every exposure you shoot with flash has two aspects to it: the ambient lit “background” and the flash lit “subject.” Flash exposures are only correct for one distance, and light falls off with the inverse square of the distance. That means that if you have a subject 6 feet away that’s standing 6 feet in front of, say, a brick wall at night, if your flash is set properly the subject would be well lit but the wall would receive 1/4 the light. To get the wall correct, you have to set an exposure that is correct for it, then use fill flash on the subject (since it is likely to be in similar light to the wall). But in Program mode, the camera WILL NOT set an aperture wider than f/5.6 or a shutter speed lower than 1/60, thus the background is often underexposed in such situations. And if you ask for balanced fill flash, guess what, the subject will be underexposed, too.

1.Camera in aperture priority mode (cancels the aperture limitations)
2.Camera in slow sync (cancels the lower shutter speed limitations)

3.Flash in Standard TTL mode (if you’re using the internal flash, this means Manual exposure mode or spot metering)(gets rid of the “balancing” nature and puts you in charge of the balance)

4.Dial in flash exposure compensation (as noted, -1.0EV is a good starting place for people)"

This may help if you are having underexposure problems with flash in P mode, I have since switched to M and have found that all is working well and I am now in control of the balance as Thom suggested.

Regards

SDP