DSLR Novice

[jaywickrob]

Hi Everyone,

As the title says, I'm a complete novice with a DSLR. I've been using a point n shoot kodak digital for about 3 years and decided to upgrade & try to improve.
I did own a Nikon SLR many years ago, but, I've forgotten more than I ever learnt
I now have a Nikon D70s, AF Nikkor 35-70mm macro zoom, AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6G, Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4-5.6G, Jessops 300AFDN flash gun, various close up/macro lenses & a whole load of other bits & pieces.
I can take OK-ish photos on Auto, who can't?
Like everyone else, I want to take outstanding photos.
I've read the manual a couple of times, much of it makes sense, even more doesn't. I've also played with the settings & don't seem to be getting anywhere.
So, the question is...Where do i begin? and this looks like the perfect place to start reading & learning.
Any comments on my equipment or what I'm lacking would be great.

Thanks in advance.

Rob

 

[maddog10]

Try shooting in aperture or shutter priority. You can at least tell the camera one of the settings you want to use and it determines the rest. You can slowly work your way into full manual mode. I shoot a lot of my fish shots in shutter priority. Play with the settings and see how much 1 adjustment can make.

 

[gm333]

I learned alot about the settings of my D-40 from the Magic lantern guide book series. After figuring out what all the features of the camera could do I then practiced alot.

 

[jaywickrob]

Thanks maddog,
I'll give that a try & see how I get on. It's great to be able to keep a record of the results of different settings on my computer.

Hi Gm
Lots of practice is exactly what I have been doing. I've only had the camera for a couple of weeks & not been at home in daylight to use it outside yet. My Fish tank has never been photographed so much.
I've already picked up a few tips from reading threads in this forum & my photos have improved dramatically. Still a long way to go though.

Jay