New DSLR, and you’re
ready to dive in and take your photography to the next level. Congratulations!
Make the most out of your camera with these 25 Nikon DSLR tips:
1. Read the manual
I know the first thing I always want to do when I get a new toy—play with it! But before you start swinging your new camera around, take a minute or two to look through the manual and get your camera set up correctly. You’ll likely have to set the date, time, and upload some camera software to your computer.
2. Take a class
If you’re still a little new to photography, then there is a lot to learn! Get yourself up to speed with an online course right here on Craftsy.
3. Find a community
There’s no better way to hone your skills than to surround yourself with likeminded people. Join online communities like Flickr or Nikonians.org and share work on Craftsy. Even better, find a local group that hosts events or photography gatherings.
4. Get insurance
The last thing you want to happen with your brand new DSLR is to have it broken, lost or stolen. Protect your purchase and get protection for your camera.
5. Invest in good lenses
An excellent camera is nothing without great glass in front of it. Invest in a good lens for peak performance!
6. Buy a large memory card
Not all memory cards are created equal. If you’re planning on shooting a lot of shots in between uploads (like for weddings or travel), then it’s a good idea to invest in some large and fast memory cards.
7. Keep it clean
Clean your camera regularly and store it in dry, cool places. The last thing you want is to have dust spots appearing all across your perfectly blue sky while you’re out on assignment.
8. Use aperture priority mode
One of the greatest advantages of a DSLR is having as much or as little control as you want. Take control of your aperture for stunning portrait photography.
9. Try shutter priority mode
When things start to speed up, or you want to lengthen your
exposure for dark scenes, take advantage of the shutter priority mode.
10. Shoot in full manual
If you want complete and total control of over your
photography, then play around with the power of full manual.
11. Pre-program your settings
Have a favorite exposure you like? Save it in your camera as
a pre-programmed priority setting.
12. Check the histogram
Check your pixel data and get your perfect exposure by
checking your built-in histogram.
13. Take advantage of built-in HDR
Having troubles with contrast? Enable the built-in HDR (on
select models) and your Nikon will automatically combine a light and dark image
to create a more balanced exposure.
14. Play with creative effects
From color sketches to selective color, you’ll have a blast
with the creative effects available on many Nikon DSLR cameras.
15. Utilize your interval timer
Nikon’s DSLRs can take timers one step further. You can set
up for multiple images taken within any interval over any period. Make a
stop-motion or time-lapse movie with ease!
16. Record video
Nikon DSLRs have come a long way with video capabilities,
with many now recording in full HD!
17. Set focus area settings
Choose from multiple focus area settings like single,
multiple or 3-D to ensure clear and crisp photos every time.
18. Use continuous focus
If your subject is moving around sporadically, use
continuous focus to keep up.
19. Shoot with continuous shutter release
Don’t miss a single moment of the action. With continuous
shutter release, you can take pictures back-to-back within fractions of a
second.
20. Customize for back-button focus
Nikon DSLRs are great in that you can even customize what
the buttons do. Many professionals prefer to use the shutter as the exposure
lock and focus separately using the back thumb button for ultimate precision.
21. Shoot RAW
Don’t lose precious data to jpeg compression. Shoot RAW
files to edit later for beautiful, undistorted photos.
22. Get an external flash
Need a little extra light? Pop a powerful external flash
right on top of your Nikon DSLR. Want even more flexibility? Get a Nikon
Wireless Speedlight Commander and control your flash from anywhere.
23. Share with a Wireless Mobile Adapter
Pop a Nikon WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter on the side of
your Nikon DSLR and you’ll be able to automatically transfer images to your
smartphone or tablet for instant sharing!
24. Shoot in Quiet mode
One of my pet peeves is hearing the shutter release ringing
through the wedding hall. Use Quiet mode and the guests won’t even know you’re
behind them.
25. Practice
The final and most important tip of all is to practice! So
grab your camera, get out there and get the most out of your Nikon DSLR.
