Nikon D60

Corey Hilz

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2012
• eBook ISBN: 9781136100611
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Media & Performing Arts
• Subtopic: Digital Media

Focal Digital Camera Guides: Nikon D60Just bought a Nikon D60 and looking to combine practical know-how with inspiration? This one-stop, easy-to-read guide covers all the basic functions of the camera, and everything beyond.For the basics, turn to the quick start guide, which will get you up and running in five minutes.For an understanding of your camera's many controls and features, check out the section called "The Camera." If all you need is a quick explanation, you'll find it. If you're looking for the Whole Story, you'll find that, too. Settings that affect how your pictures look are accompanied by full-color examples that show you exactly what you can expect. This section also covers the camera's menus, playback features, memory cards, and power sources.The section called "Software" shows you how to get the most out of your camera's software. It covers downloading, editing your photos, RAW conversion, storing your images, managing your library, and backup strategies - to name just a few topics.Ultimately, this book's greatest strength isn't its focus on the camera or the software; it's the detailed, easy-to-follow instruction it offers on using your camera to take truly superior photographs. Sections devoted to lenses, subject matter, and light cover these variables in depth, always presenting the most effective techniques in the context of the strengths and limitations of the Nikon D60.Written by a widely acclaimed photographer and photography instructor, Nikon D60 shows you how to get the shots you can see in your head but have never been able to capture with a camera.* The quick start guide will have you taking great photos in five minutes.* In-depth coverage of every feature and control ensures that you have access to the tools you need for every shot.* Full-color examples demonstrate how different settings affect your photos.* Expert coverage of lenses, lighting, and subject matter gives you the practical knowledge you need to go after any shot.* Step-by-step instructions on photo editing and image management help you get the most out of your camera's software.* A detailed review of accessories for your camera explains which of these add-ons offer the most value for your needs.* Dozens of tips and tricks prepare you for every situation you're likely to encounter - in the field, at the studio, or at your next wedding or family reunion.

Part 1

The Camera

_________________________

Making Pictures

Viewing/Reviewing Images

Menus

Batteries, Memory Cards and Maintenance

The Camera

Making Pictures

EXPOSURE

Every time you take a picture there are a couple things you want to happen so you get a good picture. You want a good exposure and your subject to be in focus. Whether you choose all the settings on the camera or your camera does it for you, it’s important to understand what’s controlling how your picture looks.

The exposure is determined by how much light reaches the camera’s sensor. A “good exposure” means that your photo is not too bright or too dark. There are two settings that control your exposure: aperture and shutter speed. They also have a big effect on the appearance of the subject or scene you’re photographing. The details about these settings can get a little technical, but bear with me. If you understand the general idea of aperture and shutter speed, it will make it easier for you to capture the pictures you want. As we go through this information you’ll learn how to:

• Have just one element in focus, such as a flower

• Keep everything in focus, as with a landscape

• Freeze a moving subject, like this chipmunk.

• Blur a moving element, such as a river

APERTURE

Inside the lens there’s an opening called the aperture. This opening controls how fast the light comes into the lens. You can have a very large hole or a tiny one. A big hole is going to let a lot of light into the lens very quickly. With a small hole the light comes in much slower. Every lens allows you to change the size of the opening by changing the aperture setting.

Take a look at these photos to see the actual size of the openings and the number that goes with each one.

Notice that each number has an “f” in front of it. When saying an aperture number you also include the “f”. For instance f/11 is said “feleven.” Because of this we also call apertures “fstops.” You can use the terms aperture and fstop interchangeably. You could ask someone “What aperture are you using?” or “What f-stop are you using?” and it would mean the same thing.

Now that you know what an aperture is, what does it have to do with your picture? The aperture controls how much of your photo is in focus. Think about photos you’ve seen where there is just one thing in focus and the background is a blur of color. Now think about a landscape photo where every little detail was in focus. These two extremes of having one element in focus or having everything in focus is the result of changing the aperture.

The wide apertures (large opening) are f/4 and f/5.6. Using these apertures will have just a little bit of your subject in focus. The photo on the next page was taken at f/4. Notice how just one flower is in focus and all the flowers in front of and behind it are out of focus.

TIP

Use f/4 or f/5.6 when you want to show off a single subject and keep the background out of focus.

The next apertures, f/8 and f/11, are the mid-size openings. These apertures are good for having a moderate amount of your subject or scene in focus. They are good for bringing a group of things in focus, but still keeping the background out of focus. The photo below was taken at f/11. Notice how the mailbox and the window frame are in focus, but the leaves in the background are a little blurry.

The final two apertures, f/16 and f/22, are the smallest ones. Use them when you want to bring as much of your scene/subject into focus as possible. I used f/22 when I took the next photo so that everything would be sharp from the grass in the foreground to the tree line in the background.

Looking back on what we just learned, does it seem odd that the small number (f/4) refers to a big opening and the large number (f/22) to a little opening? Let me explain since this can be a bit confusing. The f-stop numbers are actually fractions. So “4” is really “1/4” and “22” is “1/22.” Now it makes more sense since 1/4 is larger than 1/22. Hopefully this helps straighten things out in your head. It does take some practice to get comfortable with which aperture does what.

TIP

Use f/16 or f/22 for landscape photos when you want the whole scene in focus.

DEPTH OF FIELD

How much is in focus is also called “depth of field.” Using a large aperture (f/4) decreases the depth of field (a little in focus). A small aperture (f/22) increases depth of field (a lot in focus).

TIP

How much will be in fo...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Full Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• Introduction
• What's in the Box
• Visual Tour
• Quick Start
• How to Get Good Images out of the Camera in 5 Minutes
• Part 1: The Camera
• Part 2: The Software
• Part 3: The Light
• Part 4: Lenses
• Part 5: Composition & The Subjects
• Part 6: Accessories
• Links
• Index