Settings for my D40

[Raydee]

Ok guys I have played with my D40 for a little bit now and tomorrow I am going to be taking some pictures of Boats that will be racing. I am planning to use the 55-200mm lens and I have the camera setup in P-Mode. The Iso is set to auto. Any idea where I should start with the F number? I imagine I will have to have it set to a lower number if I want to have a higher shutter speed. I don't plan on using a tripod, I think it will be harder with one.

[Frog]

Can you set the aperture in P mode? I think you need Aperture priority to do that.

[Raydee]

No I think the Aperture is set by the camera but the dial can be changed (flexible program) to change the aperture size. Should I shoot in aperture mode instead?

[Grandpaw]

I haven't shot any racing boats but If I did I would put it on shutter priority. I would think that DOF wouldn't matter if you weren't shooting fast enough to stop the action. With having the combination of a fast moving boat and being zoomed in I would be more concerned about motion blur than DOF. I would also think about the time of day you will be shooting and where you will be in relation to the sun and pick a shooting position accordingly. Also make sure and use a lens hood and a polarizing filter if you have one, Jeff

[Raydee]

Ok thx for the help, hopefully I will get some good pics ;)

[Raydee]

Well here are some of the pics I took yesterday. I still have a lot to learn.

[Frog]

Look pretty dang good to me!

[Raydee]

Thanks, Next time I think i will try a tripod and see if they turn out a little better.

[Grandpaw]

Looks like you did a very good job! I don't think a tripod would not work very well with a fast moving subject. Keep up the good work, Jeff

[Don Schaeffer]

Try the speed mode. I'm told its great for motion.

[Raydee]

Well I just got done playing with the Nikon Picture Project program that came with the Camera and what a difference in pictures it makes. Nice Program!

[Wild Wassa]

"I still have a lot to learn."

Well don't rush it too quickly. Your natural ability look like it is well worth preserving.

Warren.

[Raydee]

Guys could using a cheaper UV filter cause problems with blurry pictures? I added a UV filter to my D-40 and now it seems the pics aren't as clear and focused as they were before. It is very possible that I may have changed a setting but I just wonder if the cheap filter could be the cause?

[deckcadet]

A cheap UV filter is never a good idea. They cause flare and ghosting, which can seriously impact contrast and even perceived sharpness. Truly low quality filters can also impact the overall maximum potential image quality. I only suggest using an UV or NC filter when in a dangerous environment that requires protecting the front element from dust, dirt, sand, or impacts, and then a reasonably high quality multicoated one. You should also use a lens hood at all times.

[Raydee]

What brand would you recommend? I like the idea of having one installed all the time just in case something happens, something always seems to happen. THe one I bought is made by Hoya and it was supposed to be High Quality but I have heard that before.

[deckcadet]

Hoya makes some good filters, but you are going to want their absolute best filters for best results.In some cases the effects are simply unavoidable.

[Raydee]

Ok thanks, I think I will ditch the filter and just use the Lens hood. My Lens isn't a very expensive one so even if something happens I won't be out a ton. I would rather have better looking pictures anyway.

[Raydee]

Well I got rid of the filter and my pics are back to where they were. Next time I will try the tripod.