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Nikon D3000 help

gulf_pirate2009

14 years ago

I purchased a Nikon D3000 last week. I read the owners manual several times and finally had a chance to take it out, charge the battery, and take a few pictures. I have been using it in auto mode since I am still learning about photography. Several of my pictures have been very blurry and not the quality that I hoped for. This is my first "real" camera. My pervious cameras were simple point and shoot and very simple to use. Is there anything that I can do to improve the quality of the pictures? Also, the description of the camera stated that there is no delay when you press the shoot button. Mine has a delay. Is it because of autofocus trying to adjust?

Thanks in advance.

Byron

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Comments (6)

zitro_joe
14 years ago
I will have to see pics and exif data to better help.

You sure did make a big purhase for a first time camera.

There should be no delay, no offense but it might be something your doing, maybe not.

Joe
gulf_pirate2009
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks Joe, I'm sure it is something I'm doing. I just can't figure it out. I deleted most of the blurred pictures I took. While reading the manual on the lens, it said that the vibration reduction mode does not activate when the camera is in auto-flash.
I'll try to post a few tonight. I still need to sign in on photobucket to load my images.
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Well, these are the hardest areas to take pictures in. Can you post some of your pictures so we can see what they look like? We can give better advice if we can see what the problem actually is. Auditoriums- if you are beyond the operating limits of your on board flash (about 10ft) then there just isn't enough light, unless you buy a powerful external flash. Indoor sports- there seems to be a lot of light but in reality you will probably need to shoot at around ISO800, your camera only goes to ISO400 though. Plus, gym lights have a bad yellow cast, so you will need to adjust your white balance. The 8700's auto white balance was rated better than its competitors. My tips would be to set your camera on Aperture Priority, then set the f/# on the lowest it can go. Then put the ISO up to 400. You will probably have some noise will have to deal with. Also, try shooting in RAW. If have to post process, you most likely will, then shooting RAW will be help manipulate the white balance and pulling details from shadows. You camera will take wonderful pictures, but when you are reaching it's technical limits understanding the use of WB, aperture, shutter speed and ISO will help push the camera to its maximum capabilities. Joe
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Not a bad deal, but they are definitely embellishing the quality of the free stuff. Some add on lenses and filter actually degrade the quality of the picture. The craftsmanship simply does not exist in those conversation lenses and filters. Is the Flash an actual Nikon flash? How does it work? Manual, auto, TTL? 4GB of memory DOES NOT cost $329 these days. Like I said, its looks like a decent price for what the market asking. Check here: cameta.com then go to there ebay store. Some good deals there to compare your against. 70-300MM G lens. you can buy them for about $140 and for what they are, it is a good lens. There are definitely better nikkor lenses, but they cost $900. You had better expect them to perform better. What type of photography do you plan to do with this lens? That will better tell if this lens is something you should have. Zjoe Here is a link that might be useful: Cameta D80 page
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alisande
14 years ago
Hi, Byron. After you are armed with Joe's advice, in addition to studying your manual you might want to spend some time reading posts at DPReview's Nikon forums. You can gain a lot of information that way. DPR actually has several Nikon forums; I don't know which one is for the D3000, but here's one to get you started:

Nikon D300-D100 Forum

And here's a popular forum for beginner's questions. Believe me, some of the questions from those "beginners" are not all that basic!

Beginners' Questions Forum

You can find other DPR forums by clicking on the link on their site (upper left).

Have fun with your new camera!
zitro_joe
14 years ago
DPR is where "it" is at!
suziqrowley_sbcglobal_net
13 years ago
I purchased my camera just before Christmas and have been taking great pictures. Today, after importing my pictures from the camera, I had to go to NX to view my pictures. Is there a setting on the camera that I need to adjust?
MongoCT
13 years ago
Depends. Do you normally shoot in jpeg? Is your camera somehow now set to shoot in RAW or NEF?

Most any program can allow you to view your jpeg shots. But if you're shooting in RAW/NEF, then some can't show them which is why you might be being forced to use NX.

Not sure of that's definitely why, but it's an idea.

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