nikon d40

Location : west yorkshire Spotter Watch Member : no

This is my first DSLR and im a bit lost with the settings to use, i was at waddington yesterday taking pics with different settings, but most of the 500 i took dont seem as crisp an clear as other peoples pics on here. i know im not going to get a great airborne shot with the standard lens i have but the statics all seem too bright behind etc etc. i have been reading up on it for a few weeks now but im still not getting results. any hints or tips would be appreciated.

many thanks
si

Location : Bristol

Hi Si. Maybe you can post a couple of images on here and then we can help you if poss.

Mark.

Location : west yorkshire Spotter Watch Member : no

http://fightercontrol.forumotion.com/airshow-pictures-f75/just-a-few-from-waddington-t11708.htm

there you go , just a few

thanks
si

Location : Ramsey, Huntingdon Spotter Watch Member : no

six on the camera display does it flash black and white if its too bright.

Location : Bristol

Looked at your photos and it does seem you are being a bit hard on yourself.
As Viper has already said on the link, the problem with the static shots seems to be caused by the flash firing - so avoid in future.

The shot of the Red Arrow taxiing back is very good - exposure, focus, etc. The other Red's photo has gone wrong and has over-exposed. Did you try any manual adjustments which may have lead to this?

As Viper says, try a setting of F8 aperture and let the camera set the speed (approx 350 - 500).
Then if sky is bright or dark you can overide the exposure between plus 1 to 2 stops (to brighten the image that would otherwise appear dark). But keep practicing and it will get easier Smile

Mark.

Location : west yorkshire Spotter Watch Member : no

thanks for the info, like i say its my first DSLR .the setting i need is A i think, im just reading the nikon guide for the forth time lol , if i have it on A it comes up with aperture priority auto in the screen, is that the same as AV?

thanks
si

Subject: Re: nikon d40 2009-07-07, 15:45

Si, yes A is the same as AV. One thing you'll need is a longer lens for aircraft though, at least 300mm ideally. I've just bought this one Clicky which quite a few on here have, and it is a capable lens, coming in at £178.99