|
Post by uksweetheart on Aug 25, 2006 6:54:03 GMT -5
I have owned the D200 for about 3 months, this is the first DSLR camera I've owned but I'm not new to photography or digital I got my first camera at the age of 8 ( now at an age when I know better ) my first digital was the Canon Powershot G2. Anyway back on track, I began taking pics with the D200 in manual as I have always used that with my other cameras, but I quickly changed to aperture priority when the pics I took were to put it bluntly "terrible" I think with all the hype that this camera got I thinking I was expecting more then what I was getting, so at the moment pretty disappointed anyone with any tips would be really appreciated. Linda
|
|
|
Post by All Nikon - Chris on Aug 25, 2006 7:12:36 GMT -5
I would have to say first that all cameras... Nikon, Canon, etc have different default presets (For DSLRs). The defaults might not be to your liking, and so Nikon allows you to adjust the settings under >Menu>Shooting Menu> Optimize Image. There you have the choice of normal (Nikon's default). Softer, Vivid, More Vivid, Portrait, Custom, and then Black & White. I prefer Custom, because I too did not enjoy want Nikon had picked as there default settings. Under Custom I have:
+2 Image Sharpening +Tone Compensation (More Contrast) I Color Mode 0 Saturation 0 Hue Adjustment
Then I have my Color Space under Adobe instead of sRGB for more natural coloring.
Another note is to make sure your white balance is correct. You can also mess around with exposure compensation, but I would start with the above first.
Let me know if that helps.
-Chris
|
|
|
Post by uksweetheart on Aug 25, 2006 7:20:01 GMT -5
Thanks Chris, I will give what you suggested a go and let you know what happens.. hopefully later today. Linda
|
|
|
Post by uksweetheart on Aug 25, 2006 7:24:08 GMT -5
I would have to say first that all cameras... Nikon, Canon, etc have different default presets (For DSLRs). The defaults might not be to your liking, and so Nikon allows you to adjust the settings under >Menu>Shooting Menu> Optimize Image. There you have the choice of normal (Nikon's default). Softer, Vivid, More Vivid, Portrait, Custom, and then Black & White. I prefer Custom, because I too did not enjoy want Nikon had picked as there default settings. Under Custom I have: +2 Image Sharpening +Tone Compensation (More Contrast) I Color Mode 0 Saturation 0 Hue Adjustment Then I have my Color Space under Adobe instead of sRGB for more natural coloring. Another note is to make sure your white balance is correct. You can also mess around with exposure compensation, but I would start with the above first. Let me know if that helps. -Chris one more question, do you shoot in RAW?.. Linda
|
|
rpnix
New Member
Don't try this at home....
Posts: 28
|
Post by rpnix on Aug 25, 2006 7:58:43 GMT -5
Is there a reason you want to shoot in manual? Doing so fairly much defeats all of the features of the camera. Manual assumes that you're going to do your own metering, all of the automatic settings, ... all the bells and whistles you've paid for. When you shoot in manual, you literally get what you, and not the camera, can do. Not to be blunt, and please don't take this the wrong way, but if you're disappointed with the results you're getting in manual mode, then you need to look at how you're doing the aperture and the shutter speed and correct your assumptions about the settings.
Are you using any sort of hand-held meter to assist you in setting the F/ and speed while using manual? If not, then that's going to be a huge part of your problem. Other than guidelines like the "Sunny 16" rule, you really need some specific guidance to get a good shot, either by allowing the camera to help (modes S, A and P), or by using an external source of information, such as a light meter.
|
|
|
Post by uksweetheart on Aug 25, 2006 8:38:37 GMT -5
Is there a reason you want to shoot in manual? Doing so fairly much defeats all of the features of the camera. Manual assumes that you're going to do your own metering, all of the automatic settings, ... all the bells and whistles you've paid for. When you shoot in manual, you literally get what you, and not the camera, can do. Not to be blunt, and please don't take this the wrong way, but if you're disappointed with the results you're getting in manual mode, then you need to look at how you're doing the aperture and the shutter speed and correct your assumptions about the settings. Are you using any sort of hand-held meter to assist you in setting the F/ and speed while using manual? If not, then that's going to be a huge part of your problem. Other than guidelines like the "Sunny 16" rule, you really need some specific guidance to get a good shot, either by allowing the camera to help (modes S, A and P), or by using an external source of information, such as a light meter. thanks, I didn't take anything the wrong way, all advice welcome, I don't shoot in manual now with the D200, I did at first but realised as you have said that you have to know what you're doing and I don't at the moment I have it set as A priority and I have just set up contrast etc as Chris suggested I then went outside to do some test shots and I'm not happy as I also set my other camera the Sony A100 as near to the same settings as I could as the D200 and I've posted them here.. www.nuttycrunch.co.uk/sonya100 and here... www.nuttycrunch.co.uk/nikonD200 I had to put them on a webpage because I have left them at the size that they came out the cameras and with no post change via software. I'll leave the decision to anyone who looks at them to which is the best thanks for any comments
|
|
|
Post by Bob on Aug 25, 2006 10:13:57 GMT -5
Dear, Both the Sony and the D200 are very evolved instruments. Why don't give them both a chance to prove themselves? First select a static object like a tree, a shack, whatever, with contrasting colors, rich reds, greens, blue, in a bright landscape with the sun behind the camera and set them both on P, set the exposure comp. +_ on 0, all others on default and place them on a good tripod which is essential to eliminate camera blurr even though the Sony has SSteadyCam, start from a solid platform and then get to know what the Alpha and the D can do, which is a lot. Gradually modify one parameter, one setting and discover what effect it can have. If you view your pictures on the laptop, set max contrast and brightness, if on a large CRT, calibrate it somehow, there are devices for that. These 2 can do more than the powershot which is not bad. www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_g2-review/nightshot.jpg
|
|
|
Post by Grimble Gromble on Aug 25, 2006 10:37:06 GMT -5
Linda, Looks like the focus is off. Suggest you check which autofocus area you are using - if the autofocus selection isn't locked, it's very easy to nudge the multiselector with your cheek and inadvertently select a different autofocus area.
You should get a visual indication in the viewfinder of the autofocus area actually used when you half depress the shutter release as the autofocus area delimiter flashes red.
I haven't got my camera handy, but I believe the top LCD indicates which area(s) is(are) selected. Grim
|
|
|
Post by uksweetheart on Aug 25, 2006 11:05:18 GMT -5
Dear, Both the Sony and the D200 are very evolved instruments. Why don't give them both a chance to prove themselves? First select a static object like a tree, a shack, whatever, with contrasting colors, rich reds, greens, blue, in a bright landscape with the sun behind the camera and set them both on P, set the exposure comp. +_ on 0, all others on default and place them on a good tripod which is essential to eliminate camera blurr even though the Sony has SSteadyCam, start from a solid platform and then get to know what the Alpha and the D can do, which is a lot. Gradually modify one parameter, one setting and discover what effect it can have. If you view your pictures on the laptop, set max contrast and brightness, if on a large CRT, calibrate it somehow, there are devices for that. These 2 can do more than the powershot which is not bad. www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_g2-review/nightshot.jpgBob, I don't think you'll see this reply as I noticed you were only a guest but I want to thank you so much, for all your advice and I will be trying it out, I hope you come back to the forum and become a member as you would be able to help others, thanks again, Linda
|
|
|
Post by uksweetheart on Aug 25, 2006 11:07:11 GMT -5
Linda, Looks like the focus is off. Suggest you check which autofocus area you are using - if the autofocus selection isn't locked, it's very easy to nudge the multiselector with your cheek and inadvertently select a different autofocus area. You should get a visual indication in the viewfinder of the autofocus area actually used when you half depress the shutter release as the autofocus area delimiter flashes red. I haven't got my camera handy, but I believe the top LCD indicates which area(s) is(are) selected. Grim Grim as I posted to Bob, I shouldn't think you'll see this reply as you also were a guest which is a shame as you give great advice, I quickly tried what you suggested and it was great now all I have to do is work out how to lock it...lol.. thanks, Linda
|
|
|
Post by sickmoose on Aug 25, 2006 12:36:09 GMT -5
There are some really excellent books and videos out there which explain how the D200 works. It has a very steep learning curve for someone not familiar with DSLR's. One of the best can be found at www.shortcourses.com/bookstore/nikon/book_nikond200.htmnot pushing them but it is a very helpful course. Also, I was wondering why you don't use Program mode which can be adjusted to whatever aperature/shutterspeed you wish. Dave
|
|
|
Post by Grimble Gromble on Aug 25, 2006 13:22:39 GMT -5
Linda, There's a ring round the multiselector with a little white dot that you need to align with the letter L to lock your autofocus area selection. Happy shooting. Grim
|
|
|
Post by uksweetheart on Aug 26, 2006 5:41:03 GMT -5
ahhhh that's what that is... ;D.. thanks Grim
|
|
|
Post by Tom Meyer on Aug 26, 2006 11:55:00 GMT -5
I want to be pleasant, as I am only a guest, so please take my response to your problems as they are offered... a different perspective on the underlying cause of your discontent and an attempt to inspire you to a greater effort with your D200.
The choice of a metering mode is only one of hundreds of choices a person can make with the D200, and chosing manual is certainly not "defeating all of the features of the camera". I would suggest quite the opposite, that choosing ANY automated feature is a way to disengage many of the best features of the D200, or any professional quality dSLR.
If you want a camera that requires a minimum of choices to be made, I think you bought the wrong one. I always use mine on Manual, and still frequently choose to change from spot metering (then I have to chose a focus point to measure with) to center weighted (and I chose the 8mm center circle as my area to be sensitive, you can choose other options), but never Matrix (it's an automated, interpretive metering mode that defeats the purpose of manual metering). I also have to (get to!) choose iso, White Balance, colorspace, file compression size, NEFs or jpgs (and how much compression on those jpgs). I must (or get to!) choose the degree of saturation, sharpening, contrast and a funny thing called "color mode". Then I have to (or get to!) choose how the camera will focus... there are many alternatives available to us, single, continuous, nearest subject, wide, spot... I love this about the D200... it can do almost anything I want a camera to do, and all in manual exposure mode. I almost forgot the really cool multiple exposure capability of the D200, and the intervalometer (when Aperture priority or Program mode actually might be best).
So my point might be (finally!), that if you don't enjoy being in control of the choices that must be made with the camera, perhaps try Program mode with Nearest Subject, Wide Focus Area, auto iso, auto white balance, auto contrast, and auto saturation. They don't make an auto subject selector and auto composition mode (with a speaker in the camera that would recite the rule of thirds whenever your horizon line fell at the center of the frame), so there are still some important decisions you have to (or get to!) make... t
(hoping to inspire you to read the manual (carry it with you always, even to bed at night) and make a few hundred photos this weekend before you dismiss the D200 as a disappointment)
|
|
kyber
New Member
Stuart
Posts: 9
|
Post by kyber on Sept 7, 2006 4:40:10 GMT -5
I also prefer to use the camera in manual mode and do not feel that I am missing out on anything. Whilst I may get more acceptable photos in the auto modes I get more exceptional photos in manual mode (as well as more failures) and I derive more pleasure from having judged the situation correctly.
I feel that I am still making full use of the wide range of capabilities of the camera when in manual (exposure) mode. The camera still gives me its view of what the correct exposure should be against the metering modes and points of focus I choose during metering but I get to decide whether to follow that advice of make my own decision, or bracket, or experiment.
Stuart
|
|