Complete novice needing advice

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Pippa

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I am using a Nikon d40...most of my photos are taking outside (i take mainly sporting photos) but on occaisions there are indoor events/presentation evenings..when i shoot outside i can keep my finger down for a continuous shoot but when indoors it doesnt work???
I havent changed any settings on the camera to date (have been using for 2 years now) as i wouldnt know where to start!!
Also i always use 'auto' as just cant seem to get anything to focus on manual...
crikey i am rubbish i know :'(
 
Keep practising Pippa, the main problem you'll have indoors is the camera trying to auto focus slowing the continuous shooting down as it's not locking on the subject.

If you try manually focusing and doing the same it will be quicker as the camera won't have to wait to focus, you really need to nail this to improve your shots or use glass that has got a larger maximum aperture than you currently use (I'm assuming it's a kit lens that isn't too quick)
 
Thanks for the reply chivers67...i have the 35-55mm that came with the camera and I also have the 55-200mm.
Is there another lens that would recommend??
This may sound even more dumb but can I autofocus and when it focuses switch to manual and it will still be in focus???
 
Pippa said:
This may sound even more dumb but can I autofocus and when it focuses switch to manual and it will still be in focus???
Click to expand...

That you can do, assuming neither you nor the subject moves, which isn't very likely...

For indoor shots a great lens to have is the Nikon AFS 35mm although focusing can still be tricky.

You, ermmm.... weren't at a wedding recently were you? I'd have thought they could afford pro photographers...
 
haha Nawty no I don't do weddings :lol:
I take photos of football matches (mainly)and the pace is so quick I need a quick focus and continous shoot in order to get a few decent shots from the hundreds i take!!....I think some practice is in order for me :thinking:
 
Hi Pippa,

If you're shooting sports that's moving a lot, you might want to look at what autofocus mode you're shooting in. You may want to try out AF-C although you might have to in P mode (rather than Auto) to make the change.

From Mr Rockwell (http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40/af-settings.htm):

Focus Mode (menu)

You set these by pressing MENU > Custom Setting (pencil) > 02 Focus Mode.

Once in this menu, your choices are:

AF-A, the default I use, magically selects between the next two modes. This clever AF-A mode looks at the subject. If it's holding still, the D40 locks the focus. If the subject is moving, the D40 tracks it as it moves nearer and farther.

AF-S stands for AF-Single. The D40 focuses once, then locks AF for you to recompose and shoot.

AF-C stands for AF-Continuous. The D40 keeps focusing as the subject moves. Use this for sports and vehicles in motion, like cars, birds and aircraft.
 
Welcome Pippa

Are you using the pop-up flash?
If so it could be the flash taking time to charge up between shots.
You can tell when the flash is charging as the flash symbol in the viewfinder blinks on & off.
It might help if your battery is fully charged but the real solution is to get an external hot-shoe flash.

Kev
 
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Whats the fps on a D40? 3 or so?

Okay, so your outside lots of light the shutter speed is 1/200th or better, all is fine, fire away!

Then you step inside... its dull, your eyes adjust but really its pretty freakin dark. If your shutter speed drops to about 1/10th or slower then the cam might be simply unable to maintain 3fps keeping in mind it has to swing the mirror, open the shutter, replace the mirror, reset the shutter before it can take another shot.

For that it would have to be a bit of a cave but i've shot in worse :D
 
Thank you for your replies....im going to try changing the focus mode 1st as suggested by StevenA.
Is there a 'separate' flash to buy for the D40??? Really appreciate all your input as i really know nothing about the 'technical' side of photography X
 
nano said:
Whats the fps on a D40? 3 or so?

Okay, so your outside lots of light the shutter speed is 1/200th or better, all is fine, fire away!

Then you step inside... its dull, your eyes adjust but really its pretty freakin dark. If your shutter speed drops to about 1/10th or slower then the cam might be simply unable to maintain 3fps keeping in mind it has to swing the mirror, open the shutter, replace the mirror, reset the shutter before it can take another shot.

For that it would have to be a bit of a cave but i've shot in worse :D
Click to expand...

Exactly that!!
 
great advice StevenA thank you, changed setting like you said to AF-C (and yes had to use P) and last night was taking photos of cricket match and it has made a huge difference!!!
Now all i need to sort out are the indoor photos....fine in home but in clubhouse/halls i have trouble!!!
 
Great Pippa, glad it helped. It was a weird conincided with me showing my lad exactly same thing :)

A flash might be a good idea for inside. Most of the Nikon flashs should be fine (the SB range, SB-400, SB-600). The SB-400 is good as a beginner flash, as it still allows you to point to light away from you subject. This is so you don't wipe them out in bright light.

There's a good comparison here

Hope that help.

Steve
 
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