From D70 to D300

[joet]

A few lines about my recent upgrade in camera body and the ongoing discoveries as I discover more about digital photography from a strictly amateur point of view.

At first, it's clear that the D300 is not for technophobes - the User Manual of 421 pages should convince you of that!

Whilst there is a logical and reasonable order to the topics in the book, at least to me, it can be quite overwhelming

My first recommendation, therefore, is to download the excellent D300 Custom Settings spreadsheet from the Nikonians website as an aid to progressing your knowledge in an orderly fashion.

Of course it's possible to just go out and shoot and by trial and error discover the wonders of this truly marvellous camera, but that doesn't appeal to all of us.

It seems clear to me that Nikon a playing both ends against the middle with this release - the sophisticated in box processing available and PictBridge output combined with the P setting on the camera, there is the possibility of using the most advanced PHD in the market

That's not really the point of this Forum, but it does seem to sound a warning to me that if this is the future direction of so-called Prosumer cameras, then movie ability can't be far behind

Anyhow, enough rambling, I've got heaps more to learn and as that happens, I promise to post some more.


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[marc]

Hi Joe

Welcome to the 300 club

Cheers
Marc

[gstark]

Hi Joe

Welcome to the 300 club

Actually, Joe (technically) beat you to it: his was the first one ordered.

[marc]

A mere "technicality"

[Manta]

Joe - having made the same equipment jump from D70 to D300, I can certainly see where you're coming from. Not having had the benefit of a D200 along the way, it was quite disconcerting to venture into the manual and menus of this new beastie, but exciting nonetheless. I'm enjoying all the new discoveries immensely.

(Not to mention the prospect of future acquisitions such as battery grip, wireless remote, etc plus, when the bank balance creeps back up, some more decent glass to really utilise the camera's abilities.)

I like the My Menu feature and, for anyone who's interested, have so far included in there: Shooting menu bank, e5 Auto bracketing set, Live view, Interval timer shooting and Multiple exposure. These are currently the menu items I go to most frequently or, at least, would class as features I'd want to get to quickly. Obviously, personal needs and preferences will dictate which, if any, options you'll put in here but they are mine for the time being.

[gstark]

A mere "technicality"

Given that I was the first to take delivery of one from Poon, yes. But we had a couple of people who bought locally (for them) and thus took delivery more quickly too.

Not that I care: the camera is a fun one to play with and learn.

A few more observations: the C/M/S switch on the front: on the D200, the detents on this switch were considered by many to be soft. This is not the case on the D200.

Marc, Joe, Simon: have you tried the info button yet?

And no more lost covers; the sync and remote covers are rubberised, and secured to the body.

I expect I may play with the lens fine tuning later this week.

[ATJ]

I look forward to joining the club (well both clubs: D300 and D70 to D300) in the next month or so. This information is very timely for me.

[Manta]

Marc, Joe, Simon: have you tried the info button yet?

Certainly have Gary - love it. It's great for those times when you realise the eyes just ain't what they used to be and that top LCD screen is just a little too small or, by necessity, is just a little too close (eg tripod set-ups or cramped macro conditions)

[MATT]

without reading the manual.. How do I get the highlights flashing on review???

Oh and I keep pressing the menu button to review my images

MATT

[joet]

Matt,

Under Display Mode in Menu, put tick in highlights area - courtesy of Nikonians spreadsheet

[MATT]

Thankyou very much..

I may be a bit thick but I could not make head or tails of that sheet.

[stubbsy]

Joe

Congratulations. Is that your first image post here? And, more importantly, does that mean Chryssine now has the D70 and we can look forward to some pics from her as well

[joet]

Peter,

You keep track well - expect a few more images once the training wheels come off

As for the D70, Chryssine has her own P&S (a Canon Powershot ) so our 21 year old grandson keeps making noises in her general direction for the Nikon

I must not complain too loudly; keep a low profile; hide all receipts; keep her away from handbag stores etc, etc,

[gstark]

keep her away from handbag stores etc, etc,

Handbag stores?

Joe, the last time I saw Chryssine, she was mumbling something about carrots.

Oh yes; I don't think she was thinking of a greengrocer. I seem to recall the word "diamond" as well.