New owner. a.k.a noob

Elliot6267

New member
Hello forum. I'd like to introduce myself as I am new and very excited. Im a 24 year old, with a geography degree under his belt. so naturally the world around me is a passion of mine, and I'v longed for a good camera to be able to document what I see. because lets face it. the world is a beautiful place. So after a long time of wishful thinking, and a lot of comparisons and jumping from camera to camera, I finally settled on the D3100. I haven't actually got the camera yet (due to arrive on Monday morning) and I honestly can't wait to get my hands on it.



I just have a few things I could do with some advice on.

firstly:

Essential Accessories.
I have bought the 18 - 55mm lens kit. Im assuming that for a beginner, that this will be more than adequate lens. Im just wondering what other accessories I'm going to need in the early days. Im thinking storage/carry bag, memory card. lens cap, UV filter...
anything else?

secondly:

can anyone throw some ideas around of thing to do with the camera to better get to know it. obviously not actually having the camera itself yet, it is a pretty open question. I might get the camera and it all might fall into place. but are there any tips and hints, and basic shooting modes that can help develop my skills?
I am interested in taking landscape and nature photography as well as night photos with long exposure (lets be honest. well all want one of those photos ;))

so yeah. I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in with it.

Hopefully you will see a lot more of me on here as time goes on.
 

pedroj

Senior Member
Hi & welcome Put it in Aperture Priority F8...ISO200...Have fun..

For your night images you might need remote shutter release..
 
Last edited:

Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
The first accessory I would recommend for your long exposures is a good tripod. I think it is essential.
 

sailtastic

Senior Member
Get a tripod and read and re-read the manual. Jeff Revell also wrote a fantastic book on how to get the best of the d3100. With the kit lens the opportunities are vast. Just get out there and take pics.
 

SteveH

Senior Member
Welcome Elliot!
I would say at the very least, get a camera bag - When it's not use you don't want it open to dust etc, and when you are out with it you will need a bag. Make sure that the bag you get has more space than you need as I promise that within a year you will have one or two more lenses and other bits to carry!
Also, as others have said, a tripod or monopod can be invaluble!
 
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