Hobbies And Interests
Digital Vari-Programs
Like a point-and-shoot camera, the D40 has several scene modes that can be selected from the mode dial on the top left of the camera. Auto is the basic mode for simple snapshots. However, using the scenes gives the camera more information about what you are shooting and results in better photographs. The D40 has scene modes for portraits, landscapes, children, sports, close-ups and night portraits.
The Info and "i" Buttons
Use the Info button, located on the top right of the camera body in front of the shutter button to display current settings for the camera. Press the "i" button, on the back of the camera to the left of the LCD screen at the bottom, to access settings on the LCD display screen without having to go into the menu system. By pressing the Info button, you can change ISO, white balance and the shooting mode (selecting single shot, burst, or self timer).
Advanced Shooting
In addition to the Digital Vari-Programs, the D40 has the advanced shooting modes found on top-of-the-line SLRs, including program, aperture, shutter and manual. Using these modes can teach you a lot about the intricacies of photography. In program, you can change ISO (sensitivity of the sensor to light) and white balance. In aperture, you can change those two, plus the aperture of the lens. Higher apertures create more depth-of-field in your shots, meaning more of the image is in focus front to back. Lower aperture settings blur out the background to create dramatic shots, highlighting a single part of a scene. Shutter allows you to change ISO, white balance and shutter speed. Higher shutter speeds stop fast-moving objects, while slower shutter speeds can be used to create interesting optical effects, such as blurred star fields. Use a tripod when using slow shutter speeds. In manual mode, you can change all four settings.