Home >> Hobbies >> Photography

How to Use a Nikon D40x Camera

The Nikon D40x digital SLR is a single-lens reflex camera. Priced at entry level, this unit is affordable to consumers, lightweight and has many of the functions of its more expensive predecessors, including the same digital image sensor as higher end models like the D80. With a 10 megapixel sensor and the ability to use Nikon F-mount lenses, the D40x is a fantastic camera for Nikon aficionados looking to make the jump to digital without sacrificing quality or having to purchase new lenses.

Instructions

- 1
  Plug in the battery charger and insert the lithium ion battery. The orange indicator light will begin flashing to indicate that the unit is charging. A full charge can take several hours and is indicated by the light on the charger glowing steadily.
- 2
  Remove the fully charged battery from the charger. Turn the camera body upside down and press the hinge of the battery cover until the cover swings open, insert the battery, and close the cover. Press until the cover locks and an audible click is heard.
- 3
  Insert your memory card. Open the memory card holder hinge located on the right side of the camera body. Insert the card into the exposed slot until it clicks, then close the hinge.
- 4
  Remove the cover over the lens area and insert your lens. Align the white dot on the lens to the white dot on the camera body, which is near the aperture ring. Twist counterclockwise until the lens is locked into place.
- 5
  Turn on the camera using the switch on the upper right of the camera body.
- 6
  Set the imaging mode. The Nikon D40x has many imaging modes ranging from fully automatic to fully manual. The dial, located on the top right of the camera body, allows you to change between modes.
- 7
  Begin shooting if you have chosen any mode other than "M" (fully manual). The in-camera meter will adjust exposure based on the mode you have chosen. If you are in "M" mode, select your aperture by holding the "+/-" button on the top right of the camera and using the selection dial on the camera body. Your aperture selection will be shown on the LCD screen on the back of the camera. You can also adjust the shutter speed by using the same adjustment dial.
- 8
  Look through the viewfinder and compose your image. The bottom bar is your exposure meter, so adjust the aperture and shutter speed until the bars are in the center. If you have many bright areas or many dark areas, you may wish to compensate for the exposure by under or over exposing using your shutter speed and aperture settings.
- 9
  Press the shutter button to take your photo.
- 10
  Remove your photos from the camera by turning off the unit. Connect the USB cable to the USB port on your computer and insert the small end of the USB cable into the corresponding slot under the rubber cover on the left-hand side of the camera. Turn the unit on. The computer will recognize the camera and begin downloading the photos.

Photography