book

Nikon D5300: From Snapshots to Great Shots

by Rob Sylvan

February 2014

Beginner

288 pages

9h 35m

English

Peachpit Press

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Ten Tips to Make Your Shooting More Productive Right Out of the BoxPoring Over the CameraPoring Over the Camera1. Charge Your Battery2. Adjust Your Auto Off Timer Setting3. Set Your JPEG Image Quality4. Choose Your ISO Setting5. Set Your Focus Point and Mode6. Set the Correct White Balance7. Set Your Color Space8. Know How to Override Autofocus9. Review Your Shots10. Hold Your Camera for Proper ShootingChapter 1 Assignments
A Few Things to Know and Do Before You Begin Taking PicturesPoring Over the PictureChoosing the Right Memory CardFormatting Your Memory CardUpdating the D5300’s FirmwareCleaning the SensorUsing the Right Format: RAW vs. JPEGLenses and Focal LengthsWhat Is Exposure?Motion and Depth of FieldChapter 2 Assignments
Get Shooting with the Automatic Camera ModesPoring Over the PictureAuto ModeAuto (Flash Off) ModePortrait ModeLandscape ModeChild ModeSports ModeClose-up ModeScene ModesEffects ModesWhy You May Never Want to Use the Auto Scene Modes AgainChapter 3 Assignments
Taking Your Photography to the Next LevelPoring Over the PictureP: Program ModeS: Shutter Priority ModeA: Aperture Priority ModeM: Manual ModeHow I Shoot: A Closer Look at the Camera Settings I UseChapter 4 Assignments

The Tricks to Shooting Subjects in MotionPoring Over the PictureStop Right There!Using Shutter Priority (S) Mode to Stop MotionUsing Aperture Priority (A) Mode to Isolate Your SubjectThe Auto ISO Sensitivity Control TrickKeep Them in Focus with Continuous-servo Focus and AF Focus Point SelectionStop and Go with 3D-tracking AFManual Focus for Anticipated ActionKeeping Up with the Continuous Shooting ModeA Sense of MotionChapter 5 Assignments
Settings and Features to Make Great PortraitsPoring Over the PictureAutomatic Portrait ModeUsing Aperture Priority ModeMetering Modes for PortraitsUsing the AE-L (Auto Exposure Lock) FeatureFocusing: The Eyes Have ItClassic Black and White PortraitsThe Portrait Picture Control for Better Skin TonesDetect Faces with Live ViewUse Fill Flash for Reducing ShadowsPortraits on the MoveTips for Shooting Better PortraitsChapter 6 Assignments
Tips, Tools, and Techniques to Get the Most Out of Your Landscape PhotographyPoring Over the PictureSharp and In Focus: Using TripodsSelecting the Proper ISOUsing Noise ReductionSelecting a White BalanceUsing the Landscape Picture ControlTaming Overexposure with Exposure CompensationShooting Beautiful Black and White LandscapesThe Golden LightWhere to FocusEasier FocusingMaking Water FluidDirecting the Viewer: A Word About CompositionAdvanced Techniques to ExploreTracking Your Location with GPSChapter 7 Assignments
Shooting When the Lights Get LowPoring Over the PictureRaising the ISO: The Simple SolutionUsing Very High ISOsStabilizing the SituationFocusing in Low LightShooting Long ExposuresUsing the Built-in FlashCompensating for the Flash ExposureReducing Red-EyeRear Curtain SyncFlash and GlassA Few Words About External FlashChapter 8 Assignments
Impress Your Family and FriendsPoring Over the PictureSpot Meter for More Exposure ControlManual ModeAvoiding Lens FlareUsing the Sun CreativelyBracketing ExposuresMacro PhotographyActive D-LightingInterval Timer ShootingThe My Menu SettingChapter 9 Assignments
Video and the D5300It’s All About the LensesAccessories for VideoGetting Shallow Depth of FieldGiving a Different Look to Your VideosTips for Better VideoWatching and Editing Your VideoChapter 10 Assignments
Upgrades and Accessories to Expand Your Camera’s Creative PotentialFiltersTripodsRemote or Cable ReleaseMacro Photography AccessoriesHot-Shoe FlashesDiffusersCamera BagsBits and PiecesConclusion
Improve Your Pictures with Sound Compositional ElementsPoring Over the PictureDepth of FieldAnglesPoint of ViewPatternsColorContrastLeading LinesSplitting the FrameFrames Within FramesChapter 12 Assignments

Content preview from Nikon D5300: From Snapshots to Great Shots

1. The D5300 Top Ten List

ISO 400 • 1/640 sec. • f/2.8 • 200mm lens

Ten Tips to Make Your Shooting More Productive Right Out of the Box

I’m going to go out on a limb here and guess that you’ve already taken your camera out of the box and played around with it a bit. I mean, who can resist that delicious smell of new electronics and the thrill of playing with a new toy? I usually find it easier to sit down and read the manual after having taken the camera for at least one spin around the proverbial block. Of course, it is totally fine if you are reading this book before you’ve got the camera in hand, and I applaud your restraint.

The intention ...