The Nikon D90 Companion

Chapter 1. Getting to Know the Nikon D90

SHOOTING SNAPSHOTS USING AUTO MODE

If you’re new to the Nikon D90, then you’re probably much more interested in doing some shooting than in reading a book. So, in this chapter I’m going to quickly get you up to speed on the camera’s automatic features so that you can get out the door right away and start using the camera. One of the great features of the D90’s design is that you can use it just like a point-and-shoot camera and then activate more sophisticated controls as you need them. This first chapter explains the fundamental concepts of camera and photographic technique that I’ll build on through the rest of the book.

THE SETUP: BEFORE YOU CAN SHOOT WITH THE D90

If you haven’t yet set up your camera, you need to do a few things before you can shoot with it. Fortunately, the D90 manual is very good, and you can learn everything you need to know about setup by reading the following sections of the manual:

• While the camera battery may have a little charge when you first unpack the camera, it’s best to give it a good refueling before you head out to shoot. Read pages 22–24 of the Nikon D90 manual to learn about charging and installing the battery.

• You’ll need a Secure Digital (SD) memory card for your camera. The D90 does not ship with a card, so you’ll have to buy one separately. Any photography store or electronics store should carry them. You ...