The Nikon D40x has a number of great features to create stunning images.
The Nikon D40x camera features 10.2 megapixels, eight variable program-shooting modes and 3D color matrix metering. Making the most of the camera's features means digging into the 139-page user manual. A few handy tips such as taking better portraits, getting sharper images and editing unwanted information will get most D40x owners the kinds of images they want.
Better Portraits
Get out of automatic and use the D40x's pre-programmed portrait mode. The mode automatically selects a wider camera aperture to soften the background behind the portrait subject. This lends a professional portrait quality to almost any image. The subject stays tack sharp while the area behind the subject blurs, drawing the eye to the sharp portrait subject. The best results come from using longer focal length lenses with wider apertures.
Flash Outdoors
Keep the Nikon D40x's flash mode set to auto, even outdoors. Most amateur photographers photograph outdoor subjects under adverse lighting conditions. Typically, the sun sits either directly overhead casting unwanted shadows on the subject or it stands behind the subject producing flare and creating a high-dynamic range scene. Keeping the D40x's flash on auto will help eliminate some of the unsightly shadows and underexposed subjects associated with poor lighting conditions.
D-Lighting
Another good solution for creating better images in poor lighting conditions is to use the camera's built-in D-lighting. D-lighting increases the brightness and contrast levels in a scene, adding extra punch to otherwise flat, dull images.
ISO Sensitivity
Use a low ISO sensitivity rating for images with less noise. When used in automatic mode, the D40x uses the optimum aperture, shutter speed and ISO setting to create the image. Manually setting a lower ISO setting (the D40x has a minimum setting of 100) results in images with less noise or what film camera users call "grain." Using a lower ISO setting requires a steady hand or the use of a tripod to ensure crisp, shake-free images, but the resulting images have better detail in the highlights and shadows and an overall better appearance of sharpness.
Use DX lenses
Nikon's line of smaller DSLR cameras work best with lenses designed for use with the system. Some of the older, non-DX autofocus Nikon lenses will function in certain modes on the D40x, but they will not autofocus. Other manufacturers such as Tokina and Sigma also make lenses specifically for Nikon's smaller frame bodies and these lenses work incredibly well on the D40x.
Onboard Retouching
The D40x comes equipped with a few onboard retouching options. These options can correct red-eye, change an image's color balance and crop an image all within the camera. These non-destructive edits don't alter the original image but create a new image file and saves the file to the camera's memory card. Onboard retouching is a quick and easy way to create stunning images without first downloading the image files to a computer.
Tags: Nikon D40x, lighting conditions, behind subject, camera features, create image, create stunning
