Low light setting on D40x

O

own520

Messages
1
Edit My Images
No
I have a nikon D40x which is great but I am struggling to get results on low light settings.

I have the the standard package Nikkor DX 18-55 lens and the nikkor 55-200 but would welcome any advice as to a suitable upgrade.

I use it a lot for portraits, landscapes but have been attempting to use it a lot whilst helping out at gigs ( my freind is a sound engineer and i help out a lot) I have been trying not to use the flash as a lot of artists take offence when using it. If im honest im not really sure what settings i should be using to achieve anything like a decent result.

Any advice appreciated.

Riki
 
You need a lens with a wide aperture, f/1.8 to about f/2.8 is ideal.

Something like the 35mm f/1.8 would be a good and not too expensive investment for portraits and if you can get close enough will be good for gigs.
Raise the ISO too 800-1600 and f/1.8 should be perfectly acceptable in low light.
 
I am in the same situation, my Godson is in a Rock band and wants me to take some Photos, and as it is nearly Christmas (excuse) i am going to buy myself the Nikon 35mm f1.8 lens.

By the way i use a D40x also.:)
 
Widest aperture and highest ISO you're happy to go to. There isn't a great deal else you can do without either changing camera, using a flash or getting a 'faster' lens.

What sort of focal lengths do you typically work at? I guess on your current lenses, you'll often be at f5.6? An F2.8 Zoom would give you another two stops. A fast prime, a bit more again. Nikon's 50mm 1.8 AFS and 35mm 1.8 AFS are both relatively affordable if the lengths would be suitable.
 
gad-westy said:
Widest aperture and highest ISO you're happy to go to. There isn't a great deal else you can do without either changing camera, using a flash or getting a 'faster' lens.
Click to expand...

Don't use the flash! As your original post says artists tend not to like it

As the other users have said look to get a wide aperture lens. The 35mm f1.8 or the 50mm f1.8 are cheap, or there a number for f2.8 zooms at varying prices from about £150-£1500s
 
DaveKing said:
Don't use the flash! As your original post says artists tend not to like it
Click to expand...

Yes I realised that. What I was trying to convey was that without either having more light (i.e a flash) or being able to capture the available light faster (i.e. wider aperture or higher ISO) then there is little that can be done. In the OP's case, a flash isn't an option so they would need to consider a means of capturing light faster.
 
I do some live music with my D60. Getting a 35 f1.8 has made a big difference. Try to avoid ISO 1600, the camera isn't really up to it.

I tend to use manual exposure, starting at 1/60 f2.8 and then work from there. If there are flashing lights that change colour a lot I use continuous shooting. I also find using a filter black and white can work well when processing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top