New Year, New Skills!

Just got a new Nikon or just need a refresher? Here’s how to get to grips with your DSLR…

Nikon DSLRs are designed to be beginner-friendly, but there’s still a lot to take in if you haven’t used this kind of camera before. So, taking that into account, over the next ten pages we’re going to walk you through the whole thing, step by step. And even if you already have an expansive knowledge about these cameras, you still might learn some new tips and wrinkles you didn’t know about!

For our examples we’re using Nikon’s brand-new D3500, which is designed specifically for DSLR first-timers. However, most of the features and controls found on this camera also apply across the whole of the Nikon DSLR range.

We start off with the basics – getting your new Nikon charged up, attaching the strap, setting the time and date, and taking your first picture. It’s almost definitely a lot easier to get the wheels turning than you think.

Next, we look at the different shooting options on your Nikon’s mode dial and the rest of the buttons and dials on the body. There are quite a few, but the good news is that you don’t need to understand or use all of them straight away.

With all that information under your belt it’s a good time to find out more about exposure. We explain the mysteries of shutter speed, lens apertures and ISO settings and how they all work together.

Next, we take a look at autofocus and action photography. Once you understand what your autofocus settings do, it’s much easier to set your camera up for different kinds of photography.

We finish off with a look at lenses, tripods, camera bags and other accessories for taking your photography to the next level. We’ll be giving you a basic grounding in what your Nikon DSLR can do, and the rest is up to you!

The basics

Brand new camera? Get set up and start shooting…

Batteries and charging