[BandofBrothers]

So now I have the Nikon D3100 and "Understanding Exposure" book from Amazon to get me started - will work my way through this book to learn the basics.

I have a few questions, if anyone can help ?

1) Even though I have literally only just started with DSLR's, is it best to shoot in RAW file type (.NEF) - will this give me the best image quality? (I notice the file sizes are around 15mb per pic rather than 4-5mb)

2) I have a Macbook Pro - what software would you recommend for touching up pics - I have iPhoto and Seashore (which is free) - is it worth investing in Aperture or Photoshop? (again, I am very new to these programs so would likely have to get a book and learn from scratch also)

3) Is it worth getting a UV filter to fit onto my lens?

Also, I have been looking at the following accesories:

Case: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...cm_cr_asin_lnk

32GB SDHC Card: SanDisk 32GB 45MB/s Extreme HD Video SDHC Card: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

USB LEAD: USB Data cable Lead for Nikon D3000 D3100 D50 D70 D7000 | eBay

Are these good choices?

Many thanks for any help

[jian]

1. Raw files will,give you maximum flexibility should you want to edit the file later in applications such as photoshop, Lightroom etc but they obviously eat in your sd card space. I shoot raw just in case I want to edit later on otherwise i go for the highest quality jpegs.

2. Depends what you want to do to the files. Some people never edit in which case buying additional software is a waste of money. Might be worthwhile using the apps you have first. If you find they don't do what you want then buy additional software then.

3. That depends on the environment you shoot in and whether the resale value of your lens is important to you or not. I put uv filters on all my lenses because one scratch on the glass and I'll be down a couple of hundred pounds at resale time. Make sure you get good quality filters such as those made by b+w, hoya etc if you choose to use them.

[ShiggyWiggy]

Did you not get a USB with your camera? That one will do the job as will the card - stick with a good fast known brand such as sandisk.

As for a case depends on the size you are happy to carry around and what you will likely take when you are out and about. I've got a Jimmy Bo crumpler bag which just fits my D5100 and 18-200mm lens and a few SD cards, spare battery and just enough room for a wallet and mobile phone.

[johnaalex]

RAW does give maximum flexibilty for "post prodction" (aka "PP) editing of your files which I find one of the key benefits of digital photography. However if you want to share the your work with others, post to forums etc you need to convert the NEF files to a more common format such as JPG. The best free way to do this is to use Nikon ViewNX 2 which you can download from Nikon for free. Whatever software you decide on, make sure it can handle NEF files.

UV filters offer some protection to the lens and can help with certain lighting conditions, but most of the effectives can be done with PP software.

[dejongj]

1) I'd stick with RAW, when you use iPhoto or Aperture it is totally transparent.
2) iPhoto is a fantastic application, not sure why you would even want to use Seashore as well? iPhoto is totally raw aware, leaves your originals alone and fully integrates with anything you do on the Mac. I use Aperture but only because I know I hit the limits with iPhoto regarding organisation side of things.
3) UV Protection doesn't do anything to your photo quality, your camera has a UV filter built in. The only time I use one of those filters is when I am in harsh conditions for example on the beach when fine sand is blowing about. But other than for protection it really isn't necessary. I know what I am like so don't use them at any other time, also the lens glass is much tougher than the filters are, and further more even in the worst event there was a little scratch on the lens...Guess what you don't even get to see it on a photo, it is more psychologically than image affecting.
4) Get as fast a card as you can afford, I like Sandisk cards, it really helps in clearing your buffer is do you a lot of shots. If you shoot single shots then it is not so much of an issue. The Extreme Pro is double the money and 90MB rated but those are the ones that I have got.
5) Bags, that is a very personal thing...Really your choice...If you don't mind s/h keep an eye out on the classifieds here...I might be aware that a very similar lowepro bag might be coming on there soon
6) Rather then getting a USB lead for the camera and drain its battery, I'd buy an SD card reader and use it that way. You'll get faster transfer and it doesn't drain the camera battery.

Hope that helped.

[BandofBrothers]

Thanks for the info so far guys.

I will be using iPhoto mainly (I just used Seashore for the odd bit of editing that I found tricky in iPhoto). For the U/V filters, would it be best to actually go into a shop and get one (as mentioned above - I would like to get a good quality one).

Also - once fitted, would it be best to just eave the u/v filter on all the time, even indoors? Would it affect image quality at all?

What cleaning materials/kit would you recommend? Is it worth getting a special micro fiber cloth and a blower?

In terms of USB cable - I didn't get one with the camera (sucks, I know especially as you get some ferrite cores to use with one lol) - my macbook pro has an SD card reader built in - I was just thinking a usb cable may help preserve the little card reader hinge/drawer on the camera - am I being a bit over-cautious there?

[dejongj]

If you must, get an UV filter I'd get a Hoya HD or Pro1 they are really thin and just use amazon. But I wouldn't leave it on all the time, as said before it is not need to filter UV...And for scratching the lens, well you need to try pretty hard, but then again only you know how clumsy you are or those around you...

Cleaning, I just use a wet wipe and any old micro fibre cloth...

I'm pretty sure the old hinge will outlive you using the camera...The one on my 7 year old D70 is still just fine...Yes you are over-cautious here

[BandofBrothers]

Many thanks for the fast and very helpful replies

Would this be the UV filter to go for (If I do end up buying one).

Hoya 52mm HD Digital UV Screw in Filter: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

I am using the standard lens on my Nikon D3100 for now.

Edit: With this UV filter fixed to the end of the lens - how would I protect it, as surely the existing lens cap would not fit with this on too?

[johnaalex]

Originally Posted by dejongj

Cleaning, I just use a wet wipe and any old micro fibre cloth...

Maybe you should add the occasional shower or bath to that!

[dejongj]

Originally Posted by BandofBrothers

Many thanks for the fast and very helpful replies

Would this be the UV filter to go for (If I do end up buying one).

Hoya 52mm HD Digital UV Screw in Filter: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

I am using the standard lens on my Nikon D3100 for now.

Edit: With this UV filter fixed to the end of the lens - how would I protect it, as surely the existing lens cap would not fit with this on too?

If you lens cap is 52mm (it says so on the inside) then yes. You can just put your lens cap on the filter no problem

Originally Posted by johnaalex

Maybe you should add the occasional shower or bath to that!

[BandofBrothers]

The lens says 18-55mm - so I guess I need the 55mm Hoya UV filter?

However, on the argos description page (where I bought it from) - the item description says: "52mmfilter"

[dejongj]

18-55 is the focal length...Look on the inside of the Nikon lens cap and you should see the round symbol with a dash through it and the diameter a two digit number with mm behind it...

[BandofBrothers]

oops haha

It says LC-52 and then "52MM" so I guess there is my answer.

Thanks so much for your help, and sorry for being such a newbie

[dejongj]

No worries bud, it is only easy when you know how

[DolbyDan]

Congrats on getting your first DSLR and the D3100 is a great one as is the image quality of the kit lens as well, very sharp, only the build quality separates it from semi-pro lenses.

The SD card your looking at (Sandisk Extreme) are the best for speed and reliability.

Iphoto is a great app, but for £65 I would 100% recommend Aperture (Lightroom is also great), I personally don't get on with PS Elements, but I do use it for cloning and layer mask when needed.

I personally don't use filters for protection, but prefer lens hoods.

I also really recommend the Nikon SD400 flash gun for indoor use.

My favorite lens I own is my Tamron SP 70-300mm. The 35mm prime lens is a high quality, low cost optic for walking about and the 50mm is the same, but better for portraits.

I however don't really love my 18-70mm, not as sharp as your 18-55mm and I will be replacing it with a 24-120mm, to get a real step up in quality.

[BandofBrothers]

Small update.

I have ordered the 32GB Sandisk SDHC Memory Card, a Hoya 52mm UV filter and a Crumpler Camera Bag (I didn't realise Crumpler made Camera bags). I have been using one of their laptop bags for over 3 years and it's been perfect and very high quality (albeit quite a high price tag).

So, it looks like I am set for now - I was going to get an additional battery but they're £35+ and I actually doubt I would drain the battery I have on just one outing (we shall see ).

I will be sticking with iPhoto as I already have this software on my mac - is there a way to delete duplicate photos?

Are there any other must have accessories / bits of gear that I have missed at the moment (I am sure a tripod and other lenses will come later once I know what I am doing)

Thanks so much for the help so far everyone

[dejongj]

Sounds like you are all set to go out and shoot stuff

[guitarmarky]

I am also fairly new & just picked up a second-hand D3000 & loving it.
I have been reading good book called 'From snapshots to great shots' (available for D3000 + D3100).
There's plenty to learn on youtube aswell.

I have also done a course with Photography Courses - 130 UK Venues - SLR to Compact Cameras. Photography Workshops. Beginners. (part 1 DSLR) & doing part 2 soon.
I would recommend seeing if they have a course in your area.
Have fun.

[BandofBrothers]

Originally Posted by guitarmarky

I am also fairly new & just picked up a second-hand D3000 & loving it.
I have been reading good book called 'From snapshots to great shots' (available for D3000 + D3100).
There's plenty to learn on youtube aswell.

I have also done a course with Photography Courses - 130 UK Venues - SLR to Compact Cameras. Photography Workshops. Beginners. (part 1 DSLR) & doing part 2 soon.
I would recommend seeing if they have a course in your area.
Have fun.

Ohh thanks, have just ordered myself a book for the D3100.

I am currently ploughing my way through the Understanding exposure book and it's a lot to take in, but I am gradually getting my head around some of the basic concepts