Detailing Technology -ever changing supply cabinet.

**imported_Detailing Technology** · 03-31-2008, 07:04 PM

Testing out a new Nikon D40. Not yet impressed.

**stilez** · 03-31-2008, 07:06 PM

Nice arsenal

.

A new lens+filter would make all the difference.

**imported_Detailing Technology** · 03-31-2008, 07:10 PM

I have a polarizing filter coming Wednesday, don`t know what other lens to buy. I want to post some knock out pictures of a car I have on Friday.

**jswift2000** · 03-31-2008, 07:41 PM

Nice detailing supply.

What dont you like about the D40? You could spend a fortune on a good glass. I like the Nikkor 70-200 VR, the 50mm 1.8 ($90 and very sharp) and I use the Nikkor 18-70 DG as my all around lens. Try shooting the car late in the day after the sun starts to go down (after 4:00/5:00pm or so). Try shooting in RAW as well so you can manipulate the photos.

**imported_Detailing Technology** · 03-31-2008, 07:46 PM

For some reason, my RAW photos are produced as .NEF. NEF can be opened by Photoshop, my CS2 will not recognize them.

I think I need to learn how to use the manual settings. I also think I need a lens with a stronger zoom for outdoor use.

**imported_DieselMDX** · 03-31-2008, 07:51 PM

is this the kit lens on auto?

**imported_Detailing Technology** · 03-31-2008, 08:04 PM

All on AUTO.

Just got the RAW plug-in for CS2. I can do 80% of those adjustments on a jpeg using Photoshop.

**Polygon** · 03-31-2008, 08:12 PM

Originally Posted by jsatek

For some reason, my RAW photos are produced as .NEF. NEF can be opened by Photoshop, my CS2 will not recognize them.

I think I need to learn how to use the manual settings. I also think I need a lens with a stronger zoom for outdoor use.

That`s the ticket.

I don`t know anything about your photography skills but a camera is mearly a tool. You`re the one who makes them look great with lighting and being able to set the camera up right.

**Todd@RUPES** · 03-31-2008, 09:56 PM

Yep if your shooting on auto that it is going to compensate by increasing the ISO and widening the apeture (lower f-stop). The camera has little to do with it, and by shooting on auto you will very rarely get the best of the camera.

**jswift2000** · 04-01-2008, 12:21 AM

Agree... Manual is the way to go or aperture priority mode. Download CaptureNX from the Nikon site. I prefer CaptureNX to Adobe PhotoShop for converting my nef files. http://www.capturenx.com/

**kh765** · 04-01-2008, 02:30 AM

Originally Posted by TH0001

Yep if your shooting on auto that it is going to compensate by increasing the ISO and widening the apeture (lower f-stop). The camera has little to do with it, and by shooting on auto you will very rarely get the best of the camera.

Hey, would you mind clearing your PMs? I had a quick question for you. Thanks! :woot:

**imported_Detailing Technology** · 04-01-2008, 06:37 AM

I work from a 14" laptop at home, today I am on a 30" Dell, these pics dont look so bad.

I think I will set the ISO to 200, then play with the shutter speed and white balance to get the right lighting.

**imported_Detailing Technology** · 04-01-2008, 06:39 AM

What lenses are you guys shooting with? I have an 18-55 kit lens. Nto bad, but I am sure there is something better for shooting car paint indoors.

**stilez** · 04-01-2008, 07:10 AM

Still waiting to pull the trigger on this one - Tamron 28-75 2.8XR Di SP if LD Lens (1Yr. USA Warranty) . Great bang for the buck.

**jswift2000** · 04-01-2008, 07:48 AM

How much do you want to spend? You can easily spend a ton of cash.

This is what I use:

-Portrait: Nikkor 50mm f/1.8. I want to buy the 85mm f/1.4 or f/1.8 as well.

-General Purpose: Nikkor 18-70 3.5-5.6 DX (it was the kit lens when I bought the D70, now shooting with the D200)

-Zoom: Sigma 70-200 f/2.8. Not bad but not as sharp as I would like at long range.

Wish List: 70-200 VRII 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G, 12-24 f/4