So let me start by saying Jo and I are both also rookies in a way. We have no formal education in photography, very poor terminology (we use a lot of hand motions to communicate), and we’re still learning everyday, shoot by shoot! Upgrading to a new camera and learning how to use it properly was super daunting at first, but it has seriously turned our photo game on its head, and we’re so thankful that we took the leap. To save you a bit of time and energy, we wanted to share some of the knowledge we’ve picked up over the past few months.
First up? A whole bunch of knitty-gritty details about our new Nikon D7200 DSLR Camera!
Model name: Nikon D7200
Megapixels: 24.2
AF points: 51 with 15 cross-type sensors
Shutter speed range: 1/8000-30 sec, Bulb
ISO range: 100-25600 (expandable to 51,200 and 102,500 equivalent in black and white only)
Video file format: .MOV
Built-in flash? Yes
Card type: Dual slot SD/SDHC/SDXC
Ports: High-speed USB, HDMI, accessory terminal, stereo mic input
Shots per charge (CIPA): 1,110 (stills); approx. 80 minutes HD footage
Wireless capabilities: Wi-Fi/NFC
Dimensions and weight: 5.3 x 4.2 x 3.0 inches; 1 pound, 11 ounces
THE PERKS (compared to our old model) //
-High image quality in natural & low light
-well-suppressed noise at high ISO- allows for low-light & indoor shooting (still print quality images even at 3000-4000 ISO)
-fast continuous shooting – buffer capacity increased in this model to produce a burst of 100 large/fine JPEG images or 27 continuous NET/raw images.
-Longer battery life for all day shoots – a single charge now supports up to 1,110 shots!
-double memory card docks for maximum photo adventure time
OUR LENS //
We use a 35mm instead of a 50mm because we take so many outfit photos – it can be hard to fit a whole figure in the frame. The 35mm allows for flexibility between outfit shots, product shots and recipe details.
HOW WE SHOOT //
-In the words of one of my favourite bloggers WishWishWish: “The lower the aperture number, the lighter your images will be, as the hole that lets in the light will be larger. I aim to keep my aperture as low as possible, allowing for bright images with a dreamy background.”
-The higher the number the faster the shutter speed – 1/250 means 1/250th of a second. The higher the number sharper the image will be.
– never let your shutter speed fall below 1/100 – 1/25 or 1/50 however can create some cool motion blur effects
Studio Settings (still objects with a dreamy depth of field in natural light)
ISO 600-800 F 1.8 – 2.5 1/250 – 320
Outfit shots (moving subjects in direct sunlight)
ISO 100-200 F2.5 1/1000 – 1/2000
Outside Sunny General
ISO 100-200, 2.5-3.5, 1/2000
TIPS & TRICKS:
Shoot RAW! this allows more control in the editing process as well as the largest-format photos and highest quality results. You can make lens corrections and fix any white balance or exposure issues. It takes up more room than a JPEG but its worth the space.
Try to air on the side of underexposed rather than overexposed – it can be hard to get details back during editing.
The lower the Aperture number the more shallow your depth of field meaning the blurrier the background – make sure you choose a focal point that makes sense both with your narrative & composition!
If you have any other questions you can shoot us a message, or turn to your Nikon guide book.