dang i should've gotten a D3000.. oh well D60 is fine for me too.

wanna seek advice, when taking pictures in low light, like taking shots of people having dinner at a dinner table, what's the best option? without external flash, using D60 and 18-55 VR lens. i know hardware's a limitation, but just trying to know my best option and pushing it to the limit.

Have you try with a tripod?

I don't think it's convenient to use a tripod here... He wants to take photos of the people sitting in a table, not like a photoshooting session or studio shoot...

IMO you have some choices:
1. If the place is totally dark, with extremely dim light (very very dim orange light etc) you should use your pop up flash, set the flash compensation to a few stops lower depending on the situation. if you don't like the harsh flash maybe you can DIY a diffuser or bouncer for it. Better, get a cheap external flash like Nissin Di622.

2. If you don't like to use flash, use the widest aperture (lowest F number) and boost up the ISO. But by doing this you will sacrifice the IQ, since the photo will be noisy. Lower the shutter speed to about 1/30~1/50 depending on the situation. Suggestion: use aperture priority mode, uso AUTO ISO and the lowest F number, and let D60 decide the shutter speed. With a steady hand 1/30 should not be a problem

3. Just turn the dial to night mode (no flash), let the automode do the job. (high noise)

thanks,

1. night mode portrait flash is too harsh lol. DIY diffuser is possible on built-in flash ah? hmm might have a look at the cheap external flash.

2. yeah the high ISO is pretty annoying, pictures turned out grainy. will test the A mode again, i think i did try it just now though, forgot.

3. did end up using the no flash mode, which seemed to be the best. but if the subjects move, the pictures will still end up blurred.

This post has been edited by kenji_britney: Sep 22 2009, 01:58 AM

There's one mode (not night portrait) called AUTO flash off. The icon is like a restricted sign with lightning. It adjusts ISO and shutter speed automatically while not using the flash. So it's more to the auto mode...

There's pop-up flash diffuser for sale, but if i recall correctly it's not cheap/not worth it... try google "nikon pop up flash diffuser" or search in garage sales, i forgot the price. Erm if you want DIY you can try google it, i didn't make one b4 so I don't know.

from my opinion, we can used 1/30 sec or 1/15 sec, jack up the ISO to 800 and use the highest aperture (smaller number) can do. more body movement forward and backward instead using lense focus. for me, i wud try n error every possible in manual mode

DIY ur flash using topup card. back of top up card is white color so can bounce the flash. redirect the flash to the ceiling so it can bounce back... diz only works for short distance only... control the flash with exposure level hahahaha

i dont know my tricks can do with u. diz some silly tricks i tried bb4

This post has been edited by Isepunye: Sep 22 2009, 05:10 AM

Thinking of getting D3000. Should i or should i go for older model, D60?

Phottix pop up flash diffuser is around RM35, worth it or not depends on yourself.

D3000 is better...y go for D60 while the price is almost the same??

This post has been edited by noobie1: Sep 22 2009, 10:22 AM

Get a monopod should help a lot.

That's the way to go!

But when you reflect the flash make sure that the power is sufficient to bounce back and light up the subject. But I'd recommend you to get an external flash. The output will be simply amazing.

Ya ya the reload card will do the job... but only when the ceiling is not too high, if not the effect will be minimized. getting a flashgun is the best and one-time-go solution anyway..

Guys, D3000 is compatible with which type of lens?

It is compatible with any Nikon F-mount lens. But if you want to AF with the lens, you have to get a lens with AF motor.

ok thanks guys, will look for that budget flash gun soon

Hi...just wanna know what is the best price now for D5000 body only?

Finally getting myself a brand new D3000 tomorrow

Btw guys, just wanna ask.. What accessories should i get with the camera? Cheap ones like screen protector etc.. UV filter?

a bag.. even a cheap one.. u'll need it.. unless u already got a dry box

Congrats! Hope to see more photos soon

Hmm... not much photos of late, no new events running eh...

hi guy's...i planned to get D60 dis weekend..
but when i review the D3000 (just now)..
i noticed that there are a bit different between D60 & D3000..

but the price for D3000 is just vary about RM150 from D60 which i think that it is worth to get D3000 rather than D60 since it is more user friendly, wide LCD screen, and the important one is D3000 got their built in motor in the body...

so i need your advices here to help me to choose between D60 or D3000..which one is worth to have....