Nikonians Articles

Your new camera has plenty of bells and whistles and by now you already know it can take good pictures in full automatic mode. If that is all you need, continue on and be happy. But, if you’re looking to engage your creative mind by stepping out of the full-auto realm, this article will help you navigate the maze of confusing numbers and camera modes and priorities. Read more...

The process of how to convert your color images to beautiful black & white imagery is a fascinating journey to the roots of photography, its history and technique. Improve the look of your photographs and get inspired by this easy how-to. Read more...

Why should we bother about the rule of thirds in photography? Here is the in-depth explanation as to why. Read more...

Nikonians co-founder, J. Ramon Palacios (jrp), explains to us the history and technical aspects of boke, a technique used to render background blurs, which can be seen mostly in portraiture or close-ups. Look at his examples and tips and remind yourself, what makes bokeh beautiful. Read more...

Want to make better pictures, but are having a hard time finding the right techniques? Well, using your Camera's Histogram Screens, might just do one of the many tricks out there! It'll guarantee you a much higher percentage of well-exposed images. Find out how! Read more...

One of the most asked questions by new users of Nikon DSLR cameras is "Which image format should I use?" Three most common formats are JPEG, TIFF, or NEF (RAW). By the end of this read, you'll know which you want to use! Read more...

There comes a time, when we ask ourselves, what has more value, or is of more importance – the camera itself, or the lenses? Both of which, you prize equally and nurture as if it were a baby; making sure not a scratch to that precious framework or accidental fall occurs. Darrell Young, an experienced photographer, tells us his point of view. Read more...

The values for Field of View (FOV) come up frequently enough at the forums that Bill Claff thought a list might be helpful for quick reference. With his handy tables you will never feel confused again. Read more...

You may have wondered "How do pros make those wonderful landscapes where everything seems to be in focus?" Well, it is not merely by closing down the aperture of superb wide angle lenses. They maximize DOF (depth of field), the region of acceptable sharpness, by focusing at the hyperfocal distance. A simple function of lens focal length, aperture and the diameter of the Circle of Confusion. Read more...

Here you find various recommended photography books to make up the basics bare minimum bookshelf. Read more...

I prepared these charts as an aid to a few people I am tutoring in basic color management concepts. This is not meant to be a rigorous treatment of color theory or management, simply an introduction for those interested. Read more...

The ability to dial in ISO sensitivities in the five- to six-figure range in 1/3-stop increments is pretty heady stuff. With the exception of some of the highest ISO ratings, the image quality of the resulting imagery remains surprisingly decent and is equal to or better than the image quality of the fastest film stocks, which speed-wise were nowhere near the ISO sensitivity levels we can squeeze out of our (H)DSLRs. Read more...

The best ways to avoid blurry images is to know how to hold your camera. Do you know how to do it? Read more...

Depth-of-field (DOF) is one of those things that can confuse a lot of new camera users. Yet, it is very important! Choosing the right combination of apertures and shutter speeds is initially hard to comprehend. This article is written to help you understand those relationships to help you control your image's look, while maintaining correct exposure. Read more...

At one thread, a member asking the question as to "which lens to get next?" was offered many opinions. One possible answer to this recurrent question was a lens pairing with lenses a bit wider and narrower than a 50mm lens. The 35mm and 85mm combination came up as a good pair to start with. This article compares how these two lenses render the same object. Read more...

I remember one sunny afternoon -about fifty years ago- in downtown Mexico City, glued to the window of Foto Rudiger, looking in awe at hundreds of lenses in display. Why are there so many lenses? I asked my father. His answer: "Because lenses are designed for specific purposes, subjects, situations and needs, including budgets." Read more...

Whether you already own or plan to get a good tripod, they don't work alone. Tripods benefit from all the help you can give them, even the very best; more so if there is some wind. What are the proven tripod technique practices? Read more...

The search for the “perfect camera” is as old as photography itself. When you ask anyone what their opinion is on this topic, you will get as many answers as there are photographers. Your best answer will come from your own head, after you resolve the same issues you would personally be facing when choosing a golf club, cricket bat or tennis racquet.How do plan to use it? What is your ultimate goal? And (most important) How much money can I spend? Read more...