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maximum of 1,600 (or any ISO you choose) as it gets darker. Only if it gets still darker will it let the
shutter speed go below 1/15 at ISO 1,600, exactly as I'd do manually.
I explain how to set Auto ISO and select the shutter speed at which the ISO starts to increase and
the maximum ISO to which it will increase in the Custom Setting 10 (page 30).
I set Auto ISO to 1,600 max because the noise from the D40 at ISO 1,600 looks much better than
blur. I set 1/15 because my Nikon 18-200mm and the kit 18-55mm lens gives great results down
to 1/15. I adjust the lowest shutter speed setting in the AUTO ISO menu if I change conditions or
lenses. Unlike film, my D40 looks great at high ISOs, so I use them anytime I need them.
More details on setting ISO at the ISO Menu (page 25).
WHITE BALANCE
I use AUTO and a clear UV filter to protect my lens. The D40 has a much warmer color balance
than earlier cameras like the D70 so I don't need the 81A filter or the -3 trim. See examples of
different settings here (page 50) and details on my White Balance (page 44) page. White balance
is how you set the color balance, and color is critical. It's also personal preference. Use whatever
looks right to you. My D40's LCD is very accurate. If it looks different in print or on your computer,
your printer or computer are out of calibration.
Luckily AUTO works great most of the time. I look at my LCD, and if it's not right, I'll set it to
whatever looks good. Usually that's the Direct Sun or Cloudy positions. These settings give much
warmer results than earlier cameras. I rarely use the warmer Shade setting on my D40 while I
used Shade often on my D1H and D70.
OPTIMIZE IMAGE
This is set in the Shooting Menu (page 21). I crave vivid color! I tweak my D40 to give color as
vivid as I can get. If it went to 11 I'd use that, too. I go to MENU > Shooting Menu (green camera
icon) > Optimize Image > Custom. Here's how I set each item under Custom:
Image Sharpening: Auto (default).
Tone Compensation (contrast): Auto (default). The D40 automatically adjusts its contrast
and dynamic range to each and every shot. It works great.
Color Mode: IIIa (three-a, default). This gives brighter colors than the other modes. Color
mode II is pronounced "two" and not to be confused with 11 (eleven). You don't want Mode II even
if you could use it. Details are here (page 24).
Saturation: +, of course. This gives brighter colors that the default.
Hue: 0 (Default). Don't touch this! it will subtly mess around with your colors. Leave it at 0.
After setting this it's critical to save it by selecting " Done" and clicking to the right actively to select
OK. If you forget to hit OK it won't remember all these settings!
© 2007 KenRockwell.com 8 converted by Sándor Nagy