Nikon D5000

As a food blogger there is nothing better than a great photo of the food you just prepared. I am always inspired by the countless amazing food photos on many of the food blogs I visit, they are inspiring and some a work of art. I have been happy with my camera, I am not taking magazine style photos or anything, but with the right lighting I can at least get something presentable.

But I was recently introduced to a whole new world of photography. While attending a friends wedding I became impressed by some friends dSLR cameras. Not only did they have great rapid firing power, but the image quality was incredible.

After seeing the photos those cameras produced and knowing that I was going on a trip to Europe, I could not resist buying myself a dSLR camera, not that it was in the budget. After much research (as much as one can do in a short period of time) I decided on the Nikon D5000. Some of the key features of this camera include:

12.9 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (effective pixels: 12.3 million)
2.7" tilt and swivel LCD monitor (230,000 dots)
Movie capture at up to 1280 x 720 (720p) 24 fps with mono sound
Live View with contrast-detect AF, face detection and subject tracking
Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake)
11 AF points (with 3D tracking)
IS0 200-3200 range (100-6400 expanded)
4 frames per second continuous shooting (buffer: 7 RAW, 25 JPEG fine, 100 JPEG Normal)
Expeed image processing engine
Extensive in-camera retouching including raw development and straightening
Connector for optional GPS unit (fits on hot shoe)
New battery with increased capacity
72 thumbnail and calendar view in playback

I figured if I was going to splurge on a camera of this calibre I should learn how to get the most out of it. Therefore I took Part 1 on how to use the Nikon D5000, which was a 3.5 hour course offered by Henry's on some of the functions the camera offers and when to use them.

Once I return from my trip I will take Part 2 which is more about the creative uses of the camera. With the courses and practice I hope to improve my food photos, as well as produce some stunning travel photos. But it is more complex than point and shoots and requires that I think about each situation to get the best shot possible (the lighting, the subject, the foreground, background, shutter speed, aperture, exposure, forced flash, metering etc…). It is overwhelming at times.