How to Use Nikon D3500? – Getting Started
No matter, if you are a beginner or a professional in the photography world, getting a deep understanding of how to use the Nikon D3500 DSLR camera, is quite essential. Even though you may find it easier to handle in comparison to other camera models, the random menu options may prove confusing now and then.
So, referring to the following guidelines and instructions can help you during its usage and handling for the first time.
Getting started
Photo Shooting Menu
The Photo Shooting Menu of this camera would come along with some of the most crucial settings. So, while using the camera for the first time, try going for the settings recommended below.
Image quality: Keep it as NEF (RAW) and you can then expect an improved image quality than JPEG. Still, that may come along with larger files to process, so you can adjust it according to your photography style.
Image size: Try to opt for “L” for enhanced JPEG image or “M” or “S” in case you are looking for lower resolution and smaller file sizes.
ISO sensitivity settings
ISO sensitivity: keeping it around ISO 100 would work with any photography style ( unless you are using it in a low-light setting
Auto ISO sensitivity control: Keep it on unless the lighting within the surroundings comes as an issue
Shutter speed
Keep it at Auto for your normal photography requirements but go for manual shutter speed in case you are shooting a fast-moving subject.
White balance: Keep it AUTO unless the lighting is an issue within the surroundings
Set Picture Control: Keep it set to STANDARD unless you want to make some desirable changes in the image settings.
Color space: You must opt for sRGB if you are shooting JPEG. Also, you can opt for Adobe RGB if you like shooting RAW
Active D-Lighting: Keep it OFF, especially if you are shooting RAW
Noise reduction: Keep it ON for JPEG and OFF for RAW, as it doesn’t have any impact on RAW images
Vignette control: Keep this setting ON for JPEG and OFF for RAW
Auto distortion control: Keep it ON for JPEG and OFF for RAW
Focus mode: Opt for AF-C in case you are shooting action via the viewfinder and AF-S in case you Are capturing still images
AF Area Mode: Go for Dynamic-area AF in most cases.
Metering: Opt for your desired setting from the “i” button. Select matrix metering in most cases.
Movie Settings
Frame size/frame rate: Keep it around 1920×1080; 24p for a normal high-quality movie recording
Movie quality: keep it as High quality
Microphone: Opt for AUTO
Wind noise reduction: Always keep it ON
Manual movie settings: Keep it ON and it will ensure adjusting the shutter speed and ISO manually for your required videos in manual mode
Setup Menu
The SETUP menu would require you to make one-time adjustments to certain features and controls. For example, you don’t need to change the language, time zone, and copyright information that often, so just set them once and leave it like that forever.
Format memory card: Opt for “YES” only when you are required to delete all the photos available on the memory card. Do remember that once the photos are deleted, you cannot secure them back.
Still, the option can be chosen in case you have transferred all of the images and videos to the computer or an external hard disk.
Date stamp: keep it OFF
Monitor brightness: Keep it at 0 – unless you are shooting in extremely bright conditions.
Checking down important buttons and controls
Assign AE-L/AF-L button: Keep the AF-On for best results with your captured shots and videos.
Shutter-release button AE-L: Keep it OFF
AF activation: Keep it OFF
Rangefinder: This option helps the viewfinder during the usage of manual focus, so you can keep it ON or OFF as per your requirements.
File number sequence: Keep it ON
Storage folder: You are not required to make any changes to this folder as the camera automatically creates new folders on the memory card once each folder gets filled with 999 photos.
Bottomline for How to use D3500
The settings and controls mentioned above would help you during the first-time usage of the Nikon D3500. However, you can make changes to the same depending on your personal photography needs and requirements.
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