How to Shoot Fast Moving Objects Without Flash With a Nikon D40X

The right settings can freeze a fast-moving subject.

Fast moving objects provide an interesting dilemma for amateur photographers who aren't accustomed to tinkering with the settings on their cameras. While the default settings might produce acceptable quality, the image will turn out much better if you are able to adjust the shutter speed, ISO and aperture to the optimal settings. The Nikon D40X features a robust menu system you can use to easily tweak your camera to give you the best possible image.

Instructions

1. Turn the power switch on the D40X clockwise to turn on the camera. The power switch is located above the shutter release button on the right side of the camera.

2. Push down on the flash chamber, at the top of the camera, to close it. As long as this chamber is closed, the flash will not fire. If the chamber was already closed, continue on to the next step.

3. Turn the mode dial, located on the right side of the camera at the top, so that the "M" is next to the line on the left side of the dial. This will put the camera into "Manual" mode and permit you to alter the image settings on your D40X.

4. Press the "Info" button, just under the shutter release, to bring up the shooting information display on the LCD.

5. Turn the command dial, located near the top of the camera on the right side, to adjust the shutter speed. The shutter speed is listed in the middle of the LCD, just to the right of the large shutter circle. Rotate the device until it reads "500," which represents a shutter speed of 1/500 of a second. The D40X can go down to 1/4000 of a second but you will need bright light on the subject for the image to come out at that speed. If you are in good light, consider reducing the shutter speed to freeze fast motion better.

6. Press and hold the "+/-" button, just below the shutter release, while you turn the command dial to change the F/Stop setting on the D40X. This number is listed to the right of the shutter speed on the LCD. Choose "F/1," which is the largest aperture setting on the D40X.

7. Press the magnifying glass, on the left side of the LCD, to access the menu on the right side of the display. Scroll down to "ISO" and press "OK." Scroll down to "1600" and press "OK" to set the ISO. The ISO determines the sensitivity of the camera's sensor; higher numbers mean a more sensitive sensor.

8. Point the D40X at your subject. Press the shutter release halfway down to focus on the subject, then push it the rest of the way to take your picture. With fast-moving subjects, ensure that not much time passes between when you half-press the shutter release and when you take the picture, as the subject can move out of focus.

Tips & Warnings

• These settings are suitable for many fast moving subjects, but the best settings will depend on numerous factors including type of lens, subject lighting, background lighting and ambient lighting. If you find too much noise in your picture, reduce the ISO. If the image is too dark, decrease the shutter speed. If your images are overexposed in places, decrease your aperture (that is, use a larger F/Stop number).

• If you want to create a blur effect, where the subject is frozen but the background is blurry, decrease the shutter speed. Snap the subject as it passes you, moving the camera with the subject while the shutter is open. This process takes considerable practice to get right so that the subject is in focus and sharp while the background is blurry.

References

• Nikon USA: D40X User Manual
• AdvancedPhotography.net; Master the Art of Action Photography in Eight Easy Steps; November 2006
• Silber Studios: Sports Photography Tips, Best Digital Camera Settings for Action Shots
• Digital Photography School; Mastering Panning - Photographing Moving Subjects; Darren Rowse