How do I set my Nikon D40 to take pictures in a museum that does not allow flash?

I'll be catering a dinner at Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. Afterwards, we will be allowed to roam the place and take photos. I have the AF-S 18-55mm lens that came with my kit and it takes amazing photos outside and inside (when I use my flash, if needed). I have no idea where to begin or how to practice test shots for this dark environment.

How do I set my Nikon D40 to take pictures in a museum that does not allow flash?
If you can get a fast lens, that would help. You will need a wide aperture, and a fast lens will allow a wider one than a standard zoom. Set your ISO high, and expect noise. If they allow a tripod, use one. If not, practice holding very still while taking a shot, including holding your breath. Leaning on something will help some, if you can find a wall or column nearby. If you can't use a tripod, maybe you can prop your camera on something and use the self-timer.
Reply:if you don't know how to work the apature and shutter, I'd suggest to just switch it to the automatic but no flash mode. it should be the symbol with the lightning crossed out.


Like this http://imgsrv.worldstart.com/ct-images/c...
Reply:There would be a simple button on the side which you let you swtich off the flash, and get a stand, change exposure settings etc...o/w they wont come good
Reply:With a special event like this you may want to consider renting a faster lens. One with an aperture number thats low, like f/2.8 or f/2.0 or f/1.8. That way you will be able to use your camera in low light settings without the use of flash. A lower aperture number = a wider aperture (more light coming into the lens), also = a shallower depth of field (main subject is in focus but the background is blurred).





You can also bump up your ISO but the digital noise will get annoying above 400. Your only option may be to go above 400 but keep in mind that you will not get gallery quality results.





Keep an eye on your shutter speed. If your planning on hand held and you have a pretty steady hand try to keep the shutter speed faster than the lenses length (in your case a 55mm lens should shoot at 1/100th of a second, a 300mm lens should shoot at 1/500th a second or faster).





Put it in Aperture priority mode


Set the ISO to 400


Set the aperture as wide as you can, lowest number possible. Your lens has a variable aperture so at 18mm its further open than at 55mm. Thats how it works because you dont have a 2k dollar lens so dont bug out and get used to that part of it.


Stay as steady as you can


And manually set your white balance. Cameras get easily confused in low light.
Reply:Pretty dim in museums, so, handheld:





--- Set Auto ISO to kick in at 1/125 second


--- Put camera in A mode and open 'er wide


--- Set white balance for whatever the light is (or use NEF)


--- Brace the camera on something, or hold firmly


--- To minimize distortion, back off a little from widest zoom angle


--- Squeeze trigger smoothly or use self-timer





On a tripod, all of the above except





--- Set ISO to lowest number -- don't use Auto ISO


--- Set aperture to f5.6 or so


--- Activate with the self-timer





Have fun -- hope this helps.

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