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Hello Everyone!

I have a few questions that I can't find answers to in the D50 manual. I am hoping that all of you might be able to lend a hand (keeping in mind that I am new to SLR photography and I have the kit lens).

1 - While using spot metering and manual focus what spot does the camera meter? The center, or whichever of the 5 focus areas is selected?

2 - While using manual focus and either center weighted, or matrix metering what purpose do the 5 focus areas serve if they are not being used for focusing or metering? Does it matter which of the 5 focus areas I select when shooting in this mode.

3 - When in either shutter priority mode or manual mode why can't I get my shutter speed turned passed 1/500? From the manual I should be able to go all the way to 1/5000 but I am maxing out at 1/500. Does the max shutter speed have anything to do with the lens? I know that the aperture bottoms out at like 5.6 because that is a limitation of the lens so is the max shutter speed related to the lens? If not then how do I go faster than 1/500?

4 - Focus - from what I understand the camera selects AF-A as a default and AF-A automatically selects between AF-S and AF-C. AF-S is designed to focus on a stationary object like a portrait or scenery. Can anyone give me an example of how they use AF-C? I understands that it tracks the subject that is moving and can better focus on a moving object so I spent an hour or so last night waving my hand in front of the lens switching between modes trying to figure it out. In AF-C how do I take advantage of this setting for taking good pictures of kids, pets, or other things that are never sitting still?

5 - Book - has anyone seen or used a book, field guide, video, or website that gives better step by step instructions on how to put some of the features of this camera to use?

Any help would be great!!!

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1/ It uses whichever focus point is selected

2/ Good question, I'll check tomorrow. I think it still takes the selected point as the centre.

3/ That isn't normal, mine goes to 1/4000, the maximum. I can only suggest you take the lens off and refit it, better still try a different lens

4/ I have mine set at AF-C all the time. It is very good for tracking moving subjects and only fires when it has a focus which is great. I have the AE-L/AF-L button set to AF lock so I can press that if I want to lock the focus or overide it. I also have it on burst mode all the time. I haven't really tried AF-A and I wouldn't suggest the way I do is best, it just suits me.

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