New DSLR - Urgent help needed.

[CHIEF]

Ok i've bloody left this until the last minute as per usual but i purchased a Nikon D3000 and this is (for me) my first decent camera, My old one was a 40 quid point and squirt which was to be frank pretty crap.

So after reading what i can and looking on the t'internet and after taking quite a few practice shots my pictures as i was expecting are probably little if any better than my cheap camera.

So what i need is an idiots quick guide to using my camera, The reason i'm panicking is my better half is due to give birth tomorrow so i'm sat here fiddling with my camera not knowing what the feck to do.

The only pics i've really taken is in 'auto' mode and they are pretty crap.

I knew buying a DSLR wouldn't make me David Baily overnight but i'll admit i was a little blasé with regards to setting the camera up.

If anyone could point me at some basics then that would be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers.

[Simpo Two]

It's busy tonight!

PM me and I'll send you my Idiot's Guide.

[MarkRSi]

Swap for my Panasonic FZ28? Its got a 27-486mm zoom (which would cost a sqillion quid in lenses for your D3000) and the auto mode is good too

[RobDickinson]

Hm on auto and shooting jpb, in good light its not going to be showing off its capabilities at all.

[CHIEF]

Simpo Two said:

It's busy tonight!

PM me and I'll send you my Idiot's Guide.

Massive thanks for taking the time to send me the in depth advice.

Very much appreciated.