Camera Settings

I have been struggling with camera settings and focus and metering and exposure and should I go on? :)

So, for the record (my record) these are the settings I am sticking with for a while (when shooting people):

auto focus single mode (not continuous)
single AF point (not dynamic)
spot metering usually
ISO as low as I can get away with
manual mode
no flash

These are also some custom settings on my camera that I am going to try:

• Image Sharpening: Auto (default).
• Tone Compensation (contrast): Auto (default). The D200 automatically adjusts its contrast and dynamic range to each and every shot.
  Color Mode: III (three).
• Saturation: +
• Hue: 0 (Default)

I hope they work out. Maybe this will be my big "Ah-Ha" moment.