Need Help

[Gwenise]

I am new to photography and am just starting to learn the Manual setting on my Nikon d3000.
So heres my question. I am using either the 18-55mm or the 55-200mm VR lenses and I can seem to figure out how to shoot in low light setting outside around 4-6pm while my kids are outside playing. either the shutter speed is to slow and I get a giant blur or the shutter speed is too fast and I get a black image since the Apeture wasnt set right. is there a way to get a lot of light while still having a fast shutter speed?

[Skoropada]

Originally Posted by Gwenise

I am new to photography and am just starting to learn the Manual setting on my Nikon d3000.
So heres my question. I am using either the 18-55mm or the 55-200mm VR lenses and I can seem to figure out how to shoot in low light setting outside around 4-6pm while my kids are outside playing. either the shutter speed is to slow and I get a giant blur or the shutter speed is too fast and I get a black image since the Apeture wasnt set right. is there a way to get a lot of light while still having a fast shutter speed?

You should probably use a higher ISO rating.

[Gwenise]

its set at 400 right now...i thought that was the general setting...should I up it to 800? or jump to 1600?

[Skoropada]

Originally Posted by Gwenise

its set at 400 right now...i thought that was the general setting...should I up it to 800? or jump to 1600?

That actually depends on the available light, but you should aim at a shutter speed over 1/125 s. Based on that you should check you meter and select aperture and ISO accordingly.

[Gwenise]

Thanks for helping me out.
silly question...where is my meter?? LOL..is it on my camera or something I have to buy seperate (sorry for the noob question)

[Niresangwa]

Don't be too hasty to rush into using manual mode. It's one thing to feel like you have a grasp on exposure and it's components, it's another to apply it.

There's nothing wrong with using auto and semi-auto modes. Sometimes people feel they're not using the camera's capabilities, or they're 'lesser photographers' if they shoot anything other than M.

The truth of the matter is that while it's noble to aspire to have full control and be able to do everything yourself, letting the camera make decisions in the beginning can be a great learning tool..

...let it make decisions, then figure out why it decided to do what it did. Did it get it right? If it didn't, why not?

In short, you paid good money for a smart camera, and that company as invested billions of dollars over decades to produce this little black miracle in your hands.

Trying to do too much too soon can discourage you, and also impede your own growth.

Work in Auto for a while, and learn non-technical aspects such as finding light and composition.. study the results and gradually take over from the camera, rather than putting pressure on yourself and producing images that are less than deserved.

[Tito87]

Originally Posted by Gwenise

its set at 400 right now...i thought that was the general setting...should I up it to 800? or jump to 1600?

You can do that, but the NikonD3000 is not so good at handling noise: you're probably going to get noisy images. I think that between 4pm and 6pm (this time of year), you should be able to get a decent exposure without having to set your ISO so high.

[Gwenise]

Thanks Nire..Ill do that..I had the mindset you just talked about, that I wasn't doing it right unless I was shooting in manual. and I was starting to get discouraged...

[Gwenise]

Originally Posted by Tito87

You can do that, but the NikonD3000 is not so good at handling noise: you're probably going to get noisy images. I think that between 4pm and 6pm (this time of year), you should be able to get a decent exposure without having to set your ISO so high.

So i should leave it at 400? and if I set the camera to auto do I still need to set the ISO or does it do that for me?

[Skoropada]

Originally Posted by Gwenise

Thanks for helping me out.
silly question...where is my meter?? LOL..is it on my camera or something I have to buy seperate (sorry for the noob question)

It's item 15 in this picture



Nikon D3000 Camera Viewfinder - Full Review

It has to be in 0 for a correct exposure.

Niresangwa's advice is very good.