Programme-Auto mode

[AMRAN028]

Hi,

Your help is really appreciated.

I am confused with Programmed-Auto (P) mode on my Nikon D40. I understand that if I want to use different shutter speed or f-stop combination with a given exposure, I just have to rotate the command dial to right/left (right being the higher shutter speed or larger aperture). However, when I perform this, I cannot see any changes in the shutter speed or f-stop combination on the LCD display. I use “Graphic mode” for the LCD display. Since I cannot see the changes in combination, how could I check the shutter speed/aperture measurement?

Thanks.

Amran

[Ginger Pixie]

If you want to change the aperture or whatever, why shoot in program auto? I reckon your best bet if you want to experiment in manual mode. That way at least you can rescue it with your RAW file if you make the wrong choice...

[DannyF1966]

On my D40 if I turn the dial all the way to the right so the aperture doesn't change any more, and then keep turning it, I have to turn the dial several clicks to the left to "undo" all the right-hand clicks before the f-stop begins to alter. So maybe you just need to turn the dial more!

[kencaleno]

Originally Posted by AMRAN028

Hi,

Your help is really appreciated.

I am confused with Programmed-Auto (P) mode on my Nikon D40. I understand that if I want to use different shutter speed or f-stop combination with a given exposure, I just have to rotate the command dial to right/left (right being the higher shutter speed or larger aperture). However, when I perform this, I cannot see any changes in the shutter speed or f-stop combination on the LCD display. I use “Graphic mode” for the LCD display. Since I cannot see the changes in combination, how could I check the shutter speed/aperture measurement?

Thanks.

Amran

To see the different combinations,Just press shutter button halfway,then spin command dial. between each combination. Ken

[AMRAN028]

Hi Ken,

I've done what you instructed but I still don't see any changes in f-stop/shutter speed combination. Is it something to do with my lense (18-200 VR lense)? ;-(

[inkista]

It could be. Every lens has a maximum aperture, past which it can't be opened any more. with your 18-200 lens, it's given as f/3.5-f/5.6. So, @18mm, you can't go any wider (smaller f-number) than f/3.5, and @200mm, you can't go any wider than f/5.6. If you're trying to set the camera to go wider than the max, it's just stopping at the limit.

[dcclark]

Originally Posted by kencaleno

To see the different combinations,Just press shutter button halfway,then spin command dial. between each combination. Ken

Rotating the command dial (no need for holding the shutter halfway down) will show you the changing shutter and aperture combinations through the viewfinder.

I have no idea why they're not showing up on the back, but I highly recommend getting used to looking through the viewfinder to see your shutter and aperture.

[beth0b]

The problem is that you are in Program mode. You need to be in either A (aperture) mode or S (shutter) or M (manual) mode in order to change the shutter speed or aperture. I would suggest switching it to either A or S mode first, before you leap into manual territory. So to change the aperture, switch it to A, and using the command dial you will be able to change the aperture. The camera will automatically set a shutter speed for you, for a correct exposure. Same thing with S mode to change the shutter speed, where you will choose the shutter speed and the camera will select an appropriate aperture. In program mode, its still all automatic.

[dcclark]

Program mode (at least on Nikons) also lets you change shutter/aperture, but only to certain equivalent exposures -- so for example, if the camera meters 1/500 f/8, then clicking the dial left or right will take you to 1/250 f/9 or 1/1000 f/7.1. It's a handy feature, and lets you have a bit of flexibility without having to choose the aperture or shutter speed entirely on your own.