How to increase the aperture in Nikon D3000?

[DSLR Newbie]

Hi guys,
Please read the whole problem first before responding.

I'm trying to set a wider aperture for my Nikon D3000 (bigger than f5), but it doesn't allow me. I've tried "A" (Aperture priority) as well as "M" (Manual Setting) Modes. Wait, there's more.

The photo data for the photos that i took in the very beginning (when I got the Camera) on the preset settings (Close Up / Portrait) shows aperture as large as f3.8. I didn't change the lens.

The lens inscription says "AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6G".

Anyone who can help?

[RLucas]

It can't go any wider. This lens doesn't have a constant aperture. It is variable depending on the zoom. At the wide end, the largest aperture you will have is 3.5, and zoomed, the widest aperture you will have is 5.6. In the data you gave, you were probably shooting at the wider end, around 19 or 20mm.

[Jim Bryant]

As Rlucas said, you're limited with the f-stop of those lenses. You need to go out and purchase the faster lenses in order to get the results you seek.

[DSLR Newbie]

Thanks a lot. Didn't know that. Thanks again.

[ejs0035]

Hi I have the d3000 aswell and am just reading your question and the answers...are they saying that the aperture you can use on the camera depends on the lense you attach??..so If I was to buy a different lense I would be able to use other aperture than the ones I can use at the moment??

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by ejs0035

Hi I have the d3000 aswell and am just reading your question and the answers...are they saying that the aperture you can use on the camera depends on the lense you attach??..so If I was to buy a different lense I would be able to use other aperture than the ones I can use at the moment??

That's exactly it. That's basics!

[Shokinen]

Originally Posted by ejs0035

...are they saying that the aperture you can use on the camera depends on the lense you attach??..

That's why some lens are 130$ and some are 1500$ for the same focal lenght. The 18-55 f3.5-5.6 is the entry level while the 18-55 f2.8 is geared towards more specific use.
(that and other feature like magnesium body, better optics, better coating, etc.)