Whenever I take pictures with the manual setting they always turn out dark.

Question

I just got a Nikon D40 and I obviously don't know how to work it too well, so please, bear with me, I'm trying to learn.
So I have it on the manual setting and everytime I take a picture they just show up dark.
I've read the section in the camera guide and it's not really helping.
So uh yeah, how do I work the manual setting?
And yes, I do have the lens cap off.

Answer 1

You're not letting in enough light. You need a slower shutter speed, a wider aperture (smaller f number) higher ISO, or a combination of the three. Try a picture on program mode and see what your camera recommends. Then try on aperture or shutter priority (A or S), then you'll get a better idea of what settings to use in manual mode. Good luck and happy shooting!

Answer 2

NOTE: Okay, now that we know you do have some knowledge. There is a reciprocity that goes with shutter speed and aperture opening - and they run opposite, and you apparently were running them in the same direction.



Try to remember this rule - to keep the exposures accurate when you adjust one, you must adjust the other in the opposite direction.



Smaller aperture, longer shutter speed

Larger aperture, shorter shutter speed



Put the camera on the Auto (A) or Program (P) setting. Manual setting requires you to determine the shutter speed and aperture opening - and you obviously don't know how to do that yet. If you leave it on auto, the camera will work like a point and shoot camera - and will automatically use the flash if there isn't enough light. The program setting gives you a few more options. I strongly suggest you take a beginner workshop through a local community service program or school, or go to a local camera shop and ask them to show you.



It's much more fun when you know more and can manage the equipment you are using. check out some of the beginner info at the links below and good luck!

Answer 3

The image you posted has both rather dark areas and a bright sky. The camera has averaged these areas to get a "middle-of-the-road" exposure, and overexposed somewhat. The dynamic range you were trying to capture exceeded the sensor's capability. So you have detail in the darker shadows, but the sky is blown. The best way to fix it is to learn how to set your own exposures, but that takes some time and effort. For now, if your camera constantly over-exposes, set the exposure compensation to a minus number and try again. Keep going with more minus comp until you like what you see. You may have to change the setting for different kinds of pictures. You might need -1.3 on a landscape, but only -.7 on your white haired Grandma. Your camera may need to be set on "P" (program) in order to change any settings, very often the "A" (auto) does not allow any changes to be made. I suggest the book "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson. Also check your library or bookstore for books on beginning photography. Start learning the technical stuff, then sit down with your camera manual and see what the controls do, how to access them and how the settings affect your photos. Then get out there and enjoy your new camera.

Answer 4

First of all, why are you in M (Manual) mode. Unless you want to get creative (and I mean, creative, as in the word creative, and am not being a smart you know what)--and adjust aperture and shutter speed yourself, leave it at AUTO mode.



That said, the camera, thank god, has a light meter. You can adjust the speed shutter first, then set the aperture so the little LCD thingie points to the MIDDLE. If it goes to the right, it's going to be too bright (over-exposed), to the left, it will be too dark, (underexposed).



Photography is fun, and I know it is a bit frustrating at first. I think a photography class would be helpful.

Answer 5

You really have to understand how aperture, ISO and shutter speed all work together if you're going to shoot in manual. It's not really something that someone can explain to you in a few minutes. But if your pictures are dark you simply aren't letting in enough light. You need to bump up the ISO or use a lower aperture number, use a lower shutter speed, use a flash or take the photo with better lighting. It's something that takes time and practice to learn.

Answer 6

http://forum.deviantart.com/galleries/photography/985422/



These people are talking about it also, it might help.



You might wanna change your shutter speed too.