Nikon D3000 Exposure Manual Mode

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BlueMoon

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This may seem like a really basic problem but I'm having such trouble figuring it out. I have a Nikon D3000.

Two questions really:

Firstly,
I want to take pictures of the night sky, when I read up about it it talks about 10-15minutes exposures, however when I set my camera to manual mode or even shutter speed priority and point it to the sky it says its too dark to take a picture. But isn't that the point that the longer you leave it open the more light which comes in. Even when I set it to max on the wheel it wont let me take when point at the sky.

It also seems that the wheel I use to get my shutter speed doesn't even seem to go up to 15 minutes.


The second problem I have is that when on manual mode, I can change the shutter speed but when I try and move on to changing the aperature it wont let me. I don't know how to change from setting one mode to another. They doesn't seem to be any ok button for me to say I'm happy with shutter now change aperature. As I want control of both.

If anyone can help me I'd be really grateful.
 
BlueMoon said:
This may seem like a really basic problem but I'm having such trouble figuring it out. I have a Nikon D3000.

Two questions really:

Firstly,
I want to take pictures of the night sky, when I read up about it it talks about 10-15minutes exposures, however when I set my camera to manual mode or even shutter speed priority and point it to the sky it says its too dark to take a picture. But isn't that the point that the longer you leave it open the more light which comes in. Even when I set it to max on the wheel it wont let me take when point at the sky.

It also seems that the wheel I use to get my shutter speed doesn't even seem to go up to 15 minutes.


The second problem I have is that when on manual mode, I can change the shutter speed but when I try and move on to changing the aperature it wont let me. I don't know how to change from setting one mode to another. They doesn't seem to be any ok button for me to say I'm happy with shutter now change aperature. As I want control of both.

If anyone can help me I'd be really grateful.
Click to expand...

Hi, I had a D3000 foer a while (really great starter camera...).

I'm a newbie so hope I get it right.

1. 10-15 minutes is just a guide. Best thing to do is have a go @ 10 minutes then review on LCD and histogram and adjust accordingly. Also keep en eye on your aperture size. Try bulb mode, if needed, just keep turning the dial and when it gets to 30 minutes it will change to bulb mode and will expose for as long as the shutter button is pressed.

2. Because you only have one wheel on the D3000, there is a button to change the wheel from adjusting the shutter speadd to aperture, I can't recall where it is but just check your manual.

I await to be corrected on the above.

For me it was trial and error with night photography, but I kept it up and I'm getting there.
 
In manual, the dial controls shutter speed.

Next to the on-off collar, you have a ± button with a small picture of a diaphragm next to it. Holding this button and turning the dial adjusts aperture in manual. A word of warning is that the Auto-ISO setting could ruin whatever you are trying to do.

As for longer exposure times, you probably have a 'bulb' setting which when coupled with a remote release will give you complete control.
 
Thanks guys, I manged to work both of them out :)

If bulb setting and holding down as long as I want to exposure for is the only way of getting the time I need do I need a extra device for the camera like a lead which I can press instead of the camera. I am wanting to do astro-photography, they seem to put it on a tripod and then leave it. Is there anyway I can do this for long periods of time.
 
You need a remote control, usually I'd adivse a wired one as they usually have a shutter lock button, which locks the shutter open and you dont have to stand there holding it, but Im not sure if if the D3000 has a connection for a wired remote, so you'll need to buy an IR wireless one, but Ive never used one of those, so not sure if they have the shutter lock.
 
BlueMoon said:
Thanks guys, I manged to work both of them out :)

If bulb setting and holding down as long as I want to exposure for is the only way of getting the time I need do I need a extra device for the camera like a lead which I can press instead of the camera. I am wanting to do astro-photography, they seem to put it on a tripod and then leave it. Is there anyway I can do this for long periods of time.
Click to expand...

I bought a Nikon IR remote to use with my D3000 and for what I needed it worked a treat. In bulb more, compose you photgraph and press the remote, then press again to close the shutter.

You'll need a stopwatch or somthing to time your exposure.

Unless you can buy and use a cable release which usually have a timer built in that you can use.

Cheers and i look forward you seeing some of your photographs...
 
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