7 replies to this topic

[MPB]

I have a D3500, am new to photography and I am keen to get out of automatic mode to use more of the camera's functions. I have started using P mode, but when I move the Command Dial, the values showing for the aperture and shutter speed do not change. I also can not physically detect any changes when taking pictures in P mode with the Command Dial moved left or right. The P indicator changes to P*, but that is all that I can see occurs.

Am I missing something, or doing something wrong, missing a step etc.

Thank you for any advice.

[Jerry_]

The D3500 is a camera that is mostly menu driven. I think you will have to use the i-key button to get to the aperture and shutterspeed settings to change them in P mode.

Try to use the A and S modes, here the dial will allow you to change the aperture (in A mode) and shutterspeed (in S mode)[/i]

[MPB]

Thank you Jerry for your reply.  Using the i-key button did not seem to cause any changes, but I like your suggestion that I use the A and S modes.  I am keen to experiment in varying the aperture and shutterspeed, and using a full manual mode, so there is no real worry to me that I am unable alter the aperture and shutterspeed in P mode.  I mainly just wanted to get an idea of what settings the camera chooses.

Thanks again.

Matt

[Jerry_]

Matt,
I could get my hands on a D5100 to check.
(So what’s hereafter applies to a D5100, but should be the same on a D3500)

Indeed, the semi automatic P mode only allows for changing the parameters like ISO, but not the Aperture or Shutterspeed.

In M mode, the command dial changes by default the shutterspeed. If you press the +- (with the aperture icon next to it) the command dial changes the aperture.

[MPB]

Hi Jerry.

Thanks again for your help, and offer re the manual. I have downloaded the manual, but couldn't find anything more. I will take your earlier advice and push on in either full or part manual modes. Have a photography excursion planned for next week, and am looking forward to that and just experimenting with the camera.

Thanks again for all your help and for taking the time to help.

Cheers.

Matt

[Nikon Shooter]

P will take over all decisions.
A and S will grant you some levels of decisions.
M is for when you want to have all controls on everything — my pick.

Yes, in any case, the RFM strategy is the better way to go.

[MPB]

Thank you Nikon Shooter. Very sound advice, and the more I use the camera the more I use the manual modes. So much so that my initial question is really pretty redundant now. Still have heaps of experimenting and learning to do, but am enjoying it.

[Nikon Shooter]

… learning to do, but am enjoying it.

That makes you recidivist… you know that?