6. Becoming familiar with the exposure mode!

In the AUTO mode, your camera sets almost all parameters automatically. This means that you can specify a limited number of parameters.
D50 allows you to set the noise filter, image quality, and image size even in the AUTO mode. However, you cannot change the white balance and ISO sensitivity because they are set automatically. In addition, you cannot set the exposure compensation introduced in the fifth issue.
The AUTO mode does not present a variety of images, so Nikon provides the digital image program modes; each is represented by the corresponding icon. The latter mode is very convenient because it sets various parameters automatically so that the resulting photo shows a specified image.

<01>
Turn the exposure mode dial to AUTO or any of the digital image program modes.

<02>
Adjustable menus are limited.

<03>
The exposure compensation (brightness of picture) is disabled.

If the mode dial is turned to P, S, or A, the number of adjustable menus increases. You can compensate the exposure.
This means these modes allow you to use various functions incorporated into your camera. An increase in the functions may seem difficult for you, but it is not necessary to set all menus in the first step. Let's use only the exposure compensation.
By the way, P, S, and A refer to the program mode, shutter-priority mode, and aperture-priority mode, respectively. Concerning the last two modes, priority is given to the shutter speed or to the aperture defining the diameter of a lens.
To display all the menus, set "Switch Menu Display" to "Advanced Menus" under "Setup Menus."

<04>
Turn the mode dial to the P, S, or A mode.

<05>
You can use almost all menus.

<06>
Of course, you can correct the exposure.

"M" means manual. In the M mode, you can set the same menus as in the P, A, or S mode, but the exposure compensation is disabled.
The manual mode allows you to use the command dial and exposure compensation button to specify an aperture value and shutter speed independently. See the operation manual for your camera, because how to set these parameters varies depending on the models.
Note that with the custom setup function, users can change the operating method as they wish.

<07>
Turn the mode dial to the M mode.

<08>
Hold down the exposure compensation button and turn the command dial to change the aperture value (f-number).

<09>
Turn the command dial to change the shutter speed.

The shutter speed refers to the length of time during which the shutter in front of the CCD (Charge Coupled Device) opens. In other words, the CCD is exposed to light-a picture is taken-during the time the shutter is open.
Note that the speed does not mean the velocity at which the shutter itself moves.
Anyone knows that when the shutter release is pressed, the camera makes a sound and takes a picture. This sound is generated when the mirror in the body moves up and down before and after the shutter opens.
Anyhow, strain your ears and listen to it.

<10>
A shutter speed of 60 means that the shutter opens for 1/60 seconds.

<11>
Let your ear come into contact with your camera. A loud sound!

<12>
When the shutter opens, the CCD is exposed to light, and a photo is taken.

In the M or S mode, you can change the shutter speed.
D50 has a maximum value of 4000, which means 1/4000 seconds. The shutter opens for a very brief moment.
By gradually decreasing the value, you get to 2 (one half second), followed by 1" (one second), and 2" (two seconds). Finally, you reach bulb. This means valve; the shutter remains open as long as the shutter release is pressed.
Note that a significant change in shutter speed in the S mode causes the display of HI or LO in the aperture (f-number) field of the LCD monitor. These symbols warn you that the aperture is out of its adjustable range. Check that over- or under-exposure occurs when HI or LO appears, respectively.

<13>
LO warns you that the exposure is under its lower limit. The value of 4000 means that the shutter opens for 1/4000 seconds.

<14>
HI warns you that the exposure is over its upper limit. A quotation mark next to the shutter speed (1") means the second(s).

<15>
The setting bulb means that the shutter remains open as long as the shutter release is pressed.

Next, let's see what is changed by setting different aperture values (f-numbers) in the M or A mode.
Press the shutter release while looking in at the lens. You can see something like a hole in the lens when pressing the shutter release. This hole is called the aperture. If you cannot see it because the speed is too high, set a slower value for the shutter speed.
The smaller the aperture value (f-number), the larger the hole diameter, and vice versa. Please be sure of it. Note that the setting is inversely proportional to the aperture diameter.

<16>
Change the aperture setting (f-number).

<17>
The smaller the setting, the larger the hole.

<18>
The larger the setting, the smaller the hole.

The S mode specifies a shutter speed-you can adjust shake of a subject. The degree of blur varies depending on the moving speed of the subject and the focal length of the lens. Try a shot while changing the setting significantly.
Your camera automatically adjusts the aperture depending on shutter speed settings, which means that the brightness of the resulting photo has no difference between the S and AUTO modes. Unlike the AUTO mode, the S mode, of course, allows you to use the exposure compensation function to change the brightness or darkness of photos.

<19>
The S mode is suitable for adjusting shake.

<20>
High shutter speed captures the moment, resulting in a stationary image.

<21>
Low shutter speed makes a blur representing movement.

The A mode specifies an f-number to adjust the degree of bokeh, blurring of the background.
Your camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed so that the brightness of the photos does not vary. You can correct the exposure to get the appropriate brightness.
A large f-number brings the background into focus, while a small setting blurs it significantly.
Use a wide-angle lens to bring the background into focus, or a telephoto lens to blur it significantly.

<22>
The A mode is suitable for blurring the background differently.

<23>
A large f-number brings the background into focus.

<24>
A small f-number blurs the background significantly.

In the P mode, your camera specifies a combination of shutter speed and aperture settings automatically.
Therefore, using only the P mode cannot adjust shake or blur. However, the flexible programming function with it allows you to freely change the combination of shutter speed and aperture settings with the brightness of photos kept constant.
The operation is easy; you have only to turn the control dial. With this function, you can have control in the P mode as well as the S or A mode. Moreover, you will not encounter an error message like HI or LO in the S mode.

<25>
Enter the P mode.

<26>
A combination of shutter speed and aperture settings is determined automatically.

<27>
The flexible programming function allows you to freely change the combination while the brightness of the photos remains constant.