D3100 tendency to overexpose . . .

[Ian D J]

As per the title, really.

I noticed that when I take photos on the D3100 using the Auto mode, it doesn't half like to overexpose (loss of detail and colour in blue/cloudy sky while horizon and below retains detail) - something I've never experienced with my older (and now sadly sold) D40.
When it comes to taking general outdoor shots in bright lighting, I used to get quite decent results with the D40, but the D3100 does seem to struggle a bit.

I know that by turning the dial to P and then changing the expsosure compensation down a notch or two (-0.3 or -0.7) then the problem is solved. I also make sure the ISO is as low as possible - at 100. But again, that was something I've never had to do on the D40.

Are there any other ways to compensate for the overexposure issue without having to manually adjust the exposure compensation?

Sorry if this does come across as a bit of a "noob" type question.

 

[Catdaddy]

From what I can gather, it's a known thing on recent Nikons, unfortunately... A lot of reviews I've seen on the D7000 said the same kind of thing...

You could try using a different kind of metering, perhaps, and switch to manual mode? I normally use spot... Or just switch to manual mode and get used to adjusting the shutter release time downwards for bright scenes?

 

[wallyboy]

try and shoot manually, put dial on m adjust aperture, then turn dial to correct exposure through viewfinder,

 

[Stu Meech]

I'm pretty sure there used to be a feature on the D40 to permanently change the exposure bias of the camera in a setting - i.e wind it down -0.3 or -0.7 all the time. This could be just the higher end nikons though - perhaps worth checking the manual and delving into the settings.

You could also try Active D-Lighting, if this is your cup of tea.

 

[Ian D J]

Ta for the responses and advices, guys! Indeed I think this will mean me moving away from the comfort of the Auto mode and experimentating with the murky depths of the manual settings as well as studying the magazine more and keep experimenting until I find a setting that suits me for "general everyday use".
The spot metering method is something I haven't tried though as the camera is set at matrix metering as default, so will give that a go.
I'm also glad to read that this "overexposure" issue appears to be a general thing with the D3100, and it's bigger brother and not just my camera.

Still love the camera, though! I took some photos of the recent Folkestone Charivari the other day under what was bright sunny conditions and the results were absolutely stunning (once I did use that exposure stop-down thing) - especially the colours.

Here's one of the photos I've taken . . .

Nothing wrong with that, eh? The photo I mean, not the content!

PS: I know it's the small hours as I type this. Went to bed early last night, slept beautifully but then suddenly became wideawake.com in the small hours. Force of habit as an ex-tomato farmer I guess as I used to get up at 3.45 am for work in the summer months.

 

[Northstander]

that's a great shot Ian D J...you really should try to use, at the very least, aperture or shutter priority mode (av or tv mode on nikons?) otherwise it is a bit of waste having a camera like the D3100 if you just shoot on auto.

And I don't mean that horribly, because this shot you've posted is great and you could get even better results in the semi manual modes (or even full manual).

 

[Ian D J]

that's a great shot Ian D J...you really should try to use, at the very least, aperture or shutter priority mode (av or tv mode on nikons?) otherwise it is a bit of waste having a camera like the D3100 if you just shoot on auto.

And I don't mean that horribly, because this shot you've posted is great and you could get even better results in the semi manual modes (or even full manual).

Indeed, while I have a small understanding of those various manual modes, and how various aperture settings and shutter speeds has an effect on the final image, I really should become less reliant on the Auto mode and start properly seeing what those other modes will suit best for me.
I think my homework over the next few days is to take myself somewhere quiet and bright (like Folkestone Harbour on a sunny afternoon - my favourite kind of photography situation ) and spend an afternoon taking various "test" outdoors shots (where everything are still and unchanging) using different manual settings as well as using the spot or center metering instead of the default matrix one.
And then see how I get on when it comes to taking photos of rapidly changing situations - like the recent Charivari (hence why I had it on Auto with exposure stop set permenantly to -0.7 as I was too afraid about spending too much time messing about with manual controls when all I wanted to do is to enjoy taking photos on the fly - something the D40 was very good at on Auto Mode, but felt like the D3100 did struggle a bit).

Guess I got a little too comfortable, now it's time to start getting serious.

 

[dejongj]

I had a very similar experience with my D7000 when I just got it. Almost immediately I tuned in -0.3eV. However now two months later and I've tamed the beast I find it is underexposing doh! I removed it. Similar thing with the focussing 'issues' being reported, there is a lot of very advanced technology and even in box standard auto mode it requires taming a little and upping your technical skill.

I think with the focal points and the metering etc they get a little to clever for their boots in Auto mode. I'm using user setting 2 on the D7000 to reduce a lot of the advanced functionality (like metering area and focal point, iso steps etc) so that I can give it to a complete novice and still get a decent picture out of it.

PS. You should buy the book Understanding Exposure, once you get it you'll never use the Auto mode yourself. It really is that good and only £9.95 on Amazon at the moment.

 

[Leslie]

I'm about half way through 'Understanding Exposure' just now and it's been brilliant.

On my recent holiday at the start of the week I was shooting with my D3100 mostly in 'P' mode and sometimes auto, by the end of the week I was mostly in 'A' or 'S' as the situation dictated. The thing I noticed though was that by the end of the week I was much faster in changing the settings and also much more confident that I knew the effect the changes would have.

 

[dejongj]

it is nice to get that control back and get the picture how you intended it isn't it!

 

[Ian D J]

Well, have occupied myself for a couple of hours experimenting with the camera and I'm starting to know what it's sweet spot is under harsh daylight lighting - whether it's with it's kits lens and the Sigma 70-300 mm lens (I've kept from the D40 days).

One thing I can say about the camera is that it likes dull conditions and indoors photography (without the flash) due to it being able to keep it quite noise-free at 1600 iso!