Nikon Question

PickleB

PickleB

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587
Name
Bob
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Why is the mode selection dial on different sides on various models of Nikon's DSLRs? I would have thought that it would help users if they standardised on either left or right.
 
I've never seen a mode selection dial - you hold the mode button and turn the rear wheel with your thumb - is that not what you mean?
 
awp said:
I've never seen a mode selection dial - you hold the mode button and turn the rear wheel with your thumb - is that not what you mean?
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I am guessinbg that it is the scene selection dial ala D80 D60 D3000 etc that Pickleb is talking about. Must confess that when I use my D80 I only tend to use it in aperture priority.
 
Davec223 said:
I am guessinbg that it is the scene selection dial ala D80 D60 D3000 etc that Pickleb is talking about. Must confess that when I use my D80 I only tend to use it in aperture priority.
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You're right Dave - that's the one. Nikon call it the mode dial:

4201843126_1f6c0da81d_o.jpg


... and it's on the left on the D70 D80 & D90 and on the right on the D40 D60 D3000 & D5000. The pro models don't have one, but have a mode button that works with the command dial (as awp mentioned). Sorry for the confusion!

I've been using a D40 lately and swapped from P (general use) to A (low light) to S (moving objects) quite regularly. While looking into getting a D90 I noticed that the dial was on the other side and wondered why this might be.
 
The lower models don't have the LCD screen on the top of the body and they are slightly smaller, so I don't think they would fit on the same side as the larger bodies. Seems the appropriate place to put it I guess.
 
And upper-end models just have M, S, A and 'P' for Professional...acessed via the mode button next to the shutter release.
 
Fuuudge said:
The lower models don't have the LCD screen on the top of the body and they are slightly smaller, so I don't think they would fit on the same side as the larger bodies. Seems the appropriate place to put it I guess.
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I think you're right; those without the LCD on top are generally 5" across and those with it are wider. So moving the dial to the right where when there isn't a LCD there allows for a smaller body overall. Thanks!

Arkady said:
And upper-end models just have M, S, A and 'P' for Professional...acessed via the mode button next to the shutter release.
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Make that P for Programmed Auto that Nikon say is used for "situations in which you want to leave the camera in charge of shutter speed and aperture".
 
PickleB said:
Make that P for Programmed Auto that Nikon say is used for "situations in which you want to leave the camera in charge of shutter speed and aperture".
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I think Rob was being slightly tongue in cheek with his 'professional' remark ;)


FWIW, I am not sure it really makes any difference. All the various buttons move around as you advance through the model range anyway, same as with any manufacturer, the only constants seemingly being the 2 dial wheels front and back [and even then its gone on some models] which when all is said and done are the only two you might need to constantly adjust shot to shot [aperture and shutter speed]. Just my opinion mind, but I am happy to swap between a D70s [with the dial] and a D300 [no such dial] without too many problems.
 
I may be in the minority here and perhaps it is because I started my photography with cameras that only had Manual. I think all these various scene modes on dials are just confusing.
Get to grips with Manual and enjoy the simplicity of it.
 
Moving from canon's to my D200 I didn't miss the scene modes at all. In fact, I don't think I used any of the modes bar M, Tv and Av on my 30D before so they were in effect, a waste of money. Glad I don't have them on m Nikons because there are much more important buttons in their place, namely the WB and Quality options.

Arclight, I'm with you on manual. I tend to shoot most of my work stuff on Av these days for ease of use but when it comes to off-camera flash or when shooting landscapes I always use manual. For me it comes down to having time; when you have oodles of it then you can be patient and use manual until the result comes
 
specialman said:
Moving from canon's to my D200 I didn't miss the scene modes at all. In fact, I don't think I used any of the modes bar M, Tv and Av on my 30D before so they were in effect, a waste of money. Glad I don't have them on m Nikons because there are much more important buttons in their place, namely the WB and Quality options.

Arclight, I'm with you on manual. I tend to shoot most of my work stuff on Av these days for ease of use but when it comes to off-camera flash or when shooting landscapes I always use manual. For me it comes down to having time; when you have oodles of it then you can be patient and use manual until the result comes
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Yes, a compromise I make is to have the camera on Aperture Priority when walking about in a case a quick shot presents itself, but otherwise use Manual.
 
M for Marines
 
:lol:


I agree with the scene modes. The only time one of them has been used on my camera is when I handed it to a friend to take a few pictures. I thought about trying to explain what to do but thought nah, stuff it and put it on full auto. I also never thought I would use that much of M in the first few months but I found myself using it quite a bit, especially at night and for landscape shots.
 
OutLore said:
I nearly used that the other day - glad I read that it's only for Professionals. :thumbs:

Anyone know what happens if an amateur uses it?:lol:
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Your picture will reach a new level of excellence and you'll be able to start your own photography business. :cool:
 
Yv said:
I think Rob was being slightly tongue in cheek with his 'professional' remark ;)
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Ah-ha - I see that now. But I missed it at whatever time of the early morning I was catching up with TP ... sorry.
 
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