D3300 shooting in "S" mode, pictures all black "subject is too dark"

NOLA2357

New member
D3300 shooting in "S" mode, pictures all black "subject is too dark"

D3300 shooting in "S" mode, pictures all black "subject is too dark". I'm new to the camera, but i'm trying to use the fastest shutter speed possible. The problem is the pictures come out completely black, and no matter how i change the shutter speed, the camera prompts, "the subject is too dark". Trying to get some great shots for the holidays. Help?
 

Sandpatch

Senior Member
Re: D3300 shooting in "S" mode, pictures all black "subject is too dark"

I'm not an owner of the D3300, but my D5100 might be similar. Check to be sure that your lens cap isn't on (yep, I've done this :fatigue:) or that your ISO setting isn't severely limiting the range of acceptable light. Others will likely have better ideas.
 

J-see

Senior Member
Re: D3300 shooting in "S" mode, pictures all black "subject is too dark"

D3300 shooting in "S" mode, pictures all black "subject is too dark". I'm new to the camera, but i'm trying to use the fastest shutter speed possible. The problem is the pictures come out completely black, and no matter how i change the shutter speed, the camera prompts, "the subject is too dark". Trying to get some great shots for the holidays. Help?


The faster the shutter, the less light the sensor receives. Try slower.
 

SteveH

Senior Member
Re: D3300 shooting in "S" mode, pictures all black "subject is too dark"

What does the exposure meter at the bottom centre of the viewfinder show before you press the shutter? If the bars are way over to the left, the camera is under exposing. You need either a wider aperture (Which is adjusted automatically in "s" mode) and / or the ISO is too low. Increase the ISO and see what that gets you. If you are using auto-iso, you will need to adjust the maximum it can go to in the settings. Also, what happens if you set the shutter speed to a slower speed?

Also, if the information at the bottom of the viewfinder is flashing, that also means that the camera cannot expose correctly given the boundaries that have been set in the settings and the lens fitted (Auto-iso, widest aperture etc)
 

J-see

Senior Member
Re: D3300 shooting in "S" mode, pictures all black "subject is too dark"

Put it in P mode and check the settings it uses. It should normally take a fairly correct shot.
 

NOLA2357

New member
Re: D3300 shooting in "S" mode, pictures all black "subject is too dark"

Thank you!

I'll try some slower shutter speeds. What settings would you reccomend for shooting indoors, opening presents, etc.?

I am completely naive when it comes to DSLR photography. Your help is very much appreciated.
 

SteveH

Senior Member
Re: D3300 shooting in "S" mode, pictures all black "subject is too dark"

Thank you!

I'll try some slower shutter speeds. What settings would you reccomend for shooting indoors, opening presents, etc.?

I am completely naive when it comes to DSLR photography. Your help is very much appreciated.

The easiest way to see what settings suit, would be to put the camera in Auto or auto-no-flash and see what the camera picks - Or, like J-See says, use P mode with auto-iso.
 

fotojack

Senior Member
Re: D3300 shooting in "S" mode, pictures all black "subject is too dark"

Nola...your camera came with an Owners Manual, right? A lot of the information you seek is in there. :)

Here's a tip: if you're shooting anything that's static (not moving), set camera to Aperture.
if you're shooting anything that moves, set camera to Shutter.

DSLR cameras operate on the triangle principal of Shutter speed, aperture openings (f stops) and ISO (sensitivity to light). they all work in concert to produce a correct exposure. In the Auto modes (A, S, and P), if one is selected, the others will be automatically set. In Manual Mode, YOU make all the settings. It's all in your manual. Read through it at your leisure and it will become clearer as you progress. Learning it all won't happen overnight. There's a learning curve to this, so take your time, read, learn and practice. Oh...and have fun doing it. :)

If you get stuck at any point along the way about something that isn't in the Manual, you have but to ask, and we will be more than happy to help you out.

Enjoy. :)
 

Sandpatch

Senior Member
Re: D3300 shooting in "S" mode, pictures all black "subject is too dark"

In view of your short time to learn about settings and rather than risk losing holiday photos, I'd set it to [A] Automatic, let the flash pop up when it wants to and simply enjoy the days and your camera. Then at a later time, break out the owner's manual and start the experiment with the various settings.

Speaking from experience, learning about a new camera in an indoor setting produces a lot of frustration. Best to take a walk on a sunny day and shoot away in good light. You'll likely get some great pictures and begin to build confidence.

Enjoy!
 
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