Hi everyone!
Sorry I have been gone so long, but here i am now with a question to all the great photographers out there.
I just bought a Nikon D3100 camera. I wanted one with more manual options.....
Then, I ran into a friend who owns a camera shop, and I was asking him about settings, and he stated that NO ONE ever uses manual settings, always auto.
so my quuestions are:
1) Why invest the money for that kind of camera, with different lenses, if you go auto
2) To you great photographers ( like Doug W. and Kathy R) use auto all the time
Thanks for your input

Lynn

Lynn:
I almost never use auto (never say 'never'). However, I do use aperture and shutter priority settings often. It all depends on the shot. I use a Canon, but I believe Nikon was the same settings.
Full manual can be useful in difficult lighting settings.
I am sure that many people never take it off AUTO and are thrilled with their pictures. Also, remember if one shoots in RAW format, much can be done to the image afterwards in the computer.

re: lenses. Auto has nothing to do with the choice of lens. That is a focal point and quality decision. Some lenses are just better than others.

I have seem some fantastic images taken with small point & shoot cameras.

Thanks for the nice words.

Doug

Thanks, Doug.....
I wanted to get to the point to have more control of my pictures, and I thought this guy was crazy to say that nobody uses manual anymore.
I had a really good point and shoot until I got caught in a rainstorm, on horseback in the Canadian Rockies last summer, so I decided to go that route.... I missed the days with my old Pentax K1000 and film, and control!!
Love ya
Lynn

Lynn:

I almost always use auto and then clean up any messes with Apple's Aperature 3 photo editing. Sometimes I use special icon figures as well. Works for me.

Cheers! Ray

Thanks Ray,
Hope you can find time to get together soon!! LOL
Lynn

Lynn,
I agree with Doug. Surprised that a camera store owner would say this. I have been a Nikon SLR user for many years. Auto is great and the cameras are very clever now! However, to be able to use a range of different settings to get the result you desire is very important. To have a choice of lenses that compliment your photography style is fantastic. I always have a good point and shoot with me as a back up. In over 40 years of SLR photography I have not had a camera fail on me, but, you never know! Happy photography.
Frank.

Yikes, time is flying as we thought we'd have gotten together by now. Promise, we'll get together in Amish Country to catch up and break some bread. Will be in touch.

Cheers! Ray

Lynn:

I agree with Frank (who is a fantastic photographer, btw).
Amazed that a photo shop,owner would say such a thing. I must assume that his trade is with 'beginning" photographers rather than serious ones.
And, Ray is right. Those icon settings are great in a pinch. If time is short and you need to take the shot, all of those settings are wonderful. Do learn them.
As Frank said, the cameras are "very clever now!" & he is so right.

It really doesn't matter if you let the camera's computer do it, or if you 'fix' it on your computer afterwards, or if you do manual to perfection!
All that matters is the final image.
By buying a camera that does so many things, you have given yourself the ability to choose how you want to take your picture.
Choose wisely, young Skywalker.....ok, I just slipped into a fan based reference. (Sorry Disney)

Doug

Lynn:

Just to add, when you decide to add a lens or 2 to your kit..... do your research. Nikon lenses are great, but come in different levels of quality & prices. 3rd party lenses are the same. Some people love 3rd party lenses, some don't. A Sigma (or other 3rd party maker) lens will almost always be cheaper than a Nikon lens. It is a personal decision as to whether the price diff is worth it.

Doug

Thanks everyone!
I will be seriously playing with it when i go to Fla. next month......simply because I have all the pictures I need there, so if i screw up, it won't matter.
Yes, i was flabbergasted that he said that also!!!
Right now I have an 18-55mm and a 55-200 lens. I think it is all I need for now.
Lynn

The best thing you could do is take a local photography class and learn to use Manual Mode because then when the camera is set to AV (Aperture Priority) or TV (Shutter Priority). you will know the results. Aperture is your lens opening.

For every shutter speed there is a correct aperture and vice versa. There is also what is called the Sunny 16 Rule which is the starting place on a sunny day. If you set you camera at f16 and your shutter speed at 100 with the sun facing the subject this would be the camera setting.

If things/people are moving you want a faster shutter speed so your aperture would need to be open more. All to let in the right amount of light for the exposure.

Think of it like a recipe. You start out with half a cup of liquid and half a cup of flour. Some recipes need more liquid and some need more flour.

A good book for beginning photographers is called the Kiss book of photography.

Thanks Kathy,
I was hoping to hear from you....Thanks. i shot with in manual for 20 years with film, with great results, but this just seems a bit more complicated!!!!
Lynn

What you might try is starting with Sunny 16 - iso 100, at 2pm, f16 and shutter at 100. Adjust one thing and see what the camera meters. Adjust through every shutter speed and every F stop making sure your camera meters it at perfect exposure.

thanks Kathy, as well as Doug and Frank, and Ray....
Ray, when are you coming home?
Alll my best,
Lynn

HI Lynn:

We're home now and are planning an April get-together with you.
Will be in touch.

Cheers! Ray

You are so very welcome.
I hope I helped.

Doug