The mode selector

Use the mode selector to choose whether shutter speed and/or aperture can be adjusted manually or are set automatically by the camera.

Using the mode selector

Use the mode selector to choose a shooting mode.

ModeDescription
AUTO (b)AutoA simple, “point-and-shoot” mode that leaves the camera in charge of settings (Taking photographs (b auto), Recording videos (b auto)).
PProgrammed autoThe camera sets shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure.
SShutter-priority autoUse to freeze or blur motion. You choose the shutter speed; the camera selects the aperture for best results.
AAperture-priority autoUse to blur backgrounds or bring both foreground and background into focus. You choose the aperture; the camera selects the shutter speed for best results.
MManualYou control both shutter speed and aperture. Set shutter speed to “bulb” or “time” for long time-exposures.

P (programmed auto)

S (shutter-priority auto)

Selecting shutter speed in step sizes of 1/3 (modes S and M)

If the shutter-speed dial is set to [1/3STEP], you can use the main command dial to change the shutter speed.

A (aperture-priority auto)

Video mode exposure settings

The following video settings can be adjusted during recording:

ModeApertureSpeedISO sensitivity
P, S12
A42
M4443
  1. Exposure control in shooting mode S is the same as in mode P.
  2. The upper limit for ISO sensitivity can be selected using the [ISO sensitivity settings] > [Maximum sensitivity] item in the video recording menu.
  3. If [On] is selected for [ISO sensitivity settings] > [Auto ISO control (mode M)] in the video recording menu, the upper limit for ISO sensitivity can be selected using [Maximum sensitivity].

M (manual)

Shutter speed

11/4000 s–1/2 s
21–4 s (red text)
3B (Bulb) (Long time-exposures)
4T (Time) (Long time-exposures)
5X (Flash sync) (e1: Flash sync speed)
61/3STEP (1/3 step) (Selecting shutter speed in step sizes of 1/3 (modes S and M))

Aperture

Exposure indicators

  • The difference between the exposure value resulting from your setting combination of the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO sensitivity, and the appropriate exposure value measured by the camera, is displayed in the monitor and viewfinder. These “exposure indicators” are displayed as follows.
    DisplayOptimal exposureUnderexposed by 1/3 EVOverexposed by over 3 1/3 EV
    Monitor
    Viewfinder
  • If exposure compensation was performed in mode M, the reference value for proper exposure in the exposure indicator changes.

Exposure warning

The displays will flash if the selected settings exceed the limits of the exposure metering system.

Shutter speed extension

If Custom Setting d5 [Extended shutter speeds (M)] is set to [On], you can select a shutter speed of up to 900 s (15 min) in mode M when the shutter-speed dial is set to [1/3STEP].

  • If you extend the shutter speed, the exposure indicator will not be displayed.

Auto ISO sensitivity control (mode M)

If auto ISO sensitivity control (ISO sensitivity settings, ISO sensitivity settings) is enabled, ISO sensitivity will automatically be adjusted for optimal exposure at the selected shutter speed and aperture.

Long time-exposures

The camera offers two options for long time-exposures: “Bulb” and “Time”. Long time-exposures can be used for pictures of fireworks, night scenery, the stars, or moving lights.

A 35-second exposure shot at a shutter speed of “Bulb” and an aperture of f/25
Shutter speedDescription
BulbThe shutter remains open while the shutter-release button is held down.
TimeThe exposure starts when the shutter-release button is pressed and ends when the button is pressed a second time.
  1. Keep the camera steady, for example by using a tripod.
  2. Rotate the mode selector to M.
  3. Rotate the shutter-speed dial and set the shutter speed to Bulb (“Bulb”) or Time (“Time”).
    Bulb
    Time
    • If the shutter-speed dial is set to [1/3STEP], use the main command dial to set it to Bulb or Time.
  4. Focus and start the exposure.
    • “Bulb”: Press the shutter-release button all the way down to start the exposure. Keep the shutter-release button pressed during the exposure.
    • “Time”: Press the shutter-release button all the way down to start the exposure.
  5. End the exposure.
    • “Bulb”: Lift your finger from the shutter-release button.
    • “Time”: Press the shutter-release button all the way down a second time.

Long time-exposures

  • Note that “noise” (bright spots, randomly-spaced bright pixels or fog) may be present in long exposures.
  • Bright spots and fog can be reduced by choosing [On] for [Long exposure NR] in the photo shooting menu.
  • Nikon recommends using a fully-charged battery or an optional charging AC adapter to prevent loss of power during long exposures.
  • Use of a tripod is recommended to reduce blur.
  • If you are using the optional ML-L7 Remote Control, time photography will be performed even during bulb photography.