Why is my Nikon D5100 suddenly taking very dark photos indoors, even in Auto and Manual modes?
Asked 1/29/2015
4 views
2 answers
0
My Nikon D5100 suddenly started producing severely underexposed images indoors in lighting where it previously worked fine. In Manual mode, photos are still very dark even with wider apertures, slower shutter speeds, and higher ISO. In Aperture Priority, the camera chooses unusually slow shutter speeds unless ISO is set very high. Exposure compensation also seems to have no effect.
I already tried resetting the camera, updating firmware, changing metering modes, and adjusting exposure settings, but the problem remained. What setting or issue could cause this behavior?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
11y ago
2 Answers
2
it is with shame in my eyes and regret in my heart that I answer my own question:
All my problems stemmed from a single setting change. I looked back at the metadata of pictures I had taken in the same location/circumstances and was quite surprised to see most of them in the region ISO 6400. Now, I rarely set my ISO that high so imagine my confusion. Upon the advice of a friend, I dug through the menus for a bit and found a setting called "ISO sensitivity settings" and there I discovered that "Auto ISO Sensitivity Control" by default had been on. In summary, for the year that I've been shooting with this camera, auto ISO has been enabled, so even if I had set ISO 100 from the settings screen, this buried menu option would override it - hence the large number of low light pics in my library with very high ISO.
Despite my own inexperience being at fault, I truly appreciate all the excellent advice you fine people have given me. I will leave "auto ISO" to rot in the dark all by its lonesome for now, and learn to use my camera properly
Originally by user37393. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user37393
11y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A likely cause is Auto ISO being enabled in the camera’s ISO sensitivity settings. On the D5100, Auto ISO can override the ISO you think you’ve set, which can make exposure behavior seem inconsistent or “wrong” if you don’t realize it’s active. Checking that menu and turning Auto ISO off (or adjusting its limits) is the first thing to do.
If that isn’t the cause, another possibility is poor communication between the lens and camera body. Try removing the lens, cleaning the electrical contacts on both lens and body, and reseating the lens. If possible, test with another lens. Reinserting the battery may also help.
One note: exposure compensation won’t affect exposure in full Manual mode, so that part is expected.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI11y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Why are my Canon 650D photos dark indoors unless I use very high ISO?
Why does my Nikon D7000 make black photos in Manual mode but work in Auto?
Which camera mode should a beginner use indoors vs. outdoors?
Why is my Nikon D90 overexposing every shot in Auto on a sunny day?
Nikon D5300 built-in flash fires inconsistently and exposures vary in Manual mode