THE MANUAL ON MANUAL

Are you ready to go it alone? Using your Nikon in manual mode will release its true potential – and it’s easier than you think

Manual mode is massively important, even today. Nikon D-SLRs have highly sophisticated metering systems and automated exposure controls, but they still can’t replace the thought processes and photographic knowledge inside your own head.

Smart as they are, digital SLRs are only guessing. They can’t cope with every extreme of lighting conditions and they can’t always anticipate the kind of overall effect you’re trying to achieve in your picture. The biggest drawback to auto-exposure is also the least obvious: the camera will rethink the exposure for every shot you take, even when the lighting conditions haven’t changed at all.

Manual mode gives you a consistency and predictability you just don’t get with your Nikon’s auto-exposure modes. The latter certainly have their place, but when you want total control, manual is the way to go.

It’s not even difficult to use. The only hard part is remembering that you’re the one who has to make the shutter speed, aperture and ISO adjustments, not the camera. So join us as we explore the power and potential of your Nikon’s manual mode…