
Like the D5000, the Nikon D3100 has only one type of autofocus method in Live view, and it's not the traditional phase-detect AF. One thing we miss in the Nikon D3100, though, is the live histogram display that's an option on the Nikon D3 and on some competing SLRs from Nikon's arch-rival Canon.

There's also an optional grid overlay mode, as well as a second info overlay that only shows basic exposure variables. It also shows microphone status and minutes/seconds of movie recording available at the current resolution and quality settings. Information displayed includes current exposure mode, flash mode, AF mode, AF-area mode, Active D-Lighting mode, image size, image quality, white balance mode, metering mode, shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, ISO setting, shots remaining, face detection status, battery status, and self-timer mode. The Live Mode shooting info display shows you a lot of what you'd normally see looking through the viewfinder, yet manages to keep most of the information out of the way of the live image area. Next time you use P mode try adjusting the shutter/aperture values to suit what you wish to achieve.īelow is an image copied from one of my Fuji manuals but, in effect, they all say the same.Another nice feature in the Nikon D3100's Live view mode is the full information display optionally available while working in that mode. In other words, you can adjust the values to achieve a different aperture or shutter value. If desired, the exposure can be altered from the value suggested by the camera … ' “ … In this mode, you choose both shutter and aperture. To quote the manual of one of my Fuji cameras : Why is this different ? Well, Program AE will set the shutter and aperture automatically BUT you can also 'shift' the settings. This setting allows you to set both specific shutter and aperture settings. This will be limited by the camera ISO setting. This setting allows you to set a specific aperture and the camera will then assign a shutter speed to suit. This setting allows you to set a specific shutter speed and the camera will then assign an aperture to suit. Incidentally, AE stands for automatic exposure. Occasionally, folk ask why use P mode or what is P mode ?Īmong other settings, Fuji cameras typically have P, S, A, M on the command dial. When I publish settings for any of my given Fuji cameras, I always state that I use P mode.
