Nikon D3200 Digital Field Guide

Exposure Modes

The exposure modes of the camera determine how the aperture, shutter speed, and, in some cases, the ISO are selected. The exposure mode setting that you choose is the basis of all photography because it determines how the image is captured. The following are the available exposure modes on the D3200:

▶ Automatic ( ). This mode turns the D3200 into a point-and-shoot camera by taking over all of the exposure settings. The camera uses the data from the built-in light meter to set the shutter speed, aperture, and (when the light is too low) activate the built-in flash. This mode is especially useful when you don’t have time to set any of the others, and it’s great for taking snapshots. To set your camera to Automatic mode (), turn the Mode dial to the green Auto symbol and shoot away.

▶ Auto flash off ( ). This is the same as Automatic mode (), except that it does not fire the flash in low light. The camera still uses the AF-assist Illuminator to help achieve focus, even though the flash doesn’t fire. This setting is best when you want to use the ambient light for your subject ...