Nikon D3200 Manual (M) Mode Troubles

[That Guy McLovin]

When I put my D3200 into manual mode, the pictures turn out black. I've changed the aperture, ISO, exposure, white balance, everything. I don't understand why its doing this. Its the only mode that does it. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[SCraig]

When you shoot in manual mode then you have to balance the exposure, the camera won't do it for you. Get the exposure settings wrong then, yeah, you can certainly get nothing but a complete underexposure or overexposure.

 

[Warhorse]

You are using the in camera exposure meter, right?

 

[KmH]

There is an exposure light meter in the viewfinder.
You have to change the ISO, shutter speed and/or lens aperture until the meter indicates a correct exposure. See page 57 - 64 of your D3200 Reference Manual that is a PDF file on the software disc that came with the camera.

Or download the manual here - Nikon Product Manuals available for download | Nikon Knowledgebase

Camera Exposure: Aperture, ISO & Shutter Speed
Understanding Camera Metering and Exposure
Understanding Depth of Field in Photography
Understanding White Balance
Understanding Camera Autofocus
Understanding Dynamic Range in Digital Photography

 

[snowbear]

^This.

Randomly changing settings is like getting in a big truck with a 12-speed transmission and just putting the shifter into an unknown gear -- you might go forward, but the odds are better that you won't.