Camera won't take pictures...

[robb01]

I was out taking some photos this weekend (probably last nice weather of the year). I typically shoot in 'A' mode. Autofocus was on, as was VR. On several of my shots, I was not able to take a photo. It also seemed like it was taking the lens much too long to focus.

I tried to take the shot in the landscape auto mode as well after being unable to take a photo in 'A'. I was unable to take a photo in that mode either.

It was of some buildings in town in the afternoon w/ a good amount of light. Never had this happen before and was hoping someone could shed some light.

 

[Bram]

Maybe the camera found nothing to focus on? Try shooting Manual.

 

[tirediron]

Depending on your camera's settings, if it can't find focus, it won't take a picture. You said it was taking too long to find focus; did you get a focus indication at any point (The green dot in the viewfinder or 'beep')? Your autofocus needs some degree of contrast on which to focus, so if you were pointing it a smooth, even wall with little colour or texture variation, no amount of light will help.

 

[ghache]

Maybe the camera found nothing to focus on? Try shooting Manual.

shooting manual wont help a camera hunt for focus..."!!@#12

 

[Sonoma]

Maybe the camera found nothing to focus on? Try shooting Manual.

shooting manual wont help a camera hunt for focus..."!!@#12

I got manual "focus" out of that. I assume that's what he meant anyway!?!

 

[robb01]

It actually was on autofocus, I'll take if off and see if I can replicate the problem. Thanks

 

[KmH]

Visit page 42 of your D3000 Users Manual - Getting Good Results with Autofocus.

That page outlines some of AF's limitations.

 

[ghache]

Maybe the camera found nothing to focus on? Try shooting Manual.

shooting manual wont help a camera hunt for focus..."!!@#12

I got manual "focus" out of that. I assume that's what he meant anyway!?!

ohhh ! i see

 

[white]

I tried to take the shot in the landscape auto mode as well after being unable to take a photo in 'A'. I was unable to take a photo in that mode either.

It was of some buildings in town in the afternoon w/ a good amount of light.

Maybe the camera was bored and wanted to go home.

 

[robb01]

I tried to take the shot in the landscape auto mode as well after being unable to take a photo in 'A'. I was unable to take a photo in that mode either.

It was of some buildings in town in the afternoon w/ a good amount of light.

Maybe the camera was bored and wanted to go home.

That is the most likely scenario actually