My camera just would take a picture

[Crossworks]

Hi,

So I have a Nikon D3200. I was out shooting this morning [sunrise] and the issue I have is not the first time it's happened. I'm not sure if it's in my settings but whenever I'm shooting in a low light situation sometimes the camera takes the pictures sometimes it doesn't. Same scene, same time, but when I press halfway on the shutter to get the focus I hear nothing. No beep....nothing. But then I point camera let's say to the ground then all of a sudden now I'm getting the camera to focus. But now it's metered in the wrong spot. I'm not sure why this is happening. I usually shoot with these settings.

-Aperture priority

-RAW / JPEG

-ISO at 100 whenever I can [I do mostly landscape]

-Matrix Metering

-Single Point Viewfinder

-Auto Area AF

-Built-in AF-assist Illuminator

-Standard Picture control

-White Balance [AUTO]

I'm guessing I obviously need to plan ahead and place the settings for low light situations before heading out. I also just realize I probably should of had the Picture Control at Landscape as well. I appreciate any and all responses. Thank you!

Mike

 

[KmH]

Auto focus needs some amount of light, actually contrast, to work.

I recommend reviewing the chapter on Focus in the Reference Manual (pg 35) and note in the specifications the lower limit, light wise, for the AF to work.

FWIW - Auto-area mode would be my last choice for focus area mode. Because the D3200 has just 1 cross-type AF point, the middle AF point, I would use Single point AF and single point AF area mode almost exclusively.

 

[fmw]

If light conditions are inadequate for auto focus, just switch to manual focus. The camera will fire every time.

 

[table1349]

I will posts the OP's next question now if the OP switches to manual focus. "I'm using manual focus, how come my photos are blurry?"

 

[fmw]

I will posts the OP's next question now if the OP switches to manual focus. "I'm using manual focus, how come my photos are blurry?"

Perhaps we have automated cameras to the point where people no longer do photography. They just do snap shooting. We need some way to download images directly from the brain, I guess.

 

[table1349]

The modern DSLR was not build with the idea of manual focus being generally used. If you want to use a DSLR in manual focus constantly you need to either one install an aftermarket split screen focus screen or use live view 24/7.

Perhaps it would be better if folks were to learn about their gear and how it operates.

 

[Pedro_lopez]

Definitely the AF lacks the light source needed. The other day I was out shooting a protest at night and my Nikon D3300 started giving me the same problem when I tried AF. I had to switch to manual but like a rookie forgot to adjust the focus for all my photos so some photos were focused others the focus wasn't where I wanted them. Sigh.


Sent from my iPhone using ThePhotoForum.com mobile app