Nikon D3, User Manual, Page: 138 / 476

112
Z
Exposure Mode
Exposure mode determines how the camera sets shutter speed
and aperture when adjusting exposure. Four modes are available:
programmed auto (
e
), shutter-priority auto (
f
), aperture-priority
auto (
g
), and manual (
h
).
A
Lens Types
When using a CPU lens equipped with an aperture ring, lock the aperture
ring at the minimum aperture (highest f-number). Type G lenses are not
equipped with an aperture ring.
Non-CPU lenses can only be used in exposure mode
g
(aperture-priority
auto) and
h
(manual). In other modes, exposure mode
g
is automatically
selected when a non-CPU lens is attached. The exposure mode indicator
(
e
or
f
) in the top control panel will blink and
g
will be displayed in the
viewfinder.
Mode Description
e
Programmed
auto
(pg. 114)
Camera sets shutter speed and aperture for
optimal exposure. Recommended for snapshots
and in other situations in which there is little time
to adjust camera settings.
f
Shutter-priority
auto
(pg. 116) User chooses shutter speed; camera selects
aperture for best results. Use to freeze or blur
motion.
g
Aperture-
priority auto
(pg. 118)
User chooses aperture; camera selects shutter
speed for best results. Use to blur background for
portraits or bring both foreground and
background into focus for landscape shots.
h
Manual
(pg. 120)
User controls both shutter speed and aperture.
Set shutter speed to “
A
” for long time-
exposures.