Overexposure. I need help!

[janeqb]

Hi, newbie here who just bought a Nikon D50. I have so much reading up to do and need to learn more about my camera and obviously brush up on my photography skills. I thought I would ask for some quick tips while I continue to read my manual.

Many of the pictures appear to be overexposed no matter what mode I use. I have played around with different modes (S- shutter priority especially). I know I must be doing something wrong. When set on Auto, some of the pictures still appear too bright, leaving highlights all white. Green trees are washed out and yellow in some pix. I know, I'm dense as all get out!! This is my first DSLR and I know it's just going to take time and patience. I'm a bit embarassed even posting this. I just didn't think this would happen in auto mode!

Thanks so much!

jane

[another view]

I must be reading this just as you're editing your post. You mentioned something about older AF lenses but I don't think that's a problem. If you had manual focus (not "AF" auto focus), the light meter wouldn't work and that could cause problems. Can you post an example? We're not a judgemental crowd here, no reason to be afraid of doing it. That's probably the easiest way to tell what's going on.

[drg]

Post a photo with the EXIF data intact. In other words, just resize the photo (600 on the long side) or post in the gallery and link to it.

Do NOT save for web in Adobe Photoshop Products as this will kill the camera data.

Are you watching the histogram and adjusting the exposure(+/-) comp to 'slide' the graph left or right on successive exposures?

From this info we may be able to get you pointed in a better direction.

Welcome to PR!

[Tel]

Yeah, your Exposure Compensation is probably set to "+2"

Not sure how to set it back on The D50 Though, as I'm a Canon man.

[jorgemonkey]

(I think your D50 is the same as my D70)

To change your exposure comp, on the top right side of the camera there should be a button with a +/- symbol. That will change your exposure comp. If when you push the button, it says anything besides 0.0, your exposure comp is set, and thats messing up the photos.Hold that button down, and rotate the rear dial until it says 0.0