Nikon D5000 For Dummies

From Nikon D5000 For Dummies by Julie Adair King

Taking great digital photos with your Nikon D5000 is a snap once you know the external controls and how to use the automatic and advanced exposure modes of your D5000 digital camera.

Your Nikon D5000 Digital Camera Layout

Here’s a handy guide to the dials, buttons, and other external controls on your Nikon D5000. (The lens shown on this digital camera is the Nikkor 18–55mm AF-S VR (Vibration Reduction) model sold with the D5000 kit; other lenses may differ. Camera controls marked with an asterisk have multiple functions.

Back of the camera.

Top of the camera.

Side of camera, including lens controls.

A Quick Reference for Automatic Exposure Mode on Your Nikon D5000 Digital Camera

Your Nikon D5000 digital camera's fully automatic exposure modes let you choose between automatic or manual focusing, but limit your control over other picture-taking settings. This table gives a brief explanation of the fully automatic exposure modes:

Advanced Exposure Modes on Your Nikon D5000 Digital Camera

In the four advanced exposure modes, shown here, of your Nikon D90 digital camera, you can adjust aperture (f-stop) to manipulate depth of field (the zone of sharp focus) and adjust shutter speed to decide whether moving objects appear sharply focused or blurry. You also get access to other picture options not available in Auto or Digital Vari-Program scene modes.