Nikon D3000 User Manual page 86

Mode P (Programmed Auto)
In this mode, the camera automatically adjusts shutter speed and aperture for
optimal exposure in most situations. This mode is recommended for snapshots and
other situations in which you want to leave the camera in charge of shutter speed
and aperture. To take photographs in programmed auto:
Rotate the mode dial to R
Mode dial
2
Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot.
[] Flexible Program
In mode P,different combinations of shutter speed
and aperture can be selected by rotating the
command dial ("flexible program"). Rotate the dial
to the right for large apertures (low f-numbers) that
blur background details or fast shutter speeds that
"freeze" motion. Rotate the dial to the left for small
apertures (high f-numbers) that increase depth of
field or slow shutter speeds that blur motion. All
Command dial
combinations produce the same exposure. While flexible program is in effect, a I_ (_)
indicator appears in the viewfinder and information display. To restore default shutter speed
and aperture settings, rotate the command dial until the indicator is no longer displayed,
choose another mode, or turn the camera off.
[] The Exposure Program
See page 178 for information on the built-in exposure program.
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