MY Nikon D70 shoots about 2/3s under all the time. Why?

Question

I always have to up the camera (Or Flash 2/3s stop) Then!! My D50 sometimes (Most of the time) shoots too red. (Faces too red) I then correct in photo shop. (Takes time) Why does D50 shoot so red?

Answer 1

You don't mention shooting conditions, so the answers will be generalized.

Your D70 should do a pretty good job metering. Check your metering mode. For general shots, matrix mode is a good setting.

On the D50, be sure your white balance is set properly. Red or orange cast can be caused by incandescent lights lighting your subject and/or camera white balance set to shade or cloudy mode. Auto white balance is a good starting point. If your shooting with incandescent lights, set the white balance to incandescent (light bulb icon) mode. Sometimes you need to do a custom white balance if your lighting doesn't match any of the preset selections.

Your manual covers these settings.

Answer 2

In most non-flash situations my D50 when set to auto white balance actually shoots too blue. Correctable but not ideal. I either don't worry about it or use a gray card. If I am shooting people I always use a gray card.

Once you are used to a gray card, it's a lot faster than correcting later. The trick is to make sure the gray card is catching the same light that the subject is!

teef_au.

Answer 3

Here is a novel suggestion: READ & STUDY the Owner's Manual for your cameras.

IMO 90% of the questions asked in here (and in the Photography section) would NOT be asked if people would learn how to use their cameras.