hrlygrl798 Loc: New York

I'm in need of some help trying to solve an issue that i'm having with my photos.

Typically I would shoot in RAW and have never had an issue with it before. Lately however, even have post production and processing the picture through light room like I typically would I have noticed a bit of a grain in my pictures. Most people never notice it but every once in a while I get one that is so bad that everyone can see it.

I've tried switching my format to shooting in JPEG (which I feel very limited) and the grain still has not gone away, and actually seems like It has gotten worse.

Could this possibly be a problem withe the camera itself? If it helps the camera I've been using is the NIKON D3100. I do have to say that as I've owned this camera I've noticed that there as been a decline in functionality with this camera.

Thank you!

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

What are the ISO's you are shooting at? The D3100 will gain noise rapidly above ISO400. Longer exposures at ISO400 will even exhibit noise. Also, the more processing you do. especially sharpening, the more noise will appear.

hrlygrl798 Loc: New York

Currently my camera is set to 3200. I actually forgot about changing that setting. Is there a suggested ISO I should try?

Thank you!

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Definitely NOT 3200 for outdoor shots. ISO200 to 400 should be sufficient. Indoors I suggest a flash when possible or ISO800 if your lens is fast enough.

hrlygrl798 Loc: New York

Thank you! I will try this. I always forget to check that setting, but i'm still learning. I've done black and white film from the start so digital is a little bit of a different world for me. I have a bit to learn yet.

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

Think Tri-X film pushed to ASA 1600. The grain you wuld get is like the noise you get shooting your camera at Din 3200. You may get your camera to work like new if you Punch the two buttons marked with green dots at the same time. This will reset you settings to the way they were when you got it - Dave

wteffey Loc: Ocala, FL USA

This illustrates a problem I have faced now and then: putting the camera away without resetting it to my "personal defaults". The next time I use my camera the first few shots may be way off until I realize what I have done. I now try to remember to return the camera to an automatic or semi-automatic mode (P) before I shut if off, so if I need my camera in a hurry the next time it is ready to go.

WYp8riot Loc: Wyoming

I am no expert but after a month I have learned a tremendous amount. The best suggestion is to read and learn about Exposure. You need to know about ISO, shutter speed and aperture. Generally you want your ISO as low as possible. Indoors and in poor lighting you may not be able to shoot at 100 if you do not have a tripod and you can not shoot the shot with a longer shutter speed on a tripod. (with a moving object this would usually not be best) Learn your three main exposure settings to start.

CBL19six9 Loc: Horseshoe Bay, Texas

I own this camera as well and MT is right. Run your ISO above 400 and the noise starts creeping in. Not that I haven't taken great shots at 800. When I say noise I'm not talking about a crazy load of it. Nothing that is a problem

I haven't noticed any decline in functionality whatsoever

marcomarks Loc: Ft. Myers, FL

That's your grain problem for sure. I use ISO 100 or 200 outdoors, 400 in shade or indoors (whether flash or not) and occasionally dabble with ISO 800 indoors but never ISO 3200 for anything but tight aperture and/or high speed shutter sports action.