Why are images dark on the Nikon D70 and D70s

Nikon designed the D70 to slightly underexpose images. This behavior helps preserve lines, highlights, and textures in brightly colored areas of the image. Do not be alarmed if your pictures seem a little bit darker than you expect. If your pictures are especially dark it may be caused by one of the following problems:

Incorrect Exposure: If you were shooting in Aperture Priority Mode (A) you may have selected an aperture too small (high f number). If you were shooting in Shutter Priority Mode (S) you may have selected a shutter speed too high. When shooting in these modes check the meter in the viewfinder to see how far off you are from correct exposure (your D70 manual has the best description of how to read the meter). If you were using Program Mode or Auto the camera may have simply calculated an incorrect exposure. Raising your ISO Sensitivity may help alleviate exposure problems in all the aforementioned cases. You may choose to use the flash to assist in getting correct exposure as well. It is easy to get wrong exposure using Manual Mode (M) if you are unfamiliar with it. Also avoid using the Scene Assist modes available on the same dial as the M, P, A, and S modes. It is better to learn how to achieve proper exposure than rely on these limited modes of operation. There are many other ways to achieve improper exposure. Do not limit your investigation these few possibilities; use Forum Search to learn about correct exposure.

Incorrect Exposure Compensation: Exposure compensation may be improperly set on your camera. To check your exposure compensation press the +/- button near the power switch and look at the information window on top of the camera. The setting should be 0 unless you changed it. Change the setting by holding the +/- button and rotating the dial under your right thumb. If your picture still looks dark try applying a positive exposure compensation>

Improper Bracketing: Bracketing may also cause some of your images to appear dark. Check to make sure bracketing is off by holding the BKT button and rotating the dial under your right thumb. Rotate it until BKT is not displayed on the information window on top of the D70.

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