Why can't I change metering on my Nikon D3?
- EElizabeth PriceSep 12, 2025
If you can't change the metering on your Nikon Digital Camera, it's likely because autoexposure lock is in effect.

Why can't I change metering on my Nikon D3?
If you can't change the metering on your Nikon Digital Camera, it's likely because autoexposure lock is in effect.
How to make effects of Picture Control consistent on Nikon Digital Camera?
If the effects of Picture Control differ from image to image on your Nikon Digital Camera, and “A” (auto) is selected for sharpening, contrast, or saturation, choose a setting other than “A” (auto) for consistent results over a series of photographs.
What to do if photos are not recorded in live view mode on Nikon D3 Digital Camera?
If photos are not being recorded in live view mode on your Nikon Digital Camera, unless [Release] is chosen for Custom Setting a2 ([AF-S priority selection]), the shutter release is disabled if the camera is unable to focus when focus mode S is selected in hand-held mode.
Why does focus not lock when shutter-release button is pressed halfway on Nikon D3?
If the focus doesn't lock when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway on your Nikon Digital Camera, and the camera is in focus mode C, use the AE-L/ AF-L button to lock focus.
Why is the full range of shutter speeds not available on my Nikon Digital Camera?
If the full range of shutter speeds isn't available on your Nikon Digital Camera, it's likely because the flash is in use. The flash sync speed can be selected using Custom Setting e1 ([Flash sync speed]).
How to fix out of focus photos on Nikon D3 Digital Camera?
If your Nikon Digital Camera photos are out of focus, and the camera is unable to focus using autofocus, try rotating the focus-mode selector to S or C. Alternatively, you can use manual focus or focus lock to achieve a sharper image.
What to do if Nikon Digital Camera can not measure white balance?
If your Nikon Digital Camera can not measure white balance, it might be because the subject is too dark or too bright. Adjust the subject lighting.
How to fix randomly-spaced bright pixels (“noise”) in photos taken with my Nikon D3 Digital Camera?
If you see randomly-spaced bright pixels (“noise”) in your photos from your Nikon Digital Camera, try choosing a lower ISO sensitivity or turn high ISO noise reduction on. If the shutter speed is slower than 1 s, use long exposure noise reduction.
How to fix blotched or smeared photos on Nikon D3?
If your photos from your Nikon Digital Camera are blotched or smeared, clean the lens and the low-pass filter.
How to fix unnatural colors in photos taken with my Nikon D3?
If the colors in your photos from your Nikon Digital Camera appear unnatural, adjust the white balance to match the light source or adjust the [Set Picture Control] settings.
| Megapixel | 12.1 MP |
|---|---|
| Camera type | SLR Camera Body |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Sensor format | FX |
| Image stabilizer | No |
| Total megapixels | 12.87 MP |
| Image sensor size | - \ |
| Image formats supported | JPG, RAW, TIF |
| Maximum image resolution | 4256 x 2832 pixels |
| Image sensor size (W x H) | 36 x 23.9 mm |
| Still image resolution(s) | 4256 x 2832 3184 x 2120 2128 x 1416 3, 552 x 2, 832 2, 656 x 2, 120 1, 776 x 1, 416 2, 784 x 1, 848 2, 080 x 1, 384 1, 392 x 920 |
| Focus adjustment | Auto/Manual |
| Auto Focus (AF) lock | Yes |
| Auto Focus (AF) points | 51 |
| Auto focusing (AF) modes | Continuous Auto Focus, Servo Auto Focus, Single Auto Focus |
| Flash modes | Red-eye reduction, Slow synchronization |
| Flash sync-speed | 1/250 s |
| Flash range (wide) | - m |
| Display diagonal | 3 \ |
| Vari-angle LCD display | - |
| Display resolution (numeric) | 921000 pixels |
| Magnification | 0.7 x |
| Eye relief | 18 mm |
| Image editing | Trimming |
| Photo effects | Black&White, Neutral, Vivid |
| White balance | Auto, Cloudy, Flash, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Manual, Shade, Sunny |
| Playback modes | Zoom |
| Camera playback | Highlights, Slide show, Thumbnails |
| Self-timer delay | 2, 5, 10, 20 s |
| Camera file system | DCF 2.0, DPOF, Exif 2.21 |
| Product color | Black |
| Memory slots | 2 |
| Compatible memory cards | CF, CF Type II, MicroDrive |
| Light metering | Centre-weighted, Matrix, Spot |
| ISO sensitivity | 100, 200, 6400, 12800, 25600 |
| Light exposure modes | Aperture priority AE, Auto, Manual, Shutter priority AE |
| ISO sensitivity (max) | 25600 |
| ISO sensitivity (min) | 100 |
| Light exposure correction | ±5EV (1/2; 1/3 EV step) |
| Optical zoom | - x |
| Mounting type | Bayonet |
| Lens mount interface | Nikon F |
| Camera shutter type | Electronic |
| Fastest camera shutter speed | 1/8000 s |
| Slowest camera shutter speed | 30 s |
| USB version | 2.0 |
| Battery life (CIPA standard) | 4300 shots |
| Number of batteries supported | 1 |
| HD type | Not supported |
| Maximum video resolution | - pixels |
| Analog signal format system | NTSC, PAL |
| Depth | 87.5 mm |
|---|---|
| Width | 159.5 mm |
| Height | 157 mm |
| Weight | 1240 g |
Details the physical components and controls of the Nikon D3 camera body.
Explains the display and indicators on the camera's top control panel.
Describes the display and indicators on the camera's rear control panel.
Details the information shown within the camera's viewfinder.
Step-by-step instructions for charging the camera's battery.
Guide on how to correctly insert the camera battery.
Instructions for mounting and attaching a lens to the camera body.
Steps for inserting a memory card into the camera.
Step-by-step guide on how to move through and select menu options.
Explanation of autofocus modes like Single-servo AF, Continuous AF, and Manual Focus.
Explains Programmed Auto, Shutter-Priority, Aperture-Priority, and Manual modes.
Adjusting exposure to make images brighter or darker.
Selecting appropriate white balance settings for different light sources.
Adjusting image processing settings like sharpening, contrast, and hue.
Details different flash modes like Front-curtain sync and Slow sync.
How to reset camera settings to factory defaults using button combinations.
Preventing accidental deletion of selected images.
Adding voice memos to photographs using the built-in microphone.
Instructions for connecting the camera to a computer via USB.
Various methods for printing photos directly or via computer.
Options for managing images in playback mode.
List of options available in the camera's shooting menu.
Details on customizing camera settings via the Custom Settings menu.
Options for basic camera setup and configuration.
Lists lenses compatible with the Nikon D3 camera.
Guidelines for storing and cleaning the camera body, lens, and monitor.
Solutions for common camera problems and error messages.