Nikon D40 - Manual (Page 59)

Reference: P, S, A, and M Modes/Exposure 47
Exposure Compensation
Exposure compensation is used to alter exposure by up to ±5EV in increments of 1 /
3
EV, mak-
ing pictures brighter or darker. It is available only in P, S, A, and M modes and is most effective
when used with center-weighted or spot metering ( 45). As a rule of thumb, positive
compensation may be needed when the main subject is darker than the background, neg-
ative values when the main subject is brighter than the background.
The Button
Controls used
Exposure compensation is shown in the shooting information dis-
play. Normal exposure can be restored by setting exposure com-
pensation to ±0. Exposure compensation is not reset when the
camera is turned off.
–1EV No exposure compensation +2EV
Exposure compensation can also be adjusted by pressing the button
and rotating the command dial until the desired value is shown in the
viewfinder or shooting information display (P, S, and A modes only). The
viewfinder display is illustrated at right.
–0.3EV
+2.0EV