Nikon D40 pictures taken but too dark even in AUTO mode with flash on a bright day. also, some days ago I had the Shutter release error message while taking some photos. After that, the camera is acting weird, pictures sometimes are taken but the picture is always dark, although flash is used and AUTO mode selected. I do not see the error message anymore, but the camera simply do not take pictures properly. I tried formatting, etc with no result.

You have a shutter failure, this a common issue, change shutter mechanism.

Hi,1) Your camera has damage to the aperture control mechanism.
2) If you look in the viewfinder the image darkened, mayhave bent the aperture control lever.
In one must turn for service.
In two carefully can solve You can also check whether the mechanism malfunctions diaphragm aperture setting to full and see that this does not close completely,pressing the shutter release button.
Best regards

Hi,

Check if your shutter speed is not to fast. Try using a longer exposure time.

Cheers

Are you in auto mode? If it is manual then it is possible that the settings are not correct for the light. You can look at the meter to see what the camera thinks about the exposure.

It sounds as if your subject is too dark. Does this happen when the area is brightly lit? Does the flash fire?

You have your camera set to RAW format. It is not a compressed file, it is a full size file. Opening this in editing programs will either crash your computer or will refuse to open because of the size of the file. They are not damaged but your computer cannot handle the files. You should take them to a photo shop and have them put the files on a cd and consult your manual to change your camera to JPEG format.

I was taking pictures, then when I pressed the shutter release button, it took a long time. Then the error message came up. I tried pressing the shutter release button again, nothing happens. Still the error message. Please help me

The settings in Auto Mode are factory set. If you want to adjust exposure and shutter speeds then you will have to shoot in Manual Mode (TV=Shutter Priority, AV=Aperture Priority, M=Full Manual)

You probably have "bracketing" turned on. In your menu settings, search for bracketing and make sure it is off.

I had the same problem. I sent my camera to the Nikon Service Center. They fixed it within three days. They actually replaced the whole aperture frame. FREE OF CHARGE AS LONG WITHIN THE WARRANTY PERIOD.

The flash on D series doesn't always open by itself or when you push the button, as part of the design. If you are in manual mode the flash should open when you push the button, but when in Auto, if there is enough light present for the flash to stay closed, even if you push the flash button, I don't think it will open.

In Auto mode, try pointing the camera at something dark or holding your hand up in front of it and push the shutter button halfway down to see if the flash opens. If not, you will probably have to take it in to be repaired.