Nikon D80 DSLR Camera Monitor Blinks, Flashes Black in Much of the Display

The picture preview of the Nikon D80 DSLR will frequently show large black patches blinking back and forth over the real contents of the picture. This means that portions of the picture are overexposed and likely the whole picture will be “washed out”. The problem can be fixed.

In both of the monitor pictures below that there are major “blacked out” parts. The resultant pictures lack detail, the blue in the sky is not bright, and the pictures generally look “washed out”. They were taken in the auto mode.

The pictures can be greatly improved by entering exposure compensation values and using the P mode. These adjustments will increase or decrease the light exposing the picture. Positive values add light, negative values decrease the amount of light. On the D80 the compensation will operate in the P, S, A and M modes, it will not adjust exposure in the AUTO mode. The P mode will operate essentially the same as the AUTO mode.

Enter values by pressing and holding the +/- button that is below and to the right of the shutter release button, turn the main command dial (wheel in upper right corner of the camera), signed numbers will appear in the control panel. A value of -.7 is a good starting value.

Turn the MODE dial to P and take the picture, check the monitor, if large black flashing areas still are showing dial in more negative EV.

Compare this picture taken with a -.7 EV to the one above, note the increased detail and generally brighter appearance.

The pictures below were taken with -.7 and -1.7 EV even the -.7 picture is a bit dark; less EV would have improved the pictures. Note the cloud detail in the upper right corner that is absent in the washed out picture.

An inexpensive L series Nikon camera took the pictures of the D80. It does a very good job.