Zooming in problems?

Question

I am just learning how to use a Nikon D-80. It's great, I never thought I would love to take pictures so much. But I have a question: I'm having a reoccuring problem and hope a professional can help. When zooming in far distances, I can see the image perfectly in the camera, but when I take the picture it comes out dark. I know it's not the lens, because I've done it on 3 different cameras, 2 D80s and one D70, with different lenses, different lighting, two were outside daylight, and one was inside. I know I'm just learning about aperture and such, but I'm just lost as to what I need to do. My boyfriend has the same problem, but his pictures don't come out dark, they come out blurry. We both are amateurs, LOL. I'm just hoping someone can tell me what I should look for, or make sure of before taking the picture, so I don't lose any more moments. Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

What mode are you shooting in? Remember that a faster shutter speed will require a larger aperture to compensate for the light loss. In dim lit situations, you may just need to use a higher ISO (be aware that too high of an ISO may cause your image to become grainy though).  Looks like your boyfriend is having problems with camera shake... remember that the slowest shutter speed you can use to prevent visable camera shake would be 1 over the focal length of your lens, for example, if you are using a 300mm lens then your shutter speed should not be slower than 1/300.