I don't think the problem is that mysterious. Shooting at 60 fps means there is a limit as to how long the shutter speed can be for each frame. Probably the longest exposure would be around 1/120 sec or so. If the set aperture will make an underexposed frame, the automatics override and if the shutter speed cannot be slowed any further, open up the aperture to let more light in.
Increase the ISO or add more light, then try the same capture. Now the aperture should be more likely to remain at the value initially set.
I wish that was the case.
Agree, at higher fps there must be a limit to how long the shutterspeed can be.
All the higher fps (10, 20, 30 and 60) limits the slowest shutterspeed to 1/60. This could be related to the fact that it is the electronic shutter is used.
At 6 fps the mechanical shutter is used. There is no limit as to hos slow the shutterspeed can be.
The V3 will switch between mechanical and electronic shutter by itself. The V1 allows the user to choose. But of course with the mechanical shutter there are limits as to hos many fps one can use.
My first conclusion when I noticed this was simply that one could not use smaller apertures at high fps. I didn't even check 30 and 60 fps since it would give me too many pictures and the cameras buffers limits how long one can shot at that speed. 10 and 20 fps are much better in this regard. At least when shooting the common swift.
But that changed when I found that 30 and 60 fps does not limit the aperture.
To me at least there should be no difference between the exposures of the same scene.
This is what I get when shoot exactly the same scene at different fps. Nothing else changes between the shots.
I went out again this morning. This was done with my 1.2/32mm. S-mode, ISO set at 800.
No change in the scene between the pictures. Except the sun was rising and maybe some shadows change. There is a very slight change at 30 fps.
Single frame: Shutterspeed - 1/125, Aperture f1/14
6 fps: 1/125, f1/14
10 fps: 1/125, f1/5.6
20 fps: 1/125, f1/5.6
30 fps: 1/125, f 1/13
60 fps: 1/125, f1/14
I can show the photos but that is really not so important. As far as I can tell it is impossible to see the fps setting of the camera in EXIF. I can see lots of other information but not that.
I am really beginning to feel like the grumpy old man my daughters sometimes tell me I am.
I felt I was getting the "run-around" from Nikon Support at first. No matter how I tried to explain I got what seemed to be completely random suggestions as to what I should check or do.
It is frustrating since I realize my way of explaning is just not enough to convey the problem. Not matter how hard I try it gets misunderstood.
What could possibly be the reason?
1 - I am doing something wrong. Very possible! But please tell me why the same scene gets correctly exposed at certain fps and over exposed at others. I don't get it.
2 - Something wrong with my lens. I tried all my lenses and the all display exactly the same pattern. 10mm, 18.5, 32, 10-30, 30-110 and 70-300. And they don't behave like this on my V1.
3 - Firmware not updated. I have Nikon's latest firmware for the camera.
4 - Some setting in the camera is off. I tried to return the settings to default. Same thing.
5 - Read the manual. I did. Can't find ANY note describing this limitation. If there is a note about this please tell me where to find it.
6 - It is some faulty component in my camera. Possible. Don't know when my camera was manufactured. Maybe the number #51002639 is an early one.
7 - All Nikon's V3s are doing the same. Also possible. And Nikon doesn't want to admit that there is a firmware bug or a faulty component. This thought has crossed my mind I admit. But I hope that Nikon will admit a problem if there is such.
Sorry about this long rant!
Next year it will be 40 years using Nikon equipment. Starting with the FM, then on to FM2, F3, F4 and after that D1H, D2H, D700 and D800. I am nowhere near other people's experience and knowledge but neither am I a beginner. And I like Nikon gear. I really do. And I like Nikon 1 as well. Both the V1 and the V3. What I am describing above is not enought to stop using the camera. Most of the time I can work around it. I know how to do that. But this issue is like having a stone in your shoe. Finally you just have to get it out!
Thanks for reading!
/Johan
