Nikon D3100 will take pictures but they are just black

I have no clue what's happening i just got a nikon d3100 today and its just taking black pictures i adjusted aperture and thats not doing anything… Help

Added (1). Ok so I know how to use cameras but this has never happened to me… Its an 18-55mm nikkorr AF-S DX lens

1) Are you using a non-ai, ai or ai-s lens?
2) Are you using full manual?
3) Have you read the manual?

First off did you read the manual. Go into auto mode on the camera and see if it takes a picture. If you are in manual mode then you shutter speed is to high and or your aperture is to high

You don't know how to use your camera, and are having problems? What a surprise!

Try actually reading the instructions that came with your camera.

Dark or black images = grossly underexposed shots.

What does your cameras light meter show you?

You got it JUST today. Well it is possible that something is broken. In the worst case/best case it is the mirror not moving. You can check this easily watch through the viewfinder and make a picture. If the viewfinder doesn't gets black, blocked, then the mirror doesn't moves.

And you are going to have to claim garantuee.

Another thing is well as the others say are you able to use it? One of the big mistakes is going M mode day one.oh sure full control is a great thing but you gotta learn the ropes. Make sure the camera is in P/A or S mode and try again. Keep M for situations where you have the time and understanding of what to do.

So there are the two options. And yes as always make sure the lens cap is off the lens. A mistake that ought to be impossible to make with a DSLR… Some range finder owners though *chuckle* .

Set your camera to Auto mode, Auto ISO, AF on, Auto white balance, EV 0 (zero) then step outside and take a picture of a brightly colored car parked under the sun. If that doesn't come out bring your camera back to the store you bought it from and ask for servicing.

Iso, aperture and shutter speed all work togheter, you can't not just touch one and expect everything will be fine, unless you use other mode than manuel setting. Before continuig did you take off the cap on the lens? It can happen to anybody, everyone I know who own a dslr did at one time forgot to take it off.

Try to find your exposure histogram on your back screen by pressing up or down on the cross (if you have one on your camera)

Look at it, your photo came out black, the white wave on your histogram should be on the left side nearly visible.

That mean you don't let enough light into your camera.

This is might be cause by several thing.

#1 Your shutter speed could be to fast.

#2 Your aperture might be to small.

- F1, 4 is a big aperture number, it mean it let allot of light coming in, the diaphragm is wide open.

- F22 is a small aperture, it mean the light have a hard time coming in because the diaphragm has become very small.

Put your camera on automatic and take a picture, now look at the histogram, the wave should be in the middle, that mean it should be properly exposed. Now take a look at the exif: shutter speed, iso, aperture.

Put back your camera to "aperture priority" and set the iso to 100 or the lowest choice on your camera, this mode will let you chose the aperture while the camera will calculate the proper shutter speed to get the best exposure.

Look at the histogram and exif again, it should be properly exposed again.

Here some useful tutorial.

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/...posure.htm

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/...grams1.htm

If the above did not help you resolve the matter, go back to the store and they should replace it if there's really a problem with it.

Put the camera in AUTO, go outside on a bright sunny day, and take a photo.

Is the photo exposed properly?

If so, you are doing something incorrect.

If not, the camera may be at fault.

Your pictures are black because they are grossly underexposed.

I suggest a thorough reading of the Owner's Manual that came with your camera. Although you say "… I know how to use cameras… " apparently you don't know how to use a DSLR. This video tutorial will also help you: http://www.nikondigitutor.com/eng/d3100/index.html

Learning about the Exposure Triangle - Aperture/ISO/Shutter Speed - will also help you. This site explains how all 3 components - Aperture/ISO/Shutter Speed - must be in balance to produce a correct exposure.
http://www.digital-photography-school.com/learning-exposure-in-digital-photography

There are some nasty people on here