Nikon D3100 settings problems?

Dear Friends,

Today I bought a Nikon D3100. I'm facing some problems, may be because I'm new with the DSLR.
Please advise.

1.In Manual Mode, to change Aperture to Shutter speed I used the (+/-) button, but it is not changing each other. I'm able to change only the shutter speed. When I click the (+/-) button, it is not changing to Aperture. Do need to configure this? If "Yes", How can I do that?

2. My aperture is coming maximum of f/5 it is not coming down to F/2 or F/1. How can I do this?

3. Photos taken looks very good in the camera screen, but when I take it to PC, it does not look that good. It required editing. How can I fix this?

Many thanks in advance for the help.

Appreciated.

Thanks.

Added (1). I'm using the kit lens. 18-55mm VR

You need the hold down the (+/-) and turn the dial (the one you change shutter speed with) to change the aperture in Manual mode.

Your maximum aperture is based on what lens you are using. If the biggest aperture on your lens is f/5 then you can't go f/2 etc. Some cheap lenses "ramps" which means that at the widest zoom setting of the lens your maximum aperture is maybe f/3.5 while when you zoomed completely in your maximum aperture is f/5.6 perhaps

You can fix this by taking better pictures basically and making sure it is focused and not shaking

1.To change the shutter speed, spin the wheel on the right upper portion of the camera.
To change aperture, HOLD DOWN the +/- button while spinning the wheel.

2. What lens are you using. The f/stop setting will only be within the capabilities of the lens. If you're using the 18-55 kit lens, you'll notice your lens has a maximum aperture number like 1:3.5-5.6. This means at 18mm, the widest aperture will be f/3.5. At 55mm, the widest aperture is f/5.6.
To get wider apertures, you need to buy a different lens. For wide aperture lenses, the 35 and 50mm f/1.8 lenses are reasonably priced and very good quality.

3. You'll need to learn how to use your camera. Shooting any camera takes skills to make the images look good straight from the camera. Having a good camera doesn't mean your images automatically look good. Proper lighting is key to a good image. Looking for tutorials on-line, books, and classes at your local community college are good ways to learn about photography. Practice and experience is also very important.

1.In any mode, + will overexpose (make brighter) and - will underexpose (make darker).To change aperture in manual mode, read the camera's manual. Nothing to configure, it's all there. I advise you stay in Auto mode for the time being.

2. The aperture size of your lens may be f/22 or f/32 depending on the lens and focal length set. Look at the front or side of the lens. The maximum aperture size should be written there. I'm guessing that would be f/3.5-5.6. The smaller the f/number, the bigger the aperture size. If you want an f/2 lens, go back to the store and buy one. F/1? Http://www.ebay.com/itm/130624948203

3. The small LCD of the camera is optimized for best visibility. It will hide exposure errors. Zoom in during preview to best make use of it. The computer is the final say. What you see in the computer is what your picture really looks like. To make your pictures look good: http://www.illustratedphotography.com/basic-photography