I had this same issue. I would recommend downloading the "Reference Guide" for this model from Nikon's website. ( http://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en... ) It contains more detailed instructions than the "User's Guide" does. Specifically, check out page 29 under the heading "Shooting Back-lit Scenes". The behaviour you have described is completely normal if the camera has been set to this mode. The manual gives detail on how to change from this mode, as well.