Hi,

You're quite right, Gary. Like I said, my new E510 is my first DSLR, and I'm still learning to use it! I didn't realise that P mode allowed me to alter the aperture whilst keeping everything else effectively in auto mode - I just went straight to auto mode. To be honest, I don't think I've ever used P mode on any camera; I usually stick to aperture or shutter priority.

Oh well, another lesson learned. Thanks for everyone's input into was was quite an elementary mistake after all.

Rob