Aperture Priority still comes out overexposed, same even when I use one of those SCN functions with Blurred Background.
Yep I realized that when I'm under a tree or something, it turns out alright. Just wondering how did others do it where they are at the beach or something. I tried Full Auto, it bumps the aperture down to 6+, but then that means I don't get the bokeh effect
Actually when on Manual mode, I haven't figured out how to adjust the exposure like in P mode.
I only know that I can sort of set a bracket, but then I don't get to force the exposure up or down.
I also haven't quite figured out how does the metering work too. So far I just leave it at Evaluative Metering, since the description says that it is ideal for most situations...haaa... So what would be a more suitable setting in this case?
Looks like I need to start researching into what is a ND filter
Don't take this the wrong way but from what I have read thus far, you are not doing yourself any good to researching or wasting more money on ND filters.
To use an analogy, you are just learning to drive a car and before you even know how to drive well enough, you want to master drifting or stunt driving.
From what you wrote, it indicates your knowledge about photographic equipment in general is lacking, a heavy dependence on automatic program functions and not spending enough time getting familiar with the camera you invested money in. The most basic instrumentation in all cameras is the built-in exposure meter which you can see from inside your viewfinder. You mentioned you have not learned to use it yet. Shocking to say the least. No use talking about histogram if the most basic metering is not even considered important to learn.
Am I right to say, you never or rarely shoot on MANUAL given you don't know how to use exposure meter reading? Sorry to say, anyone into photography need to know how to use the exposure metering. Simply looking at where the indicator points will tell you 'relatively' if your overall composition's exposure is correct, over or under exposed. The metering aids you ( as part of your creative process to capturing your intended final result ) to decide how many stops to adjust in co-relation to shutter or aperture settings. At times, with ISO setting thrown into the mix as a compensation for example.
Even in Program or AUTO Scene modes, the metering is a good indicator tool to see if the lighting condition is acceptable or beyond the camera's ability to capture the scene properly exposed in those auto modes. Further to that, metering comes in 3 choice of modes, mufti-point, center-weighted and single point. You need to understand enough to know which mode is best for your style and condition. If all this sound technical or confusing, I hope you realise that you have much to learn beyond just creative composition awaiting you. There is no running away from it if you even want to improve.
Lack of basic understanding about photographing LIGHT with your most basic camera setup will bring you no closer to improving or appreciating your hobby FULLY and that each time you press the shutter, you are in fact wishing on luck, the camera's AUTO modes you paid good money for, will capture the perfect shot for you. Not understanding the basics and now wanting to add 'another variables' to the equation like ND filters (or flash or more expensive lens) is not going to solve your long term disadvantage.
Even a born talented child prodigy pianist still have to spend grueling hours upon hours learning finger works to playing the keys flawlessly to bring out his true musical genius. Without those fundamental, I can present you with the best crafted piano and you would still not play it well.
Don't believe all the BS advertising on how advance cameras are these days especially those PROGRAM AUTO SCENE modes being so damn idiot-proof. They only work up to a point. Cameras don't shoot themselves and instantly produce great shots....no camera dare to claim that. If the one fiddling with the camera has no understanding of the gear, his or her best work will always be held back by their ignorance of the tools.
So get your basic understanding on photography and photographic equipment up to a decent level before you spend (and waste) more money.