Steve, I wish I could explain it better, but the best tip I can give you, is that if you can shoot in Shutter Priority mode, DO THAT!
I take a lot of Underwater pictures, and that is an extreme example of what you are expierencing above ground.
It's possible to get a complete black under exposed foreground with a white over exposed water.
The other thing you should try is changing the ISO on your camera to "faster" speed. Try and find a balance between exposure and grain.
You have a really nice camera, one of the bad things about having such a really nice camera is that they only take really nice pictures if you are a pro. :P
If you ask this same question on
www.digitaldiver.net You'll probably get a much better answer. I don't know a whole hell of lot about cameras, but I do know that when I have the same problem you are having it's because of not enough subject light, too much ambient light, and the only way I know to correct that is with a Flash and a faster shutter speed.
Good luck.
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2003 Red H2 equipped with Tough Country Heavy Duty Armor Series Front End with Winch, Rear Bumper, Brush Guard, and Roof Rack.