Shutter release is disabled or slow

Is a memory card inserted, and does it have space available?

The shutter release is disabled if no memory card is inserted or if the memory card is full. Open the memory card slot cover or battery chamber cover, insert a memory card, and try again.

• When [Enable release] is selected for [Slot empty release lock] in the setup menu, the shutter can be released with no memory card inserted. No pictures will be recorded; during playback, the camera displays [Demo].

Is a shutter speed of “Bulb” or “Time” selected in mode S?

If you selected mode S after selecting a shutter speed of “Bulb” or “Time” in mode M, “Bulb” or “Time” flashes in the shooting display and shutter release is unavailable. Select a different shutter speed and try again.

Is release priority enabled?

When [Focus] is selected for [AF-C priority selection] or [AF-S priority selection] in Custom Setting “a,” the shutter release is enabled only when the camera is in focus. Select [Release] to enable the shutter release regardless of focus.

Is exposure delay mode set to [Off]?

Use exposure delay mode to reduce camera shake during microscopy or tripod shooting. If [Exposure delay mode] in Custom Setting “d” is set to an option other than [Off], shutter release can be delayed by from about 0.2 to 3 seconds after the shutter-release button is pressed. Select [Off] to release the shutter without delay.

Is the self-timer enabled?

If the release mode is set to [Self-timer], the camera will automatically release the shutter following a delay of the specified duration after the shutter-release button is pressed. Select an option other than [Self-timer] for [Release mode] in the photo shooting menu to release the shutter without delay.

Is the built-in flash used?

If the camera is equipped with a built-in flash, the shutter release may be briefly disabled to protect the flash after it has been used for several consecutive shots. The flash can be used again after a short pause.