Exposure
- Choosing a shooting mode
- b (auto)
- P (programmed auto)
- S (shutter-priority auto)
- A (aperture-priority auto)
- M (manual)
- U1, U2, and U3 (user setting mode)
- h (scene modes)
- Long time-exposures (mode M only)
- Autoexposure (AE) lock
- Exposure compensation
Choosing a shooting mode
Use the mode dial to choose a shooting mode. The shooting mode is shown in the shooting display.
| Mode | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| AUTO (b) | Auto (Taking photographs (b auto), Recording videos (b auto)) | A simple “point-and-shoot” mode that leaves the camera in charge of settings. In addition to the shutter speed and aperture, the camera also automatically controls white balance and other items. |
| P | Programmed auto (P (programmed auto)) | Use for snapshots and in other situations in which there is little time to adjust camera settings. The camera chooses both shutter speed and aperture automatically. |
| S | Shutter-priority auto (S (shutter-priority auto)) | Use to freeze or blur motion. You choose the shutter speed; the camera adjusts aperture automatically. |
| A | Aperture-priority auto (A (aperture-priority auto)) | Use to blur backgrounds or bring both foreground and background into focus. You choose the aperture; the camera adjusts shutter speed automatically. |
| M | Manual (M (manual)) | You control both shutter speed and aperture. Set shutter speed to “bulb” or “time” for long time-exposures. |
| U1 U2 U3 | User setting mode (U1, U2, and U3 (user setting mode)) | Assign frequently-used settings to these positions. The settings can be recalled simply by rotating the mode dial. |
| SCN (h) | Scene mode (h (scene modes)) | The camera offers a choice of “scene” modes. Choosing a scene mode automatically optimizes settings to suit the selected scene, making creative photography as simple as selecting a mode, framing a picture, and shooting. |
b (auto)
In addition to the shutter speed and aperture, the camera also automatically controls white balance and other items. Of the functions that can be configured by the menu, those controlled by the camera automatically are grayed out and unavailable. To change the settings of grayed-out menu functions, change the shooting mode to P, S, A, or M.
P (programmed auto)
In this mode, the camera automatically adjusts shutter speed and aperture according to a built-in program to ensure optimal exposure in most situations.
- You can set white balance and other items that would be controlled automatically in b (auto).
Flexible program
Different combinations of shutter speed and aperture that produce the same exposure can be selected by rotating the main command dial (“flexible program”) in mode P.
- While flexible program is in effect, a flexible program indicator (U) is displayed.
- To restore default shutter speed and aperture settings, rotate the main command dial until the indicator is no longer displayed. Flexible program also ends when the mode dial is rotated to another setting or the camera is turned off.
S (shutter-priority auto)
In shutter-priority auto, you choose the shutter speed while the camera automatically adjusts aperture for optimal exposure. Choose fast shutter speeds to “freeze” motion, slow shutter speeds to suggest motion by blurring moving objects.
- Rotate the main command dial to set the shutter speed.
- Shutter speed can be set to values between 1/4000 s and 30 s.
- When [Electronic front-curtain shutter] is selected for Custom Setting d6 [Shutter type], shutter speed is limited to 1/2000 s, even when it is set faster.
- Shutter speed can be locked at the selected value (f5: Control lock, g3: Control lock).
A (aperture-priority auto)
In aperture-priority auto, you choose the aperture while the camera automatically adjusts shutter speed for optimal exposure. This mode is suitable when you want to blur the background and bring out the details in the main subject or bring out details in the background and foreground.
- Aperture can be adjusted by rotating the sub-command dial.
- The minimum and maximum values for aperture vary with the lens.
- Aperture can be locked at the selected value (f5: Control lock, g3: Control lock).
M (manual)
You control both shutter speed and aperture. Choose this mode for long time-exposures of such subjects as fireworks or the night sky (“Bulb” or “Time” photography, Long time-exposures (mode M only)).
- Shutter speed and aperture can be adjusted with reference to the exposure indicators by rotating the command dials.
- Rotate the main command dial to choose the shutter speed. Shutter speed can be set to values between 1/4000 s and 30 s, to “Bulb”, or to “Time”.
- When [Electronic front-curtain shutter] is selected for Custom Setting d6 [Shutter type], shutter speed is limited to 1/2000 s, even when it is set faster.
- Aperture can be adjusted by rotating the sub-command dial.
- The minimum and maximum values for aperture vary with the lens.
- Shutter speed and aperture can be locked at the selected values (f5: Control lock, g3: Control lock).
Exposure indicators
The exposure indicators in the monitor and viewfinder show whether the photograph would be under- or over-exposed at current settings. The exposure indicators can be read as follows (the display varies with the option selected for Custom Setting b2 [EV steps for exposure cntrl]):
| Display | [1/3 EV steps (comp. 1/3 EV)] selected for [EV steps for exposure cntrl] | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Optimal exposure | Underexposed by 1/3 EV | Overexposed by over 3 1/3 EV | |
| Monitor |  |  |  |
| Viewfinder |  |  |  |
The orientation of the exposure indicators can be reversed using Custom Setting f8 [Reverse indicators].
Exposure warning
The displays will flash if the selected settings exceed the limits of the exposure metering system.
Extended shutter speeds
For shutter speeds as slow as 900 s (15 minutes) in mode M, select [ON] for Custom Setting d7 [Extended shutter speeds (M)].
Long exposures
At speeds slower than 1 s, the shutter speed displayed by the camera may differ from the actual exposure time. The actual exposure times at shutter speeds of 15 and 30 seconds, for example, are respectively 16 and 32 seconds. The exposure time will again match the selected shutter speed at speeds of 60 seconds and slower.
Auto ISO sensitivity control (mode M)
If auto ISO sensitivity control (Auto ISO sensitivity control) is enabled, ISO sensitivity will automatically be adjusted for optimal exposure at the selected shutter speed and aperture.
U1, U2, and U3 (user setting mode)
Frequently-used settings can be assigned to user setting positions U1 through U3 and later recalled simply by rotating the mode dial.
Save user settings
- Adjust settings.
The settings that can be saved include:- photo shooting menu options,
- video recording menu options,
- Custom Settings, and
- shooting mode, shutter speed (modes S and M), aperture (modes A and M), flexible program (mode P), and exposure compensation.
- Highlight [Save user settings] in the setup menu.
Highlight [Save user settings] in the setup menu and press 2.
- Select a position.
Highlight [Save to U1], [Save to U2], or [Save to U3] and press 2. - Save user settings.
Highlight [Save settings] using 1 or 3 and press J to assign current settings to the selected position. - Take pictures using the saved settings.
Rotating the mode dial to U1, U2, or U3 recalls the settings last saved to that position.
Items that cannot be assigned to U1, U2, and U3
The following cannot be saved to U1, U2, or U3.
- PHOTO SHOOTING MENU
- [Storage folder]
- [Manage Picture Control]
- [Multiple exposure]
- [Interval timer shooting]
- [Time-lapse video]
- [Focus shift shooting]
- VIDEO RECORDING MENU
- [Storage folder]
- [Manage Picture Control]
Resetting user settings
- Highlight [Reset user settings] in the setup menu.
Highlight [Reset user settings] in the setup menu and press 2.
- Select a position.
Highlight [Reset U1], [Reset U2], or [Reset U3] and press 2. - Reset user settings.
Highlight [Reset] and press J to restore default settings for the selected position (the camera will function in mode P).
h (scene modes)
The camera offers a choice of “scene” modes. Choosing a scene mode automatically optimizes settings to suit the selected scene, making creative photography as simple as selecting a mode, framing a picture, and shooting.
Choosing a scene mode
To choose a scene mode, rotate the mode dial to h, and then rotate the main command dial until the desired scene appears in the monitor.
- The following scenes are available.
| k Portrait |
| l Landscape |
| p Child |
| m Sports |
| n Close up |
| o Night portrait |
| r Night landscape |
| s Party/indoor |
| t Beach/snow |
| d Sunset |
| e Dusk/dawn |
| f Pet portrait |
| g Candlelight |
| j Blossom |
| z Autumn colors |
| 0 Food |
Characteristics of each scene mode
k Portrait
Use for portraits with soft, natural-looking skin tones.
- If the subject is far from the background, background details will be softened to lend the composition a sense of depth.
l Landscape
Use for vivid landscape shots in daylight.
Note
- The built-in flash does not fire.
- The AF-assist illuminator will not light.
p Child
Use for snapshots of children. Clothing and background details are vividly rendered, while skin tones remain soft and natural.
m Sports
Fast shutter speeds freeze motion for dynamic sports shots in which the main subject stands out clearly.
Note
- The built-in flash does not fire.
- The AF-assist illuminator will not light.
n Close up
Use for close-up shots of flowers, insects, and other small objects.
o Night portrait
Use for a natural balance between the main subject and the background in portraits taken under low light.
r Night landscape
Reduce noise and unnatural colors when photographing night landscapes, including street lighting and neon signs.
Note
- The built-in flash does not fire.
- The AF-assist illuminator will not light.
s Party/indoor
Capture the effects of indoor background lighting. Use for parties and other indoor scenes.
t Beach/snow
Capture the brightness of sunlit expanses of water, snow, or sand.
Note
- The built-in flash does not fire.
- The AF-assist illuminator will not light.
d Sunset
Preserves the deep hues seen in sunsets and sunrises.
Note
- The built-in flash does not fire.
- The AF-assist illuminator will not light.
e Dusk/dawn
Preserves the colors seen in the weak natural light before dawn or after sunset.
Note
- The built-in flash does not fire.
- The AF-assist illuminator will not light.
f Pet portrait
Use for portraits of active pets.
Note
The AF-assist illuminator will not light.
g Candlelight
For photographs taken by candlelight.
Note
The built-in flash does not fire.
j Blossom
Use for fields of flowers, orchards in bloom, and other landscapes featuring expanses of blossoms.
Note
The built-in flash does not fire.
z Autumn colors
Captures the brilliant reds and yellows in autumn leaves.
Note
The built-in flash does not fire.
0 Food
Use for vivid photographs of food.
Note
If raised, the built-in flash will fire with every shot.
Using a tripod
Use a tripod to prevent blur caused by camera shake at slow shutter speeds.
Scene modes
Some settings—for example, Picture Controls, white balance, tone mode, or Custom Settings—cannot be changed depending on the mode selected.
Long time-exposures (mode M only)
The camera offers two options for long time-exposures: “Bulb” and “Time”. Long time-exposures can be used for pictures of fireworks, night scenery, the stars, or moving lights.
| Shutter speed | Description |
|---|---|
| Bulb | The shutter remains open while the shutter-release button is held down. |
| Time | The exposure starts when the shutter-release button is pressed and ends when the button is pressed a second time. |
- Keep the camera steady, for example by using a tripod.
- Rotate the mode dial to M.
- Rotate the main command dial to choose a shutter speed of Bulb (“Bulb”) or Time (“Time”).Note that the exposure indicators are not displayed at a shutter speed of Bulb or Time.
Bulb 
Time - Focus and start the exposure.
- “Bulb”: Press the shutter-release button all the way down to start the exposure. Keep the shutter-release button pressed during the exposure.
- “Time”: Press the shutter-release button all the way down to start the exposure.
- End the exposure.
- “Bulb”: Lift your finger from the shutter-release button.
- “Time”: Press the shutter-release button all the way down a second time.
Long time-exposures
- Note that “noise” (bright spots, randomly-spaced bright pixels or fog) may be present in long exposures.
- Bright spots and fog can be reduced by choosing [ON] for [Long exposure NR] in the photo shooting menu.
- We recommend using one of the following power sources to prevent loss of power during long exposures:
- A fully-charged battery
- An optional EH-8P AC adapter connected using the supplied UC-E25 USB cable (featuring Type C connectors at both ends)
- Portable chargers (power banks)
- To prevent blur, use of a tripod or a device such as an optional remote cord is recommended.
- Note that optional ML-L7 remote controls function in “Time” mode even when a shutter speed of Bulb is selected.
Autoexposure (AE) lock
Use autoexposure lock to lock exposure, preventing the camera adjusting exposure automatically.
- To set the autoexposure lock, press the A (g) button.
- Keeping the A (g) button pressed locks exposure, preventing it changing in response to changes in composition or subject brightness.
- An AE-L icon will be displayed in the shooting display.
- If autofocus is enabled, press the shutter-release button halfway to focus before pressing the A (g) button. This locks both focus and exposure.
- While keeping the A (g) button pressed, recompose the photograph and shoot.
Locking exposure with the shutter-release button
If [On (half press)] is selected for Custom Setting c1 [Shutter-release button AE-L], exposure will lock while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway.
Metered area
- With [Spot metering], exposure will be locked at the value metered in a circle centered on the current focus point.
- With [Center-weighted metering], exposure will be locked at a value weighted toward an 8-mm circle in the center of the display.
Adjusting shutter speed and aperture
The following settings can be adjusted while the A (g) button is pressed:
| Shooting mode | Setting |
|---|---|
| P | Shutter speed and aperture (flexible program; P (programmed auto)) |
| S | Shutter speed |
| A | Aperture |
- The new values can be confirmed in the shooting display.
Exposure compensation
Exposure compensation is used to alter exposure from the value suggested by the camera. It can be used to make pictures brighter or darker.
Adjusting exposure compensation
Hold the E button and rotate a command dial.
- Choose from values between –5 EV (underexposure) and +5 EV (overexposure). Values between –3 EV and +3 EV are available in video mode.
- At default settings, changes to exposure compensation are made in increments of 1/3 EV. The size of the increments can be changed using Custom Setting b2 [EV steps for exposure cntrl].
- Higher values make the subject brighter, lower values darker.
- The shooting display shows the E icon and indicators in photo mode and the E icon in video mode. The current value for exposure compensation can be confirmed by pressing the E button.
Monitor 
Viewfinder - Normal exposure can be restored by setting exposure compensation to ±0.0. Exposure compensation is not reset when the camera is turned off.
- In b and SCN modes, exposure compensation will be reset when another shooting mode is selected or the camera is turned off.
Mode M
- In mode M, exposure compensation affects only the exposure indicator; shutter speed, aperture, and ISO sensitivity do not change. The overall brightness of the image also does not change.
- The exposure indicator and the current value for exposure compensation can be displayed by pressing the E button.
- When auto ISO sensitivity control (Auto ISO sensitivity control) is in effect, ISO sensitivity is automatically adjusted according to the value selected for exposure compensation, and the overall brightness of the image changes.
Flash photography
When the built-in flash or an optional flash unit is used, exposure compensation affects both flash level and exposure, altering the brightness of both the main subject and the background. Custom Setting e3 [Exposure comp. for flash] can be used to restrict the effects of exposure compensation to the background only.