Taking Photographs (b Mode)
Follow the steps below to take photographs in b (auto) mode, an automatic “point-and-shoot” mode in which the majority of settings are controlled by the camera in response to shooting conditions.
Lenses with Retractable Barrels
Lenses with retractable barrels must be extended before use. Rotate the lens zoom ring as shown until the lens clicks into the extended position.
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Turn the camera on.
The monitor and control panel will light.
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Select photo mode.
Rotate the photo/movie selector to C.
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Select b mode.
Pressing the mode dial lock release on top of the camera, rotate the mode dial to b.
Mode dial
Mode dial lock release
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Ready the camera.
Hold the handgrip in your right hand and cradle the camera body or lens with your left. Bring your elbows in against the sides of your chest.
Framing photos in the viewfinder
Landscape (wide) orientation
Portrait (tall) orientation
Framing photos in the monitor
Landscape (wide) orientation
Portrait (tall) orientation
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Frame the photograph.
Frame the shot and use the sub-selector or multi selector to position the focus point over your subject.
Focus point
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Focus.
To focus, press the shutter-release button halfway or press the AF-ON button (the AF-assist illuminator may light if the subject is poorly lit). If AF-S is selected for focus mode, the focus point will be displayed in green if the camera is able to focus; if the camera is unable to focus, the focus point will flash red.
The AF-Assist Illuminator
Do not obstruct the AF-assist illuminator while it is lit.
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Shoot.
Smoothly press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to take the photograph (you can also take a photograph by touching the monitor: touch your subject to focus and lift your finger to release the shutter). The memory card access lamp will light while the photo is recorded to the memory card. Do not eject the memory card or remove or disconnect the power source until the lamp has gone out and recording is complete.
Memory card access lamp
The Standby Timer
If no operations are performed for about 30 seconds, the display will dim for a few seconds before the monitor, viewfinder, and control panel turn off to reduce the drain on the battery. Press the shutter-release button halfway to reactivate the display. The length of time before the standby timer expires automatically can be selected using Custom Setting c3 (Power off delay) > Standby timer.
