Exposure
- Choosing a shooting mode
- b (auto)
- P (programmed auto)
- S (shutter-priority auto)
- A (aperture-priority auto)
- M (manual)
- U1, U2, U3, and U4 (user setting mode)
- Long time-exposures (mode M only)
- Autoexposure (AE) lock
- Exposure compensation
Choosing a shooting mode
- Press the Fn2 (MODE) button.
- The shooting mode options will be displayed.
- Press the multi selector left or right to highlight a shooting mode, and then press the center of the multi selector to select.
| Mode | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| b (AUTO) | Auto (Recording videos (b auto), Taking photographs (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 U4 | User setting mode (U1, U2, U3, and U4 (user setting mode)) | Save frequently-used settings. The settings can be recalled simply by selecting a mode from U1 through U4 for shooting mode.
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- When highlighting a mode from U1 to U4, pressing the multi selector down allows you to change the shooting mode of the user setting mode to P, A, S, or M. Depending on the current settings, only the shooting mode for photo mode or video mode will be changed. When the shooting mode of the user setting mode is b, the shooting mode of the user setting mode cannot be changed.
- The shooting mode can also be changed by choosing [Shooting mode options] in the i menu, or tapping the shooting mode on the shooting display.
Using the menus
- Highlight [Shooting mode options] in the photo shooting menu or video recording menu, and press the multi selector right.
- Highlight a shooting mode, and then press the center of the multi selector.
- The icon of the shooting mode saved to each user setting mode is displayed to the right of [User setting mode 1] through [User setting mode 4].
- When one of the user setting modes from [User setting mode 1] to [User setting mode 4] is highlighted, press the multi selector right to change the shooting mode for that user setting mode to [Programmed auto], [Shutter-priority auto], [Aperture-priority auto], or [Manual]. When set from the photo shooting menu, the selected shooting mode is applied only to photo mode, and when set from the video recording menu, the selected shooting mode is applied only to video mode. When the shooting mode of the user setting mode is [Auto], the shooting mode of the user setting mode cannot be changed.
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 1/16000 s and 30 s.
- Shutter speed can be locked at the selected value (f5: Control lock, g4: 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, g4: 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 1/16000 s and 30 s, to “Bulb”, or to “Time”.
- 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, g4: Control lock).
Exposure indicators
The exposure indicator in the monitor shows 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]):
| [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 |
 |  |  |
Exposure warning
The display 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 d6 [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, U3, and U4 (user setting mode)
By assigning frequently-used settings to user setting modes U1 through U4, you can use the saved user settings for shooting by simply selecting a mode from U1 through U4.
- In user setting mode, you can change the shooting modes for photo mode and video mode separately. However, when the shooting mode of the user setting mode is b, the shooting mode of the user setting mode cannot be changed.
- You can use basic preset user settings configured for different video expressions and shooting scenes, such as cinematic video and astronomical photography. Various presets have been saved to U1, U2, U3, and U4 as default settings.
Default user settings (presets)
| User setting | Shooting mode/name of user setting | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Still image | Video | ||
| U1 | P U | M Cinematic video | This setting is suitable for shooting cinematic videos.
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| U2 | P U | M Slow-motion video | This setting is suitable for shooting slow-motion video that is slowed down to 1/4 playback speed.
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| U3 | A Portrait | P U | This setting is suitable for shooting portrait photography with the subject in sharp focus and the background thoroughly blurred.
|
| U4 | M Starscape photo | P U | This setting is suitable for shooting astronomical photography.
|
Default user settings (presets)
At default settings, although settings are configured for different video expressions and shooting scenes, they do not automatically adjust to suit your shooting conditions. If you are unable to shoot photos or video as you intended, change the settings from the default settings according to your shooting conditions. When repeatedly changing the settings from the default settings while shooting, it is recommended that you save the changed settings using [Manage user settings] in the setup menu.
Saving user settings and configuring settings related to managing user settings
The current shooting settings can be saved to a mode, from U1 to U4, using [Manage user settings] in the setup menu. Presets can also be saved to U1 through U4. In [Manage user settings], you can also configure settings related to managing user settings, such as discarding changes to saved settings and resetting to default settings.
The following settings can be configured for [U1] through [U4] using [Manage user settings] in the setup menu.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| [Save] | Save user settings.
|
| [Keep changes] | Set this to [ON] to keep the user settings even when the shooting mode is changed from U1 through U4 to a different shooting mode, or when the power is turned off. |
| [Discard changes] | Returns to the previously saved settings.
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| [Rename] | Change the names of user settings for C (photo mode) and 1 (video mode).
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| [Reset] | Returns the saved user settings to the default settings.
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The procedure for saving the current shooting functions as user settings is as follows.
- Adjust settings.
The settings that can be saved include:- photo shooting menu options,
- video recording menu options,
- Custom Settings menu options, and
- shooting mode, shutter speed (modes S and M), aperture (modes A and M), flexible program (mode P), and exposure compensation, etc.
- Highlight [Manage user settings] in the setup menu, and press the multi selector right.
- Select a mode.
Highlight [U1], [U2], [U3], or [U4] and press the multi selector right.
- Highlight [Save] and press the multi selector right.
- Highlight [Current settings] and press the center of the multi selector.
Highlight [Save settings] and press the center of the multi selector to save the current settings to the selected user setting mode.
Items that cannot be assigned to U1, U2, U3, and U4
The following items cannot be saved to U1, U2, U3, or U4.
- PHOTO SHOOTING MENU
- [Storage folder]
- [Manage Picture Control]
- [Multiple exposure]
- [Interval timer shooting]
- [Time-lapse video]
- [Focus shift shooting]
- [Pixel shift shooting]
- VIDEO RECORDING MENU
- [Storage folder]
- [Manage Picture Control]
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/REC button is held down. |
| Time | The exposure starts when the shutter-release/REC button is pressed and ends when the button is pressed a second time. |
- Keep the camera steady, for example by using a tripod.
- Press the Fn2 (MODE) button to display the shooting mode options.
- Highlight M and press the center of the multi selector to change the shooting mode 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/REC button all the way down to start the exposure. Keep the shutter-release/REC button pressed during the exposure.
- “Time”: Press the shutter-release/REC button all the way down to start the exposure.
- End the exposure.
- “Bulb”: Lift your finger from the shutter-release/REC button.
- “Time”: Press the shutter-release/REC 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.
- 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 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 perform AE lock, press the control to which an AE lock function such as [AE lock only] or [AE/AF lock] was assigned. The role played by the control can be selected using Custom Setting f2 [Custom controls (shooting)] or g2 [Custom controls] (f2: Custom controls (shooting), g2: Custom controls).
The following explanation uses the assignment of [AE/AF lock] as an example. The method of using the control and the operation of the camera differs depending on the assigned function.
- Keeping the control to which [AE/AF lock] was assigned pressed locks exposure, preventing it from 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/REC button halfway to focus before pressing the control to which [AE/AF lock] was assigned. This locks both focus and exposure.
- Keeping the control to which [AE/AF lock] was assigned pressed, recompose the photograph and shoot.
Locking exposure with the shutter-release/REC button
If [On (half press)] is selected for Custom Setting c1 [Shutter-release button AE-L], exposure will lock while the shutter-release/REC 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 a 12-mm circle in the center of the display.
Adjusting shutter speed and aperture
The following settings can be adjusted while the button to which [AE/AF lock] was assigned is being 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
- Press the Fn1 (E) button.
- You can now change exposure compensation.
- On this camera, Custom Setting f7 [Release button to use dial] is set to [ON] by default. If [OFF] is selected for f7 [Release button to use dial], you will need to hold the Fn1 (E) button and rotate a command dial to set exposure compensation.
- Rotate a command dial to set the exposure compensation value.
- The set exposure compensation value and an indicator are displayed in photo mode, and the set compensation value is displayed in video mode.
- Press the Fn1 (E) button again to apply the setting.
- 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.
- 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 mode, exposure compensation will be reset when another shooting mode is selected or the camera is turned off.
- Exposure compensation can also be set by tapping the exposure compensation on the shooting display.
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.
- 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 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 e2 [Exposure comp. for flash] can be used to restrict the effects of exposure compensation to the background only.