EXPOSURE LOCK - AEL BUTTON

The AE lock button locks the automatic exposure system without activating the AF system. This function allows the exposure to be set by a gray card or reference target outside the scene. When using flash in the P or A exposure modes, slow-shutter sync is active (p. 47). The operation of the AE lock button can be changed in section 1 of the custom menu (p. 95).

Frame the exposure target in the viewfinder depending on the metering mode in use (p. 50). Press and hold the AE lock button (1) to lock the exposure; the shutter speed and aperture are displayed and the AEL indicator is displayed in the viewfinder and on the monitor. Release the button to cancel the lock.

2

While holding the AEL button, place the subject in the focus frame and press the shutter-release button partway down to focus (2). Press the shutter-release button down all the way to take the picture.

The exposure remains locked after the picture is taken if the AEL button is not released.

While the exposure is locked, the camera meter is still active. The viewfinder and monitor Ev scale shows the difference between the locked exposure and the current light level measured with the meter. Spot metering is used.

AEL indicator

 

Ev scale

When the Ev scale indicates 0, the locked exposure shown in the shutter-speed and aperture displays is the same as the exposure determined by the spot-metering area.

The increments on the scale depend on the exposure-compensation dial position. See camera notes on page 41. The examples below are based on a 0.5 Ev increment.

The metered area is 1.0Ev less (–) than the locked exposure.

+2.5EV

The arrow indicates the metered area is 0.5Ev more (+) or less

 

 

(–) than the greatest value on the scale in comparison to the

+3.5EV

locked exposure.

 

 

 

 

 

≥3.0EV

The blinking arrow indicates the metered area is 1.0Ev or more

 

 

greater (+) or less (–) than the greatest value on the scale in

 

≥4.0EV

comparison to the locked exposure.

 

 

 

ABOUT SLOW SYNC.

When using flash, pressing the AEL button activates the slow-sync. function in program, full-auto program, and aperture priority. Slow sync. balances the ambient light exposure with the flash exposure so the background is recorded with the subject.

When the AEL button is pressed and held, the ambient light exposure is determined and the flash exposure is based on the locked aperture setting. The use of a tripod is recommended with slow-sync. exposures.

46 Advanced recording

47