Flash compensation changes the ratio between the ambient and flash exposures. When using fill- flash to reduce harsh shadows caused by direct sunlight, flash compensation changes the ratio between the highlights and shadows. The flash affects the darkness of the shadows without affecting the area illuminated by the sun. By decreasing the flash output with a negative Ev setting, the shadows receive less light and are deeper, but retain detail that would be lost without the flash. Using a positive Ev setting will soften or eliminate shadows.

Camera sensitivity - ISO

Five camera sensitivity settings can be selected: Auto, 50, 100, 200, and 320; the numerical values are based on an ISO equiva- lent. ISO is the standard used to indicate film sensitivity: the higher the number, the more sensitive the film. Camera sensitivity is set in section 3 of the P, A, S, and M menus (p. 44).

Sensitivity

Auto

Digital zoom

Off

Color mode

NaturalColor

Sharpness

Normal

Contrast

Normal

Metering modes

Metering mode indicators are displayed on the monitor. The metering mode is set in section 2 of the P, A, S, and M menus (p. 44).

Multi-segment metering: uses 256 segments to measure luminance and color. This data is combined with distance information to calculate the camera exposure. This advanced metering system will give accurate worry-free exposures in almost all situations.

Focus mode

Single AF

Full-time AF

On

Flash mode

Autoflash

Flash comp.

0

Metering mode

MultiSegment

The auto setting automatically adjusts the camera sensitivity to the light conditions between ISO 50 and 160. When any other setting than auto is used, “ISO” and the set value will be displayed on the monitor.

A specific sensitivity setting can be selected. As the ISO value doubles, the camera sensitivity dou- bles. Like grain in silver-halide film that increases with speed, noise increases with sensitivity in digital imaging; an ISO setting of 50 will have the least noise and 320 will have the most. An ISO setting of 320 may allow the camera to be hand-held in low-light conditions without the need of a flash.

Center weighted: a traditional metering method in film cameras. The system measures light values over the entire image area with emphasis given the central region.

Spot metering: uses a small area within the image to calculate the exposure. A small circle appears in the middle of the live image indicating the measuring area. The spot allows precise exposure measurements of a particular object without being influenced by extremely bright or dark areas within the scene.

Flash range and camera sensitivity

The flash range is measured from the CCD. Because of the optical system, the flash range is not the same at the lens’ wide-angle position as it is at the telephoto position.

ISO setting

Flash range (wide angle)

Flash range (telephoto)

AUTO

0.57 - 4.7m (1.87 - 15.4ft.)

1.57 - 4.7m (5.15 - 15.4ft.)

50

0.57 - 2.7m (1.87 - 8.9ft.)

1.57 - 2.7m (5.15 - 8.9ft.)

100

0.57 - 3.8m (1.87 - 12.4ft.)

1.57 - 3.8m (5.15 - 12.4ft.)

200

0.57 - 5.3m (1.87 - 17.4ft.)

1.57 - 5.3m (5.15 - 17.4ft.)

320

0.57 - 6.7m (1.87 - 22.0ft.)

1.57 - 6.7m (5.15 - 22.0ft.)

58

ADVANCED RECORDING

59