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 auto recording, P, A, or digital subject program 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. 94).

Frame the exposure target in the viewfinder depending on the metering mode in use (p. 59). 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.

Spot metering area

2

AEL indicator

Ev scale

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.

When the monitor and viewfinder 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.

46ADVANCED RECORDING