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Reference—P, S, A, and M Modes
P, S, A, and M modes offer varying degrees of control over shutter speed
and aperture.
Mode Description
P
Programmed
auto
Camera sets shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure.
Recommended for snapshots and in other situations in which
little time is available for adjusting camera settings.
S
Shutter-priority
auto
User chooses shutter speed; camera selects aperture for best
results. Use to freeze or blur motion.
A
Aperture-priority
auto
User chooses aperture; camera selects shutter speed for best
results. Use to blur background or bring both foreground and
background into focus.
M Manual
User controls both shutter speed and aperture. Set shutter
speed to “bulb” for long time-exposures.
P, S, A, and M modes offer control over a variety of advanced settings, in-
cluding shutter speed, aperture, and white balance.
Choosing an Exposure Mode
P, S, A, and M Modes
Controls used: Mode dial
P, S, A, and M Modes
When using a CPU lens equipped with an aperture ring, lock the aperture ring at the
min i mum aperture (highest f/-number). Non-CPU lenses can only be used in mode
M, when aperture can be adjusted manually using the lens aperture ring. The cam-
era exposure meter can not be used. See “Optional Accessories” ( 105).
If the limits of the exposure metering system are exceeded, one of the following in di -
ca tors will be dis played in the control panel and viewfi nder:
Indicator Description
Subject too bright. Lower sensitivity or use optional Neutral Density (ND) fi lter.
Subject too dark. Raise sensitivity or use fl ash.
Advanced Settings
11: EV Step controls the size of the increments for shutter speed and aperture
( 92). 12: BKT SET can be used to vary exposure automatically over a series of
photographs ( 93). Exposure can be locked using AE lock ( 97).