M: Manual Exposure

In this mode, you set both the shutter speed and aperture value as desired. To determine the exposure, refer to the exposure level indicator or use a commercially available exposure meter.

[M] stands for Manual.

  1. Set the ISO speed ().

    • Press the ISO button to set it.
    • With ISO Auto, you can set exposure compensation ().

  2. Set the desired shutter speed.

    • Turn the Dial dial to set it.

  3. Set the desired aperture value.

    • Turn the Quick control dial dial to set it.

  4. Focus on the subject.

    • Press the shutter button halfway.
    • Check the exposure level mark [Exposure level] to see how far the current exposure level is from the standard exposure level.

    (1) Standard exposure index

    (2) Exposure level mark

  5. Set the exposure and take the picture.

    • Check the exposure level indicator and set the desired shutter speed and aperture value.

Exposure Compensation with ISO Auto

If the ISO speed is set to [AUTO] for manual exposure shooting, you can set exposure compensation () as follows:

  • Tap the exposure level indicator
  • Set [Shooting: Exposure comp.]
  • Turn Control ring while pressing the shutter button halfway ()

Caution

  • Exposure may not be as expected when ISO Auto is set, because the ISO speed is adjusted to ensure standard exposure for your specified shutter speed and aperture value. In this case, set the exposure compensation.
  • Exposure compensation is not applied in flash photography with ISO Auto, even if you have set an exposure compensation amount.

Note

  • When ISO Auto is set, you can lock the ISO speed by pressing the button assigned to AE lock.
  • You can check the difference between an initial exposure level when you first press the button assigned to AE lock and then press it again after recomposing the shot, which is shown on the exposure level indicator.
  • For details on assigning AE lock, see Customize Buttons for Shooting.
  • Any existing exposure compensation amount is maintained if you switch to [M] mode with ISO Auto after using exposure compensation in [P], [Tv], or [Av] mode ().