bulb: Long (Bulb) Exposures

In this mode, the shutter stays open as long as you hold down the shutter button completely, and closes when you let go of the shutter button. Use bulb exposures for night scenes, fireworks, astrophotography, and other subjects requiring long exposures.

  1. Set the shooting mode to buLb.

    • Press the MODE button and turn the Main Dial or Quick Control Dial dial to select buLb.

  2. Set the desired aperture value.

    • Watch the top LCD panel as you turn the Main Dial or Quick Control Dial dial.

  3. Take the picture.

    (1) Minutes

    (2) Seconds

    (3) Hours

    • The exposure will continue for as long as you keep the shutter button pressed completely.
    • Elapsed exposure time is displayed on the top LCD panel.

Caution

  • Do not point the camera toward an intense light source, such as the sun or an intense artificial light source. Doing so may damage the image sensor or the camera's internal components.
  • Long bulb exposures produce more noise in the image than usual.
  • If ISO Auto is set, ISO 400 will be set.
  • When shooting bulb exposures with both the self-timer and mirror lockup instead of the bulb timer, keep pressing the shutter button completely (until the self-timer and bulb exposure time have elapsed). No shot will be taken if you release the shutter button during self-timer countdown, although a shutter-release sound will be played.

Note

  • You can reduce the noise generated during long exposures by using [Shooting: Long exp. noise reduction] ().
  • Using a tripod is recommended for bulb exposures. You can also use mirror lockup ().
  • You can use Remote Switch RS-80N3 or Timer Remote Controller TC-80N3 (both sold separately) for bulb exposures ().