P: Program AE

The camera automatically sets the shutter speed and aperture value to suit the subject's brightness.

P stands for Program.

AE stands for Auto Exposure.

  1. Set the Mode dial to Program AE.

  2. Focus on the subject.

    • Aim the camera at the subject and press the shutter button halfway.
    • Once the subject is in focus, an AF point is displayed (in green for One-Shot AF or blue for Servo AF).
    • The shutter speed and aperture value are set automatically.

  3. Check the display.

    • As long as the exposure value is not blinking, standard exposure will be obtained.

  4. Take the picture.

    • Compose the shot and press the shutter button completely.

Caution

  • If the “30"” shutter speed and the lowest aperture value blink, it indicates underexposure.

    Increase the ISO speed or use flash.

  • If the “1/4000” shutter speed and the highest aperture value blink, it indicates overexposure.

    Lower the ISO speed or use an ND filter (sold separately) to reduce the amount of light entering the lens.

Note

  • Differences between P and Scene Intelligent Auto modes

  • Scene Intelligent Auto mode limits available functions and sets the AF area, metering mode, and many other functions automatically to prevent bad shots. In contrast, P mode only sets the shutter speed and aperture value automatically, and you can freely set the AF area, metering mode, and other functions.

  • Program shift

  • In P mode, you can freely change the combination (program) of shutter speed and aperture value set automatically by the camera while maintaining the same exposure. This is called Program shift.
  • With Program shift, you can press the shutter button halfway, then turn the Main dial dial until the desired shutter speed or aperture value is displayed.
  • Program shift will be canceled automatically when the metering timer ends (exposure setting display turns off).
  • Program shift cannot be used with flash.