Multiple Exposures

As you shoot multiple exposures (2–9), you can see how the images will be merged into a single image.

  1. Select [Shooting: Multiple exposure].

  2. Set [Multiple exposure].

    • Select [Enable].

  3. Set [Multi-expos ctrl].

    • Select a merging option, then press the Quick Control/Set button.

    • Additive

      The exposure of each single image captured is added cumulatively. Based on [No. of exposures], set negative exposure compensation. Follow these basic guidelines to set the exposure compensation amount.

      Exposure compensation setting guidelines, by number of exposures

      Two exposures: –1 stop, three exposures: –1.5 stops, four exposures: –2 stops

    • Average

      Based on the [No. of exposures], negative exposure compensation is set automatically as you shoot multiple exposures. If you shoot multiple exposures of the same scene, the exposure of the subject's background will be automatically controlled to obtain the standard exposure.

    • Bright/Dark

      Brightness (or darkness) of the base image and added images is compared at the same position, and bright (or dark) portions are retained. Some overlapping colors may be mixed, depending on the relative brightness (or darkness) of the images.

  4. Set [No. of exposures].

    • Select the number of exposures, then press the Quick Control/Set button.

  5. Set [Continue Mult-exp].

    • Select an option, then press the Quick Control/Set button.
    • With [1 shot only], multiple-exposure shooting will be canceled automatically after the shooting ends.
    • With [Continuously], multiple-exposure shooting continues until the setting in step 2 is set to [Disable].

  6. Shoot the first exposure.

    • The captured image is displayed.
    • The [Multiple exposures] icon blinks.
    • The number of remaining exposures is indicated on the screen (1) for reference.
    • Pressing the Playback button enables you to view the captured image ().

  7. Shoot the next exposures.

    • Images captured so far are displayed merged. For only image display, press the INFO button repeatedly.
    • Multiple-exposure shooting will end when the set number of exposures are taken.

Note

  • As shooting information, the multiple-exposure image has information captured for the last shot.

Caution

  • Image noise, color shift, or banding may be noticeable in multiple exposures, depending on subjects and shooting conditions.
  • With multiple exposures, the more exposures there are, the more noticeable the noise, irregular colors, and banding will be.
  • Multiple-exposure shooting is canceled if you set the power switch to Power off or switch batteries or cards.
  • Multiple-exposure shooting ends if you switch to a Basic Zone mode or to Custom shooting mode 1, Custom shooting mode 2, or Movies mode.
  • If you connect the camera to a computer, multiple-exposure shooting will not be possible. If you connect the camera to a computer during shooting, multiple-exposure shooting will end.

Merging Multiple Exposures with a JPEG Image Recorded on the Card

You can select a JPEG image recorded on the card as the first single exposure. The selected JPEG image will remain intact.

  1. Select [Select image for multi. expo.].

  2. Select the first image.

    • Turn the Quick control dial dial to select the first image, then press the Quick Control/Set button.
    • Select [OK].
    • The file number of the selected image will be displayed at the bottom of the screen.

  3. Take the picture.

    • When you select the first image, the number of remaining exposures as set with [No. of exposures] will decrease by 1.

Caution

  • The following images cannot be selected.

    • RAW or HEIF images
    • JPEG images extracted from RAW burst images ()
    • JPEG images in Medium / Small 1 / Small 2 sizes
    • Images with [Shooting: StillsCropping/aspect ratio] set to an option other than [Full-frame] or [1.6x (crop)]
    • Images from other cameras
  • Images that cannot be merged may be displayed.

Note

  • You can also select a JPEG image used in multiple-exposure shooting.
  • Select [Deselect img] to cancel image selection.
  • The color space set for the first image also applies to subsequent images.

Checking and Deleting Multiple Exposures During Shooting

Before you finish shooting your specified number of exposures, you can press the Playback button to view the multiple-exposure image so far, check exposure, and see how the images will be merged.

Pressing the Erase button will display the operations possible during multiple-exposure shooting.

Option Description
Return Return to previous screen The screen before you pressed the Erase button will reappear.
Undo last image Undo last image Deletes the last image you shot (enabling you to replace it by shooting again). The number of remaining exposures will increase by 1.
Save and exit Save and exit

Saves shots up to that point as a multiple-exposure image and exits multiple-exposure shooting.
Exit without saving Exit without saving Exits the multiple-exposure shooting without saving the image.

Caution

  • During multiple-exposure shooting, you can only play back multiple-exposure images.

Troubleshooting FAQ

  • Are there any restrictions on the image quality?

    Multiple exposures are captured as JPEG [FineLarge] images. Even with [Shooting: Image quality] set to RAW only, they are captured as JPEG [FineLarge] images.

  • Can I merge images recorded on the card?

    With [Select image for multi. expo.], you can select the first single exposure from the images recorded on the card (). Note that you cannot merge multiple images already recorded on the card.

  • Will auto power off take effect during multiple-exposure shooting?

    During multiple-exposure shooting, auto power off will not take effect. Note that before you start multiple-exposure shooting, auto power off automatically takes effect at the time set in the [Auto power off] option of [Set-up: Power saving], which will cancel multiple-exposure shooting.