Av: Aperture-Priority AE

In this mode, you set the desired aperture value and the camera sets the shutter speed automatically to obtain the standard exposure matching the subject brightness. A higher f/number (smaller aperture hole) will make more of the foreground and background fall within acceptable focus. On the other hand, a lower f/number (larger aperture hole) will make less of the foreground and background fall within acceptable focus.

[Av] stands for Aperture value (aperture opening).

Blurred background

(With a low aperture value: f/5.6)

Sharp foreground and background

(With a high aperture value: f/32)

  1. Set the shooting mode to [Av].

    • Press the MODE button, then turn the Main dial dial to select [Av].

  2. Set the desired aperture value.

    • Turn the Main dial dial to set it.

  3. Focus on the subject.

    • Press the shutter button halfway.
    • The shutter speed is set automatically.

  4. Check the display and shoot.

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

Caution

  • If a slow shutter speed blinks, it indicates underexposure.

    Turn the Main dial dial to decrease the aperture value (open the aperture) until the shutter speed blinking stops or set a higher ISO speed.

  • If a fast shutter speed blinks, it indicates overexposure.

    Turn the Main dial dial to increase the aperture value (close the aperture) until the shutter speed blinking stops or set a lower ISO speed.

Note

  • Aperture value display

  • The higher the value, the smaller the aperture opening will be. The aperture value displayed varies depending on the lens. If no lens is attached to the camera, [F00] will be displayed for the aperture.

Depth-of-Field Preview

Press the depth-of-field preview button to stop down the lens to the current aperture value setting and check the area in focus (depth of field).

Note

  • The larger the aperture value, the wider the area in focus, from the foreground to the background.
  • The depth-of-field effect is readily apparent on images as you change the aperture value and press the depth-of-field preview button.
  • Exposure is locked (AE lock) as you hold down the depth-of-field preview button.