Quick Start Guide

Basics of
Digital SLR
In any given situation, there is usually more than one combination of aperture and shutter speed settings that
can be used to obtain a correct exposure. In deciding which exposure mode to use, consider the nature of your
subject and the effect you are trying to achieve.
The DYNAX 5D offers you a choice of multi-segment metering, center-weighted metering, and spot metering modes. Multi-segment metering employs
a sophisticated 14-segment honeycomb-pattern, and analyzes subject and AF system data to assure optimum exposures in direct light, sidelight,
and backlight. Center-weighted metering offers high-end 35mm SLR-type exposure control, while spot metering lets you aim at and measure light levels for
a specific area of the frame.
3 metering systems assure maximum flexibility
Exposure compensation + flash compensation
Multi-segment metering
Center-weighted metering
Spot Metering
An intelligent metering system that assures enhanced exposure accuracy under a wide range of lighting conditions.
Uses sophisticated algorithms to analyze subject distance as well as metered light values from across the 14-segment
honeycomb pattern.
The type of metering featured on many high-end 35mm SLR cameras. Although it places greatest emphasis on light
levels in the center of the frame, it also takes overall lighting into account. In tricky lighting conditions, some exposure
compensation may be required.
A metering system that measures light levels only within the area marked by the spot metering circle in the viewfinder.
Because it is unaffected by light levels in other areas of the frame, it allows you to set exposure values to suit a specific
part of the composition.
The DYNAX 5D makes it easy to fine-tune your exposures without taking your eye away from the viewfinder. Simply
press the conveniently positioned exposure compensation button and rotate the control dial. Flash compensation can
also be adjusted by using the Function button and the controller. Both exposure compensation and flash compensation
can be adjusted
± 2 EV in 1/3 EV increments.
The added security of automatic exposure bracketing
In tricky lighting conditions, you can use automatic exposure bracketing to
ensure you get the exposure you want. The camera will automatically fire
three shots when the shutter-release button is held down, bracketing the initial
exposure with two more shots taken at higher and lower exposure settings.
The difference that lighting can make
BacklightSidelight
In direct light, light falls evenly on the front of the
subject and is reflected to the camera. Although
the even illumination makes it easy to determine
correct exposure, images taken in direct light
can appear a bit flat and two-dimensional.
When light strikes your subject from the side, it
creates shadows that can add depth and interest
to the scene. But it can also make skin blemishes
and age lines more noticeable, and result in a
picture that is less flattering to your subject.
Although care needs to be taken to ensure that
the main subject is not underexposed, back-
lighting can make skin tones appear smooth and
natural. In addition, your subjects are less likely
to squint when the light is behind them.
Direct light
A
(Aperture Priority) mode
You select the aperture you want to use;
the shutter speed is set automatically.
M (Manual) mode
You select both the aperture and
shutter speed you want to use.
P (Program) mode
The camera automatically sets both the
aperture and shutter speed.
S (Shutter Priority) mode
You select the shutter speed you want to
use; the aperture is set automatically.
Larger Aperture Smaller Aperture
(smaller F-stop number) (larger F-stop number)
Slower Faster
Shutter speed
Aperture
Shutter speed determines how much light enters the camera by
controlling how long the shutter stays open, and is usually expressed
in fractions of a second. When a shutter speed of 1/500th of a second
is selected, “500” is shown in the monitor and viewfinder information
displays. By changing the shutter speed, you can control how moving
objects appear in your photos. If you’re taking pictures at a sports
event, for example, you may want to use a fast shutter speed to
freeze the action. But if you’re taking pictures of a stream or waterfall,
you may want to add a sense of motion to the scene by using a slow
shutter speed to deliberately blur the flowing water.
Aperture determines how much light enters the camera by controlling
how large the shutter opening is. Aperture is expressed in “F-stops”
(F8, F5.6, etc.), with larger numbers representing smaller apertures.
In other words, a setting of F8 admits less light than a setting of F5.6,
and will require a slower shutter speed to ensure correct exposure.
Changing the aperture also allows you to control depth of field, which
refers to the zone in front of and behind the main subject where other
objects appear to be in focus. In portrait photos, for example, you can
make your subject stand out from the background by using a larger
aperture to reduce the depth of field.
1/4 seconds (F32) 1/30 seconds (F11) 1/500 seconds (F2.8)
F2.8 (1/250 seconds) F5.6 (1/60 seconds) F16 (1/8 seconds)
Digital SLR
Basics
Shutter speed
Aperture
Digital SLR
Basics