Lumix G7 User manual

Copyright © 2015-19 Clive Dyson Version 4.5 1
Stills Photography with the Lumix G7
Modern digital cameras are marvellous pieces of technology that are capable of capturing wonderful
images. However, most are needlessly complex. We typically face four exposure modes, three metering
modes, at least three focus modes and several auto-focus modes. And that is before considering ISO
(sensitivity), white balance, exposure compensation, drive mode and a host of other settings!
Lumix G cameras are highly configurable, have a relatively user-friendly interface and most have a
number of programmable buttons and other controls. However, this adds yet another level of complexity.
It has taken me years of use to find effective ways of using and configuring Lumix G cameras. Having
done so, I find them a delight to use. Features and capabilities hidden in the menus and documentation
can be programmed onto buttons and the QUICK MENU (Q.MENU) and made directly accessible and
highly usable.
This manual attempts to distil this experience into a relatively short document. It is directed at stills
photographers who mainly use RAW format. It does not cover many JPEG-only features, intelligent auto
mode or taking video. Don’t let this put you off using intelligent auto mode: it does work well. Howev er,
the techniques in this manual let you make full use of your camera’s capabilities and are no harder, once
mastered.
Please refer to the official Panasonic manuals, which can be downloaded from Panasonic’s web site, for
the basic details of camera operation and for full details of features such as 4K PHOTO.
The manual is organised as follows:
•The first chapter gives an overview of the controls, so you can follow the rest of the manual.
•The second chapter covers taking photos, using recommended custom modes. The setup of the
custom modes in described in chapter 4.
•The third chapter summarises the technical capabilities of the camera. It provides details of additional
capabilities for you to refer to as needed.
•Chapter four summarises the functions and settings of the cameras and describes how to set up
(program) your camera. This should be the first thing you do.
I hope you enjoy using your camera.
1. Controls on the G7
This chapter provides a brief overview of the controls: see the photographs on page 2. Note the name or
function of each control. Some buttons have the function embossed on or by them. The functions
programmed on other buttons, which only have an icon or Fn number on them, are shown on the
photographs.
Insert a charged battery and memory card, following the instructions in the camera manual. Turn on your
camera using the ON / OFF switch. It’s obvious how to turn it off again.
Before proceeding further with this manual, please set up your camera as instructed in chapter 4, which
also describes the functions in the menu system. The setup makes the frequently-used features of your
camera readily accessible. The functions used most frequently are allocated to the dials, programmable
function buttons and screen function icons
1
. For example, the FOCUS AREA SET button lets you enable
use of the touch screen and cursor keys to position the AF (auto-focus) area. The use of the other buttons
and dials is discussed below.
The next most frequently-used functions are allocated to the Q.MENU, where they can be quickly
accessed. You have to access other functions through the full MENU system.
Use the dioptre adjustment, beside the viewfinder, to focus the viewfinder image.
1
The screen function icons are accessed (and hidden) by touching the small tabs to the right of the screen. They
are not available using the viewfinder.

Copyright © 2015-19 Clive Dyson Version 4.5 2
When using the viewfinder, use the buttons and dials to control most functionality, including using the
cursor keys tomove the AF area after pressing the FOCUS AREA SET button.When viewing the screen,
you can use either the buttons and dials or the touch screen.
Withthe LCD screen open, press the LVF buttonto toggle through the MONITOR SWITCH settings: LVF
on; LCD screen on; and automatic switching between the two
2
. When you turn the camera on it will use
the setting you were using when you last switched it off.
Press the DISP button to cycle through alternative displays on the screen or viewfinder (whichever is in
use): with info; no info; level and info; level and no info; control screen; and off. The last two only apply
to the screen. The control screen shows a number of function settings and allows you to change them.
The Mode dial lets you choose an exposure mode (Panasonic calls them ‘shooting’ modes, but I find this
confusing). The four exposure modes are Program (P) mode, Aperture priority (A) mode, Shutter speed
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If you leave MONITOR SWITCH on AUTO, so you could free up the Fn5 button for another use.
Q.MENU
LVF
Rear
dial
METERING MODE
DELETE / BACK
DISP
Cursor
keys
Playback
AF LOCK and
AF/MF switch
Dioptre
adjustment
FOCUS AREA
SET
AF MODE
Flash release
Mode dial
On / Off
switch
Shutter
button
Front
dial
Movie
button
Drive
mode dial
ONE
PUSH AE
AUTO BRACKET

Copyright © 2015-19 Clive Dyson Version 4.5 3
priority (S) mode and Manual (M) mode. It also lets you access 4 custom modes (stored sets of camera
settings), an ‘intelligent auto’ mode, a movie mode and a number of scene and filter modes.
Switching between shooting and playback
•Press the playback button () to view photographs and videos you have taken, in playback mode.
•Half-press the shutter button, or press the playback button again, to return to shooting mode.
The Q.MENU
Other important functions for stills photography are programmed on the Q.MENU, I recommend
programming the functions shown in Table 1 on the Q.MENU, following the instructions in chapter 4,
section 3.
Each row in Table 1 appears on a separate page at the bottom of the Q.MENU. Scroll beyond the end of
the row to access the other page.
STABILIZER
AFS/AFF
ZEBRA PATTERN
QUALITY
ELECT. SHUTTER
BURST RATE
4K PHOTO
SELF-TIMER
FLASH MODE
FLASH ADJUST
Table 1: Setup of the Q.MENU
To change one of these function settings:
•Press the Q.MENU button.
•Select the function to change, using the front dial, left/right-cursor keys or touch screen.
•Change the setting for the function using the rear dial or touch screen. Alternatively, press the up-
cursor key to change the function setting with the left/right-cursor keys.
•Half-press the shutter button (or press SET, Q.MENU or BACK) to save the setting and exit.
Using the front dial, rear dial and shutter button means you don’t have to change your grip on the camera.
The MENU system
All functions (except for some with dedicated controls) can be accessed by pressing MENU. The menu
system has tabs for REC (still photographs), MOTION PICTURE, CUSTOM, SETUP and PLAYBACK.
•Use the front dial or touch screen to move between tabs.
•Press DISP to move to the next page on a tab.
•Use the rear dial, cursor keys or touch screen to move between functions on a tab.
•Press SET (or the right-cursor key) to edit a function.
•Change the function setting with the rear dial, cursor keys or touch screen.
•Press SET to accept an edit. Press BACK (or the left-cursor key) to leave the setting unchanged.
•Press BACK (or half-press the shutter button at any time) to exit the menu system.
Function icons on the screen
You can allocate functions to function icons on
the screen, which are accessed through the tabs
to the right of the screen.
I use Fn6 for the Wi-Fi function, which can’t be
put on the Q.MENU and I don’t want to allocate
to a physical button.
I use the other four function icons for WIRELESS
SETUP, HDR, HISTOGRAM and
MONOCHROME LIVE VIEW.
I’d have liked to be able to turn wireless flash on
and off from here.

Copyright © 2015-19 Clive Dyson Version 4.5 4
2. Taking stills photographs
Custom Modes
Those of you who have used my earlier manuals for Lumix G cameras will find that I’ve changed approach
in this manual. I used to base a custom mode on each useful combination of AF mode and
metering mode, and that worked well.
But for some time, I’ve allocated FOCUS AREA SET to a button
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and started using the fact that, whilst in
FACE DETECTION AF mode, pressing FOCUS AREA SET switches to 1-AREA AF mode. This avoids
the need for a separate custom mode for 1-AREA AF mode. For stationary subjects I now use only
FACE DETECTION AFmode. This automatically switches to 49-AREA AF mode if no faces are detected
and I get immediate access to 1-AREA AF mode simply by pressing the FOCUS AREA SET button. A
single custom mode supports all three AF modes.
This helps, as the G7 only supports 3 custom modes (the GX7 and G80 both support 4). I recommend
setting up two custom modes for stationary subjects, with C1using either P or A exposure mode,
according to your preference, and C2using M exposure mode, as shown in Table 2. I set up the third
custom mode, C3, for moving subjects.
Custom
mode
Description
Exposure
mode
Metering
mode
Quality
AF
mode
AF/MF
switch (2)
Drive
mode
dial
C1
Stationary
subjects
P
MULTI
RAW
FACE
(49-AREA
or
1-AREA)
AFS / MF
SINGLE
A
AFS /
MF (3)
C2
M
C3
Moving
subjects
S
SPOT
JPEG
Fine
1-AREA
AFC / MF
BURST
(1)
Table 2: Key settings for the three custom modes
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Note (1): If you need it, select BURST mode on the DRIVE MODE dial when switching to the C3custom mode.
Remember to switch back to SINGLE on leaving the custom mode.
Note (2): Set FOCUS MODE on the AF/MF switch.
Note (3): If you are using a fully manual lens (without electronic contacts) there is no need to set the AF/MF switch
to MF as the camera will operate in MF mode. SHOOT W/O LENS is set to ON for these two custom
modes.
I like to have program mode available because it is so good on Lumix cameras. On some other cameras
you have to lock the exposure before you can adjust the balance between aperture and shutter speed,
so I prefer aperture priority. But on Lumix G cameras you just turn the front dial to adjust the balance
between aperture and shutter speed.
I use program or aperture priority exposure mode when depth of field is key (such as for portrait
photography). If I use aperture priority, I set SHOOT W/O LENS to ON, so I can use fully manual lenses.
Finally, I use manual exposure mode for specific situations (such as stitching panoramas for
astrophotography, often with a fully manual lens) so I set up a second custom mode for that, also with
SHOOT W/O LENS set to ON.
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So that pressing FOCUS AREA SET enables the cursor keys (and touch screen) to move the AF area.
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See Table 11 in chapter 4 for the full set of programmed settings for each custom mode.

Copyright © 2015-19 Clive Dyson Version 4.5 5
Stationary subjects using electronically-controlled lenses
The custom modes for stationary subjects work identically to each other when using electronically-
controlled lenses, except for how you control the exposure. All use FACE DETECTION AF mode, which
is very flexible as 49-AREA AF mode is used if no faces are detected and you can switch to 1-AREA AF
mode if you want to specify the location of your subject.
Proceed as follows:
1. Select the C1(P or A) or C2 (M) stationary subject custom mode
Also ensure that the MF/AF switch is set to AFS/AFF.
The C1 custom mode used either program or aperture priority exposure mode (as you have
programmed following chapter 4) with MULTI metering mode. Automatic exposure takes into account
where focus is taken. I use C1 (Program or Aperture priority mode) for opportunistic photography and
for portraits and when I am concerned about depth of field.
The C2custom mode uses Manual exposure mode with exposure being measured in the same
locations as for the automatic exposure modes. I use this custom mode when I want to maintain a
specific exposure, such as when taking a set of images to be stitched into a panorama in post.
2. Compose the image and consider focus
Even before you half-press the shutter button, any face detected in the scene will be outlined with a
frame. The face on which exposure will be taken will be outlined in yellow with a white cross over the
(nearest) eye on which focus will be taken. Other faces at the same distance will be outlined in white.
If there are no faces detected the camera will use 49-AREA AF mode.
If you want to specify where the camera should focus, press the FOCUS AREA SET button. The
camera will switch to 1-AREA AF mode and a yellow AF frame will appear. Move this over your
subject (using the cursor keys or touch screen) and adjust its size with the front and rear dials.
Half-press the shutter button or press SET to accept the position. The camera will remain in
1-AREA AF mode (even after you have taken a photograph) until you press the SET button again,
when it will revert to FACE DETECTION AF mode.
3. Half-press the shutter button to lock focus and exposure
•If a face is outlined in yellow the frame will turn green if focus has been achieved.
•If no face is detected, then 49-AREA AF mode will be used and green AF frames will indicate if
and where focus has been achieved.
•If you have switched to 1-AREA AF mode, the yellow AF frame will turn green if focus has been
achieved.
In each case, exposure will be taken in or around the area in focus.
4. Check (and adjust) the focus
If focus has not been achieved where you want it, then you can simply try again and, if you have not
done so already, press the FOCUS AREA SET button and tell the camera where to focus, as
described above.
If this fails, press and release the AF LOCK button and focus manually: see ‘Focusing, focus lock
and manual focusing’ on page 12.
5. Check (and adjust) the exposure
Adjust the exposure as necessary, as described in the section ‘Exposure modes‘ on page 9. Also see
the box ‘Exposure: depth of field, image sharpness and noise’ on page 6.
6. Fully-press the shutter button to take the photo
Review the photo - if you don’t want to keep it, press DELETE. Half-press the shutter button to return
to shooting mode.
The built-in flash or a hot-shoe mounted flash can be used, for a subject in range: see the section on
‘Flash photography’ on page 14.

Copyright © 2015-19 Clive Dyson Version 4.5 6
Stationary subjects using fully-manual lenses
Only the Aperture priority (if programmed on C1) and Manual (C2) custom modes can be used with fully
manual lenses (with no electronic contacts). The camera cannot control the lens aperture, so program
and shutter-speed priority exposure modes cannot work. The two custom modes work identically to each
other except that you control the exposure differently.They bothuse MULTImeteringmode around where
focus is taken. Obviously, you have to focus manually.
Proceed as follows:
1. Select the C1(if programmed for aperture priority) or C2custom mode
Thereis no needto set the AF/MF switch asthe camerawill operateas though MF hasbeen selected.
The two custom modes use aperture priority and manual exposure mode respectively.
2. Compose the image
Exposure: depth of field, image sharpness and noise
You should be asking the following questions as you take a photo:
•Do I want to influence the depth of field? Use a larger aperture (smaller f number) to obtain a
shallower depth of field, typically to blur the background in a portrait and make the subject stand
out. Use a smaller aperture (larger f number) for a larger depth of field.
Digital cameras operate with the aperture fully open (to makefocusing easier and to optimise the
display). As a result, you cannot see the final depth of field of the captured image in the display.
Simply take the photo and review it. If necessary, adjust the aperture and take the photograph
again. (The G80 provides a depth-of-field preview function, but just review the photo!)
•What aperture will give the sharpest image? Most lenses are not at their sharpest when at
their widest aperture, especially at the edgesof the frame. They are often sharpest when stopped
down a stop or two. However, too small an aperture will reduce sharpness, due to diffraction.
When sharpness really matters, refer to reviews of your lenses, or obtain MTF (Modulation
Transfer Function) charts, to find the aperture which gives the best sharpness for each lens.
For many tasks ultimate sharpness may not matter, and softer edges may even be an advantage.
For example, in portrait photography you often want a shallow depth of field and softer edgescan
enhance the effect of a blurred background. For other tasks, such as landscape photography,
you will want a sharp image and should probably avoid the widest apertures on your lens.
•Are any bright areas of the scene being over-exposed? This would result in the brightest
areas being recorded as fully white and you would lose detail in the bright areas of the scene. If
so, turn the rear dial to apply exposure compensation to darken the image somewhat. The
exposure histogram will help you judge this. As a rule, it is easier in post-processing an image to
retrieve detail from underexposed areas than from fully saturated areas of an image.
•Is my subject a dark one, against a bright background? In this case, you may wish to use
exposure compensation to brighten the image and reveal the detail in your subject. The
background may be over-exposed, but this may be acceptable or even desirable.
•Do I need to minimise noise in the image? If you are working in dim light, at small apertures
or at fast shutter speeds (or a combination of the three) the camera will increase the ISO of the
sensor (its sensitivity) to compensate; but this may result in noise in the image. To control noise,
you may want to set the ISO value by pressing the ISO button and adjusting the setting. You can
adjust the ISOLIMITfor AUTO ISO andiISO withthe front dial whilst in the ISOmenu. Of course,
a slower ISO will require a wider aperture and / or a slower shutter speed, possibly to the point
where your need a tripod or other support.
•Is there any movement in the scene and, if so, is my shutter speed fast enough to avoid motion
blur, or slow enough to create blur if it is wanted? See the section on ‘Moving subjects’ on page 8.

Copyright © 2015-19 Clive Dyson Version 4.5 7
3. Focus
Focus using the focus ring on the lens. Edges in focus will be highlighted in blue by focus peaking. If
necessary, press the AF MODE button to enlarge the centre of the image to assist focusing. You can
move the enlarged AF ASSIST area around with the cursor buttons (or touch screen) and change the
magnification using the front and rear dials.
4. Adjust and lock the exposure
Adjust the exposure as necessary, as described in the section ‘Exposure modes‘ on page 9. See the
box ‘Exposure: depth of field, image sharpness and noise’ on page 6.
Half-press the shutter button, which will lock the exposure.
5. Fully-press the shutter button to take the photo
Review the photo - if you don’t want to keep it, press DELETE. Half-press the shutter button to return
to shooting mode.
The built-in flash or a hot-shoemountedflash can be used, for a subjectin range. Using flash with manual
exposure is beyond the scope of this manual.
Taking panoramas
You can use one of two approaches to taking panoramas and ‘grids’ of images:
Using manual exposure and stitching in post
For the highest quality panoramas, I use MANUAL (C2)custom mode and set the exposure for the centre
of the area to be covered (pressing ONE PUSH AE locks the exposure automatically). I then capture a
number of overlapping images that can be stitched together in post (I use Lightroom). I find that this
approach gives very good results and produces a high-resolution output.
Using the in-camera Panorama Shot scene mode
Turn the mode dial to the panorama symbol ( ). Access the settings for the Panorama mode through
the PANORAMA SETTINGS sub menu on the REC menu or through the panorama tab that appears on
the right of the screen. You can set the direction to scan though both routes. For some reason, the
panorama sub menu (but not the tab) lets you apply an effects filter and the panorama tab (but not the
sub menu) lets you apply exposure compensation.
To take a panorama, aim the camera at one end of the scene, press and hold the shutter button, and
scan the scene slowly and steadily in the intended direction. If you are having problems, try moving to a
shorter focal length, slowing down your scan rate, and / or using a lens that focuses more quickly.
Astrophotography
Astrophotography requires you to use manual focus as you need to fix the lens focus at infinity. You will
also be using manual exposure, so this is a perfect situation in which to use a fully manual lens. Use a
lens with a wide maximum aperture, say f/2 to f/2.8. I find that the Laowa 7.5mm f/2 rectilinear lens fits
the bill for an ultra-wide prime lens, as well as being a good landscape and architectural lens.
•Mount the camera on a tripod.
•Select the MANUAL (C2) custom mode. If using an automatic lens then set the AF/MF switch to MF.
•Press ISO and turn the front dial to increase or remove the ISO LIMIT and switch off image
stabilisation. (I suggest that you overwrite the MANUAL custom mode with these settings for your
astrophotography session and change them back later for normal manual operation.)
•Set the widest aperture on the lens and focus on infinity.
•Take a series of photos, experimenting with the trade-off between shutter speed, ISO setting, image
brightness and noise. Start with an exposure of about 20 seconds.

Copyright © 2015-19 Clive Dyson Version 4.5 8
Moving subjects (custom mode C3)
A different approach is required to photograph moving subjects. This requires a fast shutter speed to
avoid motion blur (enabled by a wide aperture lens and/or higher ISO) and you (and your camera) need
the ability to track the motion of your subject. The wider aperture implies a shallower depth of field, which
can make focusing harder. You usually don’t have time to manually adjust focus or exposure whilst taking
the shot or burst of shots. You either have to set up focus in advance or rely on automatic focus, both of
which are supported in the following process:
1. Select the C3custom mode
This uses:
oShutter speed exposure mode.
o1-AREA AF
5
mode and SPOT metering, taking exposure in the AF frame.
oAF/AE LOCK is set to AF-ON and SHUTTER AF is set to OFF so that AF is only activated
whilst the AF/AE LOCK button is pressed (referred to as ‘back button AF’).
oImage stabilisation is set to OFF, as you usually want to freeze motion with a fast shutter speed
6
.
oISO LIMIT is set to OFF to allow faster shutter speeds, at the expense of more image noise.
oISO is set to AUTO. You may want to set it explicitly for the lighting conditions and subject.
oQUALITY is set to JPEG FINE resolution, to enable longer bursts of images to be captured.
2. Select AFC and BURST mode
Set the AF/MF switch to continuous auto-focus (AFC). If you want to use it, turn the drive mode dial
to BURST mode. Burst rate is set to M, leaving the display active to allow you to track your subject
7
.
3. Set the shutter speed using the front dial
The rule ofthumb, with noimage stabilisation, isthat your shutter speed should be atleast the inverse
of the (35mm sensor equivalent) focal length. For example, for a 300mm lens on a micro four thirds
camera (a 600mm equivalent focal length) you would aim for a shutter speed of 1/600 second or
faster. The camera will set the aperture and, if on AUTO, the ISO for correct exposure.
4. Position the AF frame
You might often leave the AF frame in the centre of the scene. To move it, press FOCUS AREA SET
and use the cursor keys or touch screen. Change its size with the front and rear dials. Half-press the
shutter button or press SET to accept.
5. Take a burst of photos with focus locked or tracking focus
Centre the subject (or something at the distance the subject will be at) in the AF frame and either:
•Lock focus: Press and release the AF-ON (AF/AE LOCK) button to lock the focus. Fully depress
and hold the shutter button to take a burst of photos with the focus locked at the set distance.
You will obtain a higher frame rate, as the camera is not continually checking for focus, and there
is no risk of the focus jumping to another object. Of course, your subject must remain at, or pass
through, the focused distance.
•Track focus: Press and hold the AF-ON (AF/AE LOCK) button to start focus tracking. Fully
depress and hold the shutter button to take a sequence of photos, keeping the subject in the AF
frame. The camera will (attempt to) continually adjust focus on the subject.
5
The G7 also has a TRACKING AF mode. I’ve not had a lot of success with it. Do try it!
6
If you are tracking a fast-moving object, try settingimage stabilisationto PANNING and use a somewhat slower
shutter speed. This will blur the background, giving a sense of speed.
7
You can use higher burst rates, but (the camera says) you lose live view.

Copyright © 2015-19 Clive Dyson Version 4.5 9
3. Summary of camera controls and capabilities
Exposure (Metering) Controls
Exposure modes
The exposure (PASM or ‘shooting’) modes on the Mode dial determine how the exposure is controlled.
Panasonic refers to them as ‘shooting’ modes, which I find confusing. Turn the Mode dial to select an
exposure mode:
•In program (P) exposure mode the camera selectsa combination of aperture and shutter speed. Turn
the front dial to adjust the balance between them: the aperture and shutter speed values will change
in the display and ayellowindicator will appear totheleftof the aperturevalue.Adjustingthe exposure
in this way is referred to as ‘Program Shift’.
Any Program Shift will be retained and applied to the next photograph. To cancel Program Shift,
press the ONE PUSH AE button and the yellow indicator will disappear.
•In aperture priority (A) exposure mode, set the aperture using the front dial. The camera will set the
shutter speed for correct exposure.
•In shutter-speed priority (S) exposure mode, set the shutter speed using the front dial. The camera
will set the aperture for correct exposure.
•In manual exposure (M) mode, set the aperture and shutter speed (and ISO setting) to obtain correct
exposure on the exposure indicator (in the location of the exposure compensation indicator) or the
larger exposure meter (which you can enable via the CUSTOM menu). Change the aperture with the
front dial and the shutter speed with the rear dial.
•One of the three Custom modes (C1, C2, and C3). See ‘Custom Modes’ on page 4.
•The Mode dial also has Intelligent Auto (iA), SCENE and CREATIVE exposure modes, which are not
covered in this manual.
ISO value
Press the ISO (cursor up) button and select AUTO ISO, intelligent ISO (iISO) or an ISO value. Intelligent
ISO increases the ISO setting when movement is detected in the scene. Adjust the ISO LIMIT for AUTO
ISO and iISO with the front dial whilst in the ISO menu. The ISO setting being used is displayed when
the shutter button is half depressed
8
.
In manual exposuremode,youcan either set an ISO value or selectAUTO ISO,in which case the camera
will set ISO (up to the ISO LIMIT
9
) to obtain correct exposure for the selected aperture and shutter speed.
The camera will produce images with the least noise if operated at as low an ISO as possible. A higher
ISO speed will allow a faster shutter speed (with less motion blur) or operation in lower light.
A lens with a wider maximum aperture will let you use a lower ISO speed, with less noise. Rather than
using high ISO settings, use a tripod or other means of supporting the camera if you can.
Metering modes
The metering modes specify where the camera measures the exposure. Access these via the
METERING MODE button:
Multi-metering: The camera sets the exposure, taking into account the variation in brightness over the
whole scene, the focus mode and where focus is obtained.
Centre-weighted metering: Takes an averaged meter reading, around the centre of the image.
Spot metering: Setsexposure at a point –a blue cross is shown at the point where exposure is metered.
The location of the exposure point depends on the focus mode in use.
8
Except in Intelligent ISO, when the ISO setting is selected dynamically.
9
Beware: If ISO LIMIT is set to OFF in manual exposure mode then Auto ISO will only use ISO values up to
3200!

Copyright © 2015-19 Clive Dyson Version 4.5 10
Exposure compensation
If your intended subject appears to be over- or under-exposed look at the exposure histogram to see if
values are all to one side or the other. One option is to adjust the exposure compensation so that your
subject appears correctly exposed in the display and the histogram is more ‘balanced’.
Rotate the rear dial to adjust the exposure compensation, increasing or decreasing the light reaching the
sensor. Note that exposure compensation is not available in manual exposure mode.
Exposure lock
When using auto-metering and AFS focusing mode, the exposure is taken and locked when you half-
press the shutter button
10
. It is not locked using AFF and AFC focusing modes, except when using the
higher-speed burst modes.
Beware, as once the exposure is locked the brightness of the display will vary as you recompose the
image. The brightness of the display is continually set for the whole of the image. So don’t be confused:
the exposure really has been locked!
Exposure bracketing
You can take a series of photos with a range of exposures. Turn the DRIVE MODE dial to AUTO
BRACKET. Press the AUTO BRACKET button to select the number of shots to take, and the EV
separation to use, the sequence in which the exposures are taken.
White balance and colour
Our eyes adjust to what we see depending on the light source illuminating the scene. Film is terrible at
this but digital cameras are now pretty good at determining the light source.
Press the WB (cursor right) button and select the white balance setting you require. Leaveit onauto white
balance (AWB) unless it fails to cope with specific lighting. If necessary, specify the type of lighting or
program one of the four custom white balance options by:
•Selecting one of WHITE SET 1 to WHITE SET 4 and then pressing WHITE SET.
•Fill the frame in the display with something white (such as a test card or sheet of paper) and then
press SET.
You can also adjust the colour balance via the PHOTO STYLE menu entry. STANDARD should be fine
for most purposes. There is also a Custom photo style.
10
You could program the AF/AE LOCK button to function as AE LOCK and press it to lock exposure. You would
then half-press the shutter button to lock focus before recomposing the image and taking the photo. However,
I recommend using AF LOCK to lock the focus and the shutter button to lock the exposure.