A more advanced Aperture mode

Vadim

New member
Hi all,


I am trying to setup the camera to allow for what is basically the Aperture mode, but with a maximum ISO and shutter speed limits. With ISO having priority over shutter speed. (Reasons at the bottom of the description)


As an example, I want to set the Aperture to 5.6, ISO to a maximum of 800 and shutter speed to a maximum of 1/125. Taking photos of people moving around.


Scenario 1: On a sunny day.
The camera takes the constant Aperture of 5.6, ISO 100 (minimum value) and looks for the appropriate shutter speed (starting with the minimum shutter speed) to achieve proper exposure. SS of 1/8000 is to low, camera then moves to 1/4000 and so on. Finally, suppose the proper exposure is achieved with A 5.6, ISO 100 and SS 1/500.


Scenario 2: Indoors, daytime.
Same as before, the camera looks for the SS value. It reaches the maximum set limit of 1/125 for SS, but since it is not long enough for a proper exposure, the camera modifies the ISO to 200 and starts over with SS values from 1/8000. Finally, suppose the exposure is reached at A 5.6, ISO 400, SS 1/125.


Scenario 3: Indoors, low light.
Same as before, the camera reaches the maximum values set and still cannot get proper exposure. In this case i would like the pic to be taken nontheless, at A 5.6, ISO 800, SS 1/125, even if it turns out underexposed. I would much rather have underexposed photos than shaky ones.




Just to make the reasons clear, I need to take photos at a conference and later at a bowling alley, where people are constantly moving and won't pose, so Manual mode is not an option, since i will have to be totally non-intrusive and will not have the time to adjust the settings. I also want to have complete control over Aperture, for composition reasons. At the same time i do not want shutter speed to drop below 1/125, since then i would get shaky photos, which are totally worthless.


If what i am looking for is not possible, could you please give advice on how i could get as close as possible to what i need?


Thank you very much.
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
If what i am looking for is not possible, could you please give advice on how i could get as close as possible to what i need?
I think your best bet is shooting in full Manual with Auto-ISO enabled and configured to your liking. You say shooting in manual is not an option but I shoot in circumstances exactly like you describe on an almost daily basis and I assure you... It is.

Shooting this way you adjust Shutter Speed and Aperture on the fly using the Command Wheels on your camera which never has to leave your face since your finger and thumb are practically on those wheels already. Meanwhile, Auto-ISO maintains exposure but can be configured to use a narrow range of ISO values you find acceptable.
 

nickt

Senior Member
I agree, I think you need to go manual. Set aperture 5.6, set auto iso with limits and find a shutter speed you can live with that can make a happy exposure at f5.6 and iso somewhere between 100 to 800.
 

aroy

Senior Member
It all depends on the lens you use. I use 35mm F1.8 prime lens a lot and set it at F1.8 most of the time, unless I want a lot of DOF, when I set it to higher F numbers using the thumb wheel. Upping ISO is quite fast if you assign it to Fn button. These setting get me going right from bright daylight (ISO 100) to indoors (ISO 400) and at times dark interiors (with ISO 800 max).

Unless you are wedded to a Zoom lens, try using 50mm or 85mm F1.8 prime. Most of the time you will get at least 50% of the frame with 85mm if you are at a reasonable distance.
 
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