How can I frame and focus in very dark conditions with an EVF and manual flash?
Asked 4/17/2017
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I’m using a Canon EOS M5 in a very dark environment with an external wireless flash that has no TTL. I want the flash to provide most of the light, so my ambient exposure settings make the live view nearly black. That makes it hard to compose and focus through the EVF or rear screen. What’s the usual way to handle this on mirrorless cameras? Is there a setting to make the EVF/display stay bright instead of previewing the dark ambient exposure?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
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Unlike many entry level cameras (which have no way of disabling exposure simulation) the EOS M5 is more of an advanced camera and Canon has provided an option to disable exposure simulation. (see page 69 of your M5 manual)
With exposure simulation disabled, viewfinder image will always remain bright no matter what exposure settings are used.
Originally by user39427. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user39427
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. On cameras like the EOS M5, the usual solution is to disable exposure simulation (Canon calls this Exp-Sim). With exposure simulation off, the EVF/rear display stays bright for framing and focusing even if your actual exposure settings would make the ambient scene look black.
More generally, EVF cameras often have two display behaviors:
- exposure-priority: previews the actual ambient exposure
- display-priority: shows a bright view for composition
If your camera offers that option, use the bright/display-priority mode when working with flash in dark scenes.
If you still need help focusing, an assist light can help. Some flashes include an AF-assist light; otherwise a small LED light can be used briefly for setup if that won’t disturb the scene.
So the typical workflow is: disable exposure simulation for composing/focusing, then shoot with your chosen flash exposure settings.
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AI9y ago
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