What is the camera feature that previews exposure changes on the LCD before you take the shot?
Asked 3/15/2017
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On my Canon PowerShot SX120 IS, when I use Manual mode and change shutter speed or aperture, the live image on the LCD updates right away to show how brighter or darker the photo will be before I press the shutter. I want to buy a newer camera and this is one of my favorite features, but I don’t know what it’s called when searching specs. What is the proper name for this feature, and do different brands use different terms for it?
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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Different camera manufacturers call this different things.
Canon calls this "Exposure Simulation", or Exp.SIM.
Fujifilm splits filters and film simulation from exposure and white balance, into two settings: PREVIEW EXP./WB IN MANUAL MODE and PREVIEW PIC. EFFECT, respectively.
Nikon calls it "Exposure Preview".
Sony calls it "Live View Display" — turning this on enables preview.
Olympus goes the other way around: previewing exposure is the default, and instead rendering the scene at a medium visible exposure in the EVF or on the LCD is called "Live View Boost".
Pentax doesn't have a setting or special term for this, but exposure is always simulated in manual mode but not in others.
Originally by user1943. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1943
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The feature is most commonly called exposure simulation. It means the live view on the LCD or EVF updates to preview the effect of your current exposure settings before you take the photo.
Brand names vary:
- Canon: Exposure Simulation / Exp.SIM
- Nikon: Exposure Preview
- Sony: Live View Display
- Fujifilm: often split into preview exposure/white balance and picture effect settings
- Olympus/OM System: exposure preview is normal; Live View Boost is the mode that reduces or disables that preview effect
- Pentax: often simulates exposure in Manual mode without a special name
So when shopping, look for terms like exposure simulation, exposure preview, or check whether the camera’s live view/EVF previews manual exposure changes.
One note: on some cameras this can be turned on or off, and it may be limited or disabled in some situations such as flash use.
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