Overcoming the lack of Exposure control in Manual Mode 5D Mark III..ideas?

[FTb-n]

Dumb question. How can manual mode with auto ISO still be manual mode?

There are three elements to exposure control -- aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. With film bodies, the ISO (a.k.a. ASA) was fixed. But, digital bodies introduce the ability to change ISO and offer auto ISO as a feature. It does seem that the PASM (program, auto aperture, auto shutter, manual) mode settings are rather dated from the days of film and it is long overdue to add fifth mode with an auto ISO setting.

For what it's worth, the current Canon bodies offer two easy to use dials. In manual mode, these can be set to two of the three exposure control elements. I would like to see the integration of a third dial so that I can readily change all three without having to hold another button down while rotating the dial.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I occasionally find that when I want to set a fixed aperture and shutter speed , that auto ISO does not give a correct exposure. I can manually set ISO, but exposure compensation is very useful.

The issue is that I forget to reset it, and then, the next time, exposures are off. We need a auto reminder to automatically automate the auto exposure compensation.

 

[adventure]

I sympathize with the original poster. I fly a 5d3 on an s1000 r/c heli where you can't get at it for 15 minutes at a time and would LOVE to be able to set an M exposure and bracket with ISO. Presently in M mode on the 5d3 exposure bracketing is with shutter speed - not ideal...

 

[Eldar]

I occasionally find that when I want to set a fixed aperture and shutter speed , that auto ISO does not give a correct exposure. I can manually set ISO, but exposure compensation is very useful.

The issue is that I forget to reset it, and then, the next time, exposures are off. We need a auto reminder to automatically automate the auto exposure compensation.

I would vote for that

 

[Steve Balcombe]

EC used in M mode with Auto ISO is a great feature but actually the OP doesn't mention using Auto ISO and never came back to acknowledge the response. I suspect he just missed the obvious - that exposure compensation is done manually in (traditional) manual mode by adjusting aperture or shutter speed up/down from the metered reading. Could be wrong, but that's how it reads to me.

Still - looking forward to trying this out on the 7D2...

 

[revup67]

The original OP has been reading all the responses . There are some good options here and yes the Auto ISO is "on" in M mode. My apologies for omitting this aspect.

A few nay sayers have potentially overlooked the fact if Canon has opted to put the EC +/- option in Manual Mode on the 1DX and 7D MKII then apparently someone in marketing is listening and delivering to engineering these requests as some of us find this of value. The need for this would depend on what is your subject matter and how much you should this type of subject matter. I photo birds 90% of the time and the more tools the merrier. All birds do not have the same behavior - some predictable some not. A Black Phoebe would be a cinch in M mode typically low to the ground or a few feet up on a fence post and once in awhile in a tree branch about 10-15 feet up. However a Ruby Crowned-kinglet..could be a big challenge - in and out of thin branches continuously moving in and out of light and jittery especially in mating season or when agitated. Additionally, trying to get the male with a raised ruby crown is another layer of complexity as its typically recessed and lowered with the crown.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet (male) (019846) by Anthony "Tony G" Gliozzo (Web Site is ocbirds.com), on Flickr

Getting reliable shots with a 5D MK III in M mode with this bird are far more challenging - most of your time would be spent flipping dials and buttons - there's simply no time. The same would be true for Vireos and Warblers which are another species much like this as high in the tree tops sometimes 50-75 feet up at times hence the term "warbler neck". You may have a few seconds to see the species "period" especially with foliage blocking the view and little or no time to shuffle between C1 and other settings. I can approximate the speed and aperture needed but not the dynamics of light in some cases..adding a +1 or +2 on EC with Auto ISO would be beneficial in these scenarios especially with darker birds.

As some of you have agreed, having this option is important for bird photographers. The dynamics involved can be challenging even to the best birding photographers. Also, Spot Metering helps as well to aid a bit more on the subject exposure if centered. Thanks to the poster who mentioned the tidbit about adding a 1.4 TC and how it can alter the light meter accuracy - agreed. Thanks to all for contributing.
Rev

 

[FTb-n]

Dumb question. How can manual mode with auto ISO still be manual mode?

There are three elements to exposure control -- aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. With film bodies, the ISO (a.k.a. ASA) was fixed. But, digital bodies introduce the ability to change ISO and offer auto ISO as a feature. It does seem that the PASM (program, auto aperture, auto shutter, manual) mode settings are rather dated from the days of film and it is long overdue to add fifth mode with an auto ISO setting.

For what it's worth, the current Canon bodies offer two easy to use dials. In manual mode, these can be set to two of the three exposure control elements. I would like to see the integration of a third dial so that I can readily change all three without having to hold another button down while rotating the dial.

With the recent acquisition of a 1Dx, I've grown to like the exposure compensation with Auto ISO in manual mode. As a rule, I get the best results with full manual mode (without Auto ISO). But, there are times when Auto ISO is handy -- but it can be useless with overly dark or overly light subjects or backgrounds.

I must agree that exposure compensation in Manual mode with Auto ISO would be very handy on the 5D3. In fact, I'd be happy if this were the only automated mode available.

 

[YuengLinger]

All time silliest thread ever? You mean, when I'm driving my car, I actually have to steer and brake? But that's too hard! That gets in the way of my tweeting! Boo hoo!

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

All time silliest thread ever? You mean, when I'm driving my car, I actually have to steer and brake? But that's too hard! That gets in the way of my tweeting! Boo hoo!

Whats silliest? The Thread, or those answering questions asked a year ago when the thread started?

 

[distant.star]

All time silliest thread ever? You mean, when I'm driving my car, I actually have to steer and brake? But that's too hard! That gets in the way of my tweeting! Boo hoo!

I don't know as I'd go so far as silly. Personally, I might relegate it to the picking the fly poop out of the pepper category.

On the plus side, these are folks striving for excellence -- and I'd never denigrate that.

For a philosophical perspective on why that may be important, read Pirsig's "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance." Fun read even if you're not into "quality."