Firmware update proposal relating to the taking of meter readings in Manual
exposure mode with the Nikon CoolPix E990 while the LCD screen is turned off
and obtaining fractional readings.
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Problem:
In Manual exposure mode* there is currently (E990 V1.0) no way to
obtain a meter reading if the LCD screen is turned off. Also, the
Control Panel can only display whole number readings.
(* Mode dial set at M-Rec and Manual mode selected with MODE button and Command wheel)
Suggested solution:
The firmware be updated such that the meter reading can be temporarily
locked when the shutter release is pressed half way and the Control
Panel used to display this reading in conjunction with the other settings.
Using another area of the Control Panel also allows for fractional readings
to be displayed.
When the photographer presses the shutter release half way which
normally puts the camera into focus lock, the camera would also
sample and hold the meter reading at that instant and the Control
Panel would display the selected shutter speed, aperture and the
meter reading at those settings, in sequence, as suggested in the
example Control Panel screen images below. This would allow the
photographer to look away from the Viewfinder eyepiece and at the
Control Panel for the meter reading. As long as the shutter release
remained pressed half way, the meter reading would remain locked
as well, with the Control Panel in this special display mode, irrespective
of where the camera is pointed.
Releasing the shutter release button (i.e. the photographer removes
his or her finger from the button) would clear the locked meter
reading, return the Control Panel to its normal display and allow
regular settings adjustments etc.
Fully pressing the shutter release button (i.e. the photographer
takes a picture) would also clear the locked meter reading and return
the Control Panel to its normal display.
I would propose that one of two possible display sequences be used for the Control Panel while the shutter release
button is pressed half way. These two alternatives are shown below. Each of the alternatives
is also shown with three possible display interval times (the length of time each of the values is displayed before
the next.) Perhaps this interval could also be settable by the photographer via a menu setting. Otherwise, I would
favour a short interval time so that less time is required to read all necessary information. I
would suggest that the meter reading always be displayed with either a plus (+) or minus (-) symbol for clarity.
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EXAMPLE: shutter speed 1/1000s, aperture f 5.4 and the meter reads: - 2.1
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Control Panel display sequence #1
F-stop > Meter > Shutter |
| Display interval: |
500ms |
650ms |
1 sec |
| resulting display: |
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Control Panel display sequence #2
F-stop > Meter > Shutter > Meter |
| Display interval: |
500ms |
650ms |
1 sec |
| resulting display: |
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