Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB)

[stubbyd]

I have a Canon EOS 60D and have been trying to get the AEB function working but am failing miserably.

As I understand it, it only works in one of the manual modes (so P, Tv, Av, M) and from googling I believe I also have to have continuous shooting turned on. I also understand that I have to set my AEB up or down according to choice and then the next 3 pics have their exposure compensated automatically.

But it isn't happening (for me) - is there an idiots approach to this as googling has so far failed to bring up an answer.

Thank you in advance.

[mrteacherdude]

Based on what you posted, I'm not quite sure what you're having problems with, so I'll take my best guess at what you may need to do.

There should be a menu function that allows you to access AEB settings. I don't know where that is on the 60d, but it is likely in the same (menu) section as white balance settings, color space, picture style, etc. I'm going to assume at this point that your camera functions the same way as the models I have.

When you have activated the AEB menu, you will see an exposure meter graphic displayed on the screen on the back of the meter. When you turn the dial on the top of the camera, you will see the line in the middle of the meter diverge into three lines, one stays in the middle, and the other two move symmetrically on either side of the middle based on number of stops of under and overexposure you want. When you set the amount of exposure compensation you want (press the set button), the next three pictures will be exposed according to what you set in that menu; middle (standard), under, over. I believe it will continue in this cycle until you cancel AEB or turn the camera off.

You do not need to have continuous shooting activated in order to use AEB. However, you will need to press the shutter button 3 times if continuous shooting is not activated in order to get all three exposures. If continuous is selected, then the camera should just shoot all three exposures and then stop, at least momentarily, when you press the shutter button continuously. If you set the camera to use a timer release, then when the timer runs down 3 shots will be taken automatically. I have found this is the most convenient way, for me, to use AEB; set the camera up on a tripod, activate AEB, activate the timer, let the camera take the photos.

I should be noted that in the modes other than M, you can dial in AEB along with under or overexposure on the meter. AEB is also not available in bulb mode or when using a flash.

Hope this helps.

[mmmmhhhhmmmm]

Originally Posted by mrteacherdude

You do not need to have continuous shooting activated in order to use AEB. However, you will need to press the shutter button 3 times if continuous shooting is not activated in order to get all three exposures. If continuous is selected, then the camera should just shoot all three exposures and then stop, at least momentarily, when you press the shutter button continuously. If you set the camera to use a timer release, then when the timer runs down 3 shots will be taken automatically. I have found this is the most convenient way, for me, to use AEB; set the camera up on a tripod, activate AEB, activate the timer, let the camera take the photos.

This usually is the case when I've been asked that same question. If mrteacherdude didn't solve your problem, there is a user here who has a 60D. He goes by ateng. Perhaps, he can help you.

GOD Bless,
Robert

[ErikUngerPhotography]

What mode are you shooting in? In manual, AEB will not work because all settings are in manual. You have control over shutter and aperture, not the camera.

AEB is most usually used in aperture priority mode. This way, the DOF is constant in each shot. Of course if you need a constant shutter speed, then you can use AEB in shutter priority.

If you want to bracket in manual mode, just hold as steady as you can, or use a tripod, and after each shot adjust either the shutter speed or aperture by a stop in either direction (or how many 1/3 of a stop you want).

[ArmySoldier777]

Originally Posted by ErikUngerPhotography

What mode are you shooting in? In manual, AEB will not work because all settings are in manual. You have control over shutter and aperture, not the camera.

I wonder why the 60D wouldn't allow for AEB bracketing in manual? My 450D does it

[mrteacherdude]

Originally Posted by ArmySoldier777

I wonder why the 60D wouldn't allow for AEB bracketing in manual? My 450D does it

I don't see why it wouldn't, my 7d allows it also. What you can't do while in manual is dial in some extra under or overexposure. That is, while in aperture priority for instance, you can dial in some overexposure, and then bracket around that.

[stubbyd]

[QUOTE=mrteacherdude;1336806]Based on what you posted, I'm not quite sure what you're having problems with, so I'll take my best guess at what you may need to do./QUOTE]

Thank you - I tried to be as clear as I could.

The basic issue is I believe I'm setting everything correctly but it isn't working.

Having fired up the PDF manual I think the issue is that I don't appear to have all the settings available.



Looking at the image I don't have the bottom bar available to me. The manual and screen seem to suggest that the exposure level is set via the left / right arrow keys and then the bracketing via the wheel. However the wheel and arrow keys do the same thing.

I'm on the latest firmware as well so I think it may be time to raise a support issue with canon directly. Unless anybody else has suggestions?

[monstermum]

looking at the Canon website..it doesn't look like it is any different than my 50D in how to set up. I just tried it in manual and it worked fine. The top dial is the one you use to set how many stops you want on each side. DON'T FORGET that you have set this before you exit the menu!!!! Then you use the larger dial to determine what the exposure is (when you go to take the photo.) Then just hold the shutter button down until it has taken the 3 shots.
hope this helps.

[stubbyd]

Originally Posted by monstermum

looking at the Canon website..it doesn't look like it is any different than my 50D in how to set up. I just tried it in manual and it worked fine. The top dial is the one you use to set how many stops you want on each side. DON'T FORGET that you have set this before you exit the menu!!!! Then you use the larger dial to determine what the exposure is (when you go to take the photo.) Then just hold the shutter button down until it has taken the 3 shots.
hope this helps.

Ah ha - that's the bunny.

I've been using the left / right buttons to set the level and then the larger dial outside of it to try and set the bracketing.

Your words made me think ... let's try the top dial and suddenly there's the second bar. Pity the manual doesn't make that clear.

Genius - thank you very much.

[monstermum]

Very happy I could help someone even with my limited knowledge! I got caught out by not pushing the set button a few times as well as which dial to use Happy shooting!