S3 aperture observations (& some questions)

[stickwolf]

I think I've got the whole hang of knowing WHAT the manual aspects of this camera are and WHAT they do. Using them to best effect is the next step of course.

Anyway, I made an observation that may seem simple but was not clear in any documentation:
In manual mode, changing ISO can make this funny clicking sound... so I looked at the lens and saw what I THOUGHT was aperture being changed. I was baffled. ISO didn't have anything to do with physical shutter mechanisms I thought... So I checked again and found that changing shutter speed also had the same effect! So I figured it out:
The S3 temporarily changes APERTURE to simulate ISO and shutter speed changes in manual mode but returns aperture to the correct manual setting upon pressing the shutter button! Now it all makes sense, and I realize that I did understand ISO, aperture, and shutter speed all along.

But I do have a question: How come the S3 is listed as having a 2.7-3.5 aperture range, yet it goes all the way to 8.0 as an option when shooting (although I don't see any change after 3.5 when looking at the lens)? What is actually happening? Can I actually get more open aperture or not?

And also, trying to understand modes: In Program mode if I leave ISO on auto, and don't change exposure or anything else is it any different from AUTO mode?

[David Metsky]

But I do have a question: How come the S3 is listed as having a 2.7-3.5 aperture range, yet it goes all the way to 8.0 as an option when shooting (although I don't see any change after 3.5 when looking at the lens)? What is actually happening? Can I actually get more open aperture or not?
The 2.7-3.5 are the maximum apertures at full wide angle and full zoom. That's how lenses are usually listed. You can get a much wider range of apertures in use, but those are the maximums for the ends of the zoom range.

[stickwolf]

Ok, thanks! I get it now. Except that it sure seems strange not to list actual range as well. Glad that I can actually get wider than 3.5!

[FLiPMaRC]

Ok, thanks! I get it now. Except that it sure seems strange not to list actual range as well. Glad that I can actually get wider than 3.5!

You can only get f/2.7 at wide angle. But if you zoom in, the aperature will automatically change to f/3.5. That's the max aperature you can get when zoomed.

[David Metsky]

Just in case it's not clear, the smaller the f-stop means the iris is open wider. That number is listed because it's usually more interesting the smallest size the iris can be closed, which is rarely the limiting factor for a lens.

Low numbers means the lens is fast, and will take in more light. That's usually what people are looking for in a lens.

-dave-