What Is the e-Front Curtain Shutter function?

IMPORTANT: Not all cameras have the e-Front Curtain Shutter function. Check your camera manual for model-specific information. Manuals are posted on your model support page.

The electronic front curtain shutter function is available on newer camera models. It shortens the time lag between shutter releases and helps reduce shutter noise when taking pictures. This function can be turned on or off under the camera menu settings.

Operation with the Function Turned Off

In general, focal plane shutters use two mechanical shutter curtains. The front and the rear curtain shutter which are located in front of the image sensor.

In mirrorless and translucent mirror cameras, the shutter stays open during live-view mode before you take a picture. The front curtain closes when the shutter button is pressed, and then opens again to expose the image sensor to light for a given exposure time (shutter speed). The rear curtain closes after the given exposure time is done.

• On slower shutter speeds, you may hear the shutter sound twice. One coming from the front curtain, and the other from the rear curtain shutter.

Operation with the Function Turned On

Instead of closing and opening the front curtain mechanically, an electronic curtain within the sensor closes and opens to start the exposure and finishes when the rear curtain closes.

• You'll hear the rear curtain shutter sound only.