How to Change Aperture on Canon, Nikon & Sony | Framehaus

You understand what aperture does — now you just need to find the right dial on your specific camera. Changing aperture on a Canon works slightly differently from a Nikon or Sony, and DSLR cameras differ from mirrorless ones. This guide covers every major camera brand with step-by-step instructions, explains which camera modes allow aperture control, and answers the most common problems beginners run into.

First: You Need the Right Camera Mode

Before anything else: aperture is only adjustable in certain camera modes. If you’re in fully automatic (green Auto or scene modes), the camera controls everything and won’t let you change aperture. You need to be in one of these modes:

  • Aperture Priority (A or Av): You set aperture; camera sets shutter speed automatically. Best for learning.
  • Manual (M): You set both aperture and shutter speed. Full control.
  • Program (P): Both are set automatically, but you can use “program shift” to rotate through equivalent exposures — this may adjust aperture on some cameras.

For most beginners, starting in Aperture Priority (A/Av) is the recommended approach. For the full explanation of why, see our guide on aperture in photography.

How to Change Aperture on Canon DSLR (Rebel, 90D, 5D Series)

Step 1: Set the Mode Dial to Av (Aperture Priority) or M (Manual)

The mode dial is the circular dial on top of the camera. Turn it to Av for Aperture Priority or M for Manual mode. The “Av” label stands for “Aperture Value” — Canon’s name for Aperture Priority.

Step 2: Use the Main Dial to Adjust Aperture

On Canon DSLRs (Rebel series through to 5D series), the main control dial is the wheel located behind and above the shutter button (under your index finger when you’re holding the camera in shooting grip). Roll this dial left or right to increase or decrease the aperture value.

  • Roll left (toward you) = lower f-number = wider aperture = more light and shallower depth of field
  • Roll right (away from you) = higher f-number = narrower aperture = less light and deeper depth of field

Watch the f-stop number change in the viewfinder display or on the top LCD screen as you roll the dial.

In Manual Mode on Canon

In Manual mode on Canon DSLRs, the main dial controls shutter speed by default, and you need to hold the Av+/- button (the exposure compensation button, usually on the back near the top right) while rolling the main dial to change aperture. Alternatively, on Canon cameras with a rear control wheel (like the 70D, 90D, 5D series), the rear wheel controls aperture directly in Manual mode while the front dial controls shutter speed.

Canon Mirrorless (R-series: R5, R6, R50, R10)

On Canon R-series mirrorless cameras, the layout is similar. In Av mode, the top main dial changes aperture. In M mode, depending on the specific body, there may be a front and rear dial — typically the rear dial controls aperture. Check your camera’s Quick Menu (Q button) or the on-screen display to confirm which dial is currently controlling aperture.

How to Change Aperture on Nikon DSLR and Mirrorless

Step 1: Set Mode to A (Aperture Priority) or M (Manual)

On Nikon cameras, the mode dial label for Aperture Priority is A (not Av like Canon). Turn the mode dial to A or M.

Step 2: Use the Sub-Command Dial

Nikon DSLRs typically have two command dials:

  • Main command dial: Near the shutter button, under the index finger. Controls shutter speed in Manual mode.
  • Sub-command dial: Larger dial on the back of the camera, operated by the thumb. This controls aperture in both Aperture Priority and Manual modes.

In Aperture Priority mode (A), simply roll the sub-command dial (rear thumb wheel) to change aperture. The f-stop number updates in the viewfinder and on the top LCD.

Entry-Level Nikon DSLRs (D3500, D3400, D5600)

Entry-level Nikons have only one command dial. To change aperture in Manual mode on these bodies, hold the Exposure Compensation button (the +/- button) while rolling the single command dial. In Aperture Priority, the command dial directly controls aperture without needing to hold any button.

Nikon Mirrorless (Z-series: Z50, Zf, Z6, Z8)

Nikon Z-series mirrorless cameras follow similar logic. In A mode, the front command dial (or rear command dial depending on configuration) changes aperture. The Z-series also allows full custom dial configuration through the menu — you can assign aperture to whichever dial feels most natural.

How to Change Aperture on Sony Mirrorless (A6000, A7, ZV-E Series)

Step 1: Set Mode to A (Aperture Priority) or M (Manual)

Sony uses A for Aperture Priority on the mode dial.

Step 2: Use the Front or Rear Control Dial

Sony mirrorless cameras typically have a front dial (near the shutter button) and/or a rear dial (on the back, operated by the thumb). In Aperture Priority mode:

  • On most Sony bodies (A6000 series, A7 series), the rear dial or control wheel adjusts aperture.
  • On Sony bodies with a front dial (A7III, A7RV, A9 series), the front dial controls aperture in Aperture Priority mode by default.

Confirming Which Dial on Sony

Sony cameras are very customisable, and dial assignments can be changed in the menu. If rolling a dial doesn’t change aperture, look at your LCD screen — the camera usually shows which dial currently controls which parameter. On most Sony bodies, the aperture readout in the viewfinder or Live View screen will highlight when a dial is adjusting it.

Sony in Manual Mode

In Manual mode on Sony A-series and ZV-E cameras, typically the rear dial controls aperture and the front dial controls shutter speed. The exact assignment may differ by model and custom button settings.

How to Change Aperture in Manual Mode

Manual mode gives you independent control of both aperture and shutter speed. The general principle across all brands:

  • One dial controls aperture
  • Another dial (or the same dial while holding a button) controls shutter speed
  • The exposure meter in your viewfinder shows whether your current settings will over- or under-expose the scene

In Manual mode, adjust aperture to set your depth of field, adjust shutter speed to set your motion rendering, then adjust ISO to dial in the correct overall exposure. See our full guide on how aperture affects exposure for the underlying logic.

Common Problems — Why Can’t I Change the Aperture?

“The dial doesn’t do anything”

You’re probably in a fully automatic mode (green Auto, Scene, or fully Auto). Switch to Av, A, or M mode and try again.

“The aperture is greyed out or won’t go below a certain number”

Your lens has a maximum aperture limit. If you have an f/3.5–5.6 kit zoom and you’re zoomed in, the maximum aperture at that focal length may be f/5.6 — you can’t go wider. Zoom out or switch to a faster lens for wider apertures.

“I’m in M mode but only one value is changing”

On cameras with a single control dial, you may need to hold a button to switch between controlling aperture and shutter speed. On Canon, hold the Av+/- button. On entry-level Nikons, hold the +/- exposure compensation button. On Sony, check your custom button settings in the menu.

“The aperture changes but the image stays the same brightness”

You’re in Aperture Priority mode — the camera is automatically adjusting shutter speed to compensate. This is correct behaviour. To see the raw effect of aperture on brightness without compensation, switch to Manual mode and observe the histogram change as you adjust aperture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change aperture on a Canon camera?

Set your mode dial to Av (Aperture Priority) or M (Manual). In Av mode, roll the main dial (behind the shutter button) to change the f-stop. On Canon bodies with two dials, in Manual mode the rear dial controls aperture. Watch the f-number change in the viewfinder or LCD screen.

How do I change aperture on Nikon?

Set mode dial to A (Aperture Priority) or M (Manual). On most Nikons, the sub-command dial (rear thumb wheel) controls aperture. On entry-level Nikons with one dial, hold the +/- exposure compensation button while rolling the command dial to change aperture in Manual mode.

How do I change aperture on Sony?

Set mode dial to A (Aperture Priority) or M (Manual). On most Sony mirrorless cameras, the rear control dial adjusts aperture. On higher-end bodies with two dials, the front dial typically controls aperture in Aperture Priority mode. Check your LCD — the active control is usually highlighted on screen.

Why can’t I change the aperture on my camera?

Most likely you’re in an auto mode that doesn’t allow aperture control. Switch to Av (Canon/Sony) or A (Nikon) or M mode. If you’re already in Av/A mode and the aperture won’t go wider, you’ve hit the maximum aperture of your lens at that focal length.

What mode do I need to change aperture?

Aperture Priority (Av on Canon/Sony, A on Nikon) or Manual (M) mode. In Auto or scene modes, the camera controls aperture and won’t allow manual adjustment.

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