Also, it seems to take the camera as long to process a 30-second
exposure as it does to take the picture itself (i.e. before the camera
is ready for further action). Why should this be the case?

This is the noise reduction feature (image noise, not audible noise)
that kicks in for long exposures. You can turn it off if you like,
either via the setup or custom menu.

---------------
Marc Sabatella


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