Here is a quick run-down of the the basic shooting modes of most digital cameras – DSLRs and most compact point and shoot cameras have these. Now, a DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) is the big honkin’ camera that professional photographers and many serious hobbyists have – you have a camera body & can change your lens & modify the settings. A “point and shoot” is a compact camera that most everyone has. It has a built in lens that zooms & you can modify some of the settings. It doesn’t matter what type of camera you have, brand, price range, if you are a professional, hobbyist or snap-happy mom, or what you plan to use if for-these tips will help you learn more about your camera & progress – at least that’s the plan. Don’t be ashamed to use Automatic mode or afraid to venture into Manual mode – or do like me and use both depending on the situation & mood! Also remember, I am self-taught so while most of my knowledge may not be in technical terms, I try to relay it in the simple way that I know it! If you know a better way or explaination please feel free to share.
Automatic Mode:
Automatic, also known as Auto – is when your camera uses its judgement to select aperture, ISO (light sensitivity), shutter speed, white balance, focus & flash that is best for the shot. You do not need to think or add any input, you just simply “point and shoot”. This is the default setting on cameras and it’s basically how “point and shoot” cameras got that nickname. So if you just want to take the guess work out of photography and just be able to pick up the camera and hit the button fast & easy, choose automatic mode. Keep in mind that your camera is making an educated guess and although it might work great in most situations, there are other times where the settings might be off for your scene or you might want more control. Also, some cameras also call this Program mode, others have a separate program mode.
Manual Mode:
Manual mode (M) allows full control over your camera & exposure settings such as ISO, shutter speed, aperture, white balance. It requires you to think about the different settings, light & how they work together to produce the image that you want. You need to have some knowledge of your camera and an idea of what you are doing in manual mode in order to adjust the settings and gain control over your shot. The best place to start learning manual mode is with your cameras manual and practice practice practice!
Aperture Priority Mode (A or AV): Semi-automatic/Semi-manual, allowing you choose the aperture and the camera chooses the rest (shutter speed, ISO, white balance) to balance your exposure.
Shutter Priority Mode (S or TV): Semi-automatic/Semi-manual, allowing you choose the shutter speed and the camera chooses the rest (aperture, ISO, white balance) to balance your exposure.
Program Mode (P): Similar to Automatic (if not the same as Automatic on your camera), it gives you a little more control over some settings including ISO, white balance, and flash.
Some photographer’s theory is that any serious photographer should be using Manual mode and nothing else – I tend to disagree. I do totally agree that it’s a necessity to know your camera & know your craft if you intend to be a professional photographer-but I think its your preference as to which mode you like to shoot in as it all depends on your style and the overall look you are trying to achieve. It took me awhile to switch from Automatic to Manual because for the longest time I didn’t know any better & not only was I totally intimidated by my new shiny camera with all it’s bells & whistles, but Manual is hard work! Now, about a year later, I’m totally glad I made the switch and haven’t looked back. I’m completely in love with Manual mode. Not to mention it has really changed my technical skills & photography for the better. It makes me stop, think & be more conscious of the shot (the composition, exposure, subject, light – the whole shebang) and what I envision for the final product. However, I’m not too proud to switch it back to Auto when it suits me. For instance, when I’m out taking photos for myself-at family gatherings, concerts, ball games, girls night out-those situations when I just don’t have the time to constantly be changing my settings. Life zooms by so rapidly and if I’m too busy trying to balance my exposure I’m going to miss the moment.
It should be noted that some cameras-mainly “point & shoots” have tons of modes that are automatic “specialty settings”. These scene modes have default settings that are specific for the scene you want to photograph, allowing you to choose the specific mode and then just point & shoot. Refer to your camera’s manual for specifics but the most common are: Portrait, Landscape, Macro/Close up, Night, Museum, Beach/Snow, Fireworks, Sports/Action, Children…
To decide which mode to use, I suggest you ask yourself…
-What type of camera do you have?
-What are it’s settings/modes and do you know how to use them? Are you interested in knowing how to use them?
-What are you going to be taking photos of? Professional, hobby, memories?
-What’s your photography style?
-Do you want quick & easy or do you like a challenge & flexibility?
Regardless of what you choose, I say try Manual at least once. Well, actually give it a few tries to get the hang of it and to really see what you think of the flexibility, the control & the results. The worst that can happen is you don’t like it and you switch back to the safe, old trusty Automatic. Although I wouldn’t suggest trying it out for the first time at your daughter’s dance recital, a friends wedding or a surprise siteing of your favorite celebrity – you don’t want to risk any mishaps and potential blurry photos or lost memories.
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