Introduction To Digital Camera Modes

To save photographers time, most cameras today are equipped with a number of preset modes. Each mode is programmed with specific settings for the aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and other attributes. Rather than forcing the photographer to manually change each individual setting, a single click of a button or turn of a dial changes them instantly.

Below, we'll explore the most common modes offered on today's digital cameras. Some, like auto mode, will already be familiar to you. Others may be less so. By acquainting yourself with each preset, you'll have a better grasp regarding when to use them toward producing stunning photographs.

 If you're a budding photographer, start with this preset. It was designed to allow people to simply frame their shots and click the button. The mix of aperture, flash, shutter speed, and other settings is formulated to produce attractive photos regardless of your subject or the conditions in which you're shooting. It can be used to take portraits, landscapes, and to a lesser extent, action shots.

The important thing to remember is this: your camera has very little information regarding what you're trying to shoot. That means it is forced to guess. While the photographs will turn out reasonably well, other presets may prove more accommodating.

This setting shrinks your aperture to provide a larger depth of field. The advantage is that doing so widens the shot and allows objects located at disparate distances to be kept in focus. The drawback is that a smaller aperture requires more light. The camera will compensate by slowing the shutter speed, which increases the likelihood of camera shake. This is the reason you should consider using a tripod when taking shots in landscape mode.

The portrait preset takes the opposite approach. It enlarges your aperture and shrinks your depth of field. Rather than keeping objects at different distances in focus, it allows the background to blur while keeping the foreground in sharp focus. That helps to direct viewers' attention to your subject.

 Ideal for close-up shots, this setting is designed to bring out the fine details in your subject. From the crevices of an insect's wings to the barely-perceptible changes in color of a flower's petals, macro mode brings your audience startlingly close to your subject. Focus is paramount with this setting; consider using a tripod to prevent blurring.

 The sports preset is designed to let you photograph moving objects while freezing the action. It accomplishes this by accelerating the film and shutter speed. The increased film speed compensates for the reduction in light caused by the increased shutter speed. Don't be misled by the setting's name; it can be used to capture anything that moves, including vehicles, animals, and even falling objects.

Because there is less light available, this setting reduces the shutter speed. That helps your camera define the details of objects in your background while using the flash to light up your foreground. Keep in mind a longer shutter speed will make camera shake a bigger problem. To prevent excess blurring (a little blur may be desired for some shots), consider using a tripod.

Even though your camera is equipped with a variety of preset modes (including a few not listed above), you should experiment with its manual mode. This setting provides far more flexibility than others. In fact, many photographers first become acquainted with manual mode out of frustration; their cameras fail to pick settings capable of delivering perfect pictures.

When using the manual preset, you'll be able to control the ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and flash. It requires more effort, but opens the door to compositions that would be difficult to achieve otherwise. For example, you can underexpose or overexpose your shots to create specific effects.

Here's the takeaway: use your camera's preset modes as a starting place, especially if you're a new photographer. As you gain experience, play with the settings in manual mode to produce more refined shots for your photo poster prints.