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Your Guide To Camera Modes

Get better images more easily with your digital camera’s pre-programmed settings

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By Wes Pitts
Page 6 of 6

Aperture Priority. This is a terrific mode to use with a stationary subject when you want to control your depth of field and aren’t concerned about shutter speed. In this mode, you choose the aperture setting and the camera automatically sets the best shutter speed to match the conditions.

Shutter Priority. You’ll usually want to choose shutter priority when you need to capture a moving subject. In this mode, you select the shutter speed and the camera chooses the best aperture for a proper exposure.
Program. This all-purpose automatic exposure mode can be used for general photography. In this mode, the camera selects a median shutter speed and aperture based on the meter reading.
Landscape. In Landscape mode, your camera will select the smallest aperture to maximize depth of field in the image. Your image will be as sharp as possible under the conditions in both the foreground and background. Some cameras also will apply enhanced color saturation to the image.
Portrait. This mode emphasizes the subject by de-emphasizing the background. The camera selects the widest possible aperture setting to minimize depth of field for a softened background. The flash usually will switch to its red-eye reduction setting when shooting in this mode. Remember to focus on your subject’s eyes.

Sports. Speed is the name of the game in Sports mode. Your camera will automatically choose the fastest shutter speed possible, and also will enable continuous high-speed shooting if available. Evaluative metering is usually the default for this mode, helping to ensure a decent exposure even in contrasty light.

Macro. Macro shots can be an interesting window into a smaller world that we don’t usually notice. One of our favorite features of compact digital cameras is the ability to shoot close-ups without a special lens. Macro mode allows you to focus on objects extremely close up, though your zoom range may be restricted.

Night. Successful night photography requires a slow shutter speed for a long exposure without flash. The exposure may last several seconds, so use a tripod when shooting in this mode or place your camera on a solid platform. Also, be aware that most digital sensors generate image noise during exposures of more than a few seconds.

Night Portrait. For flattering portraits in dark conditions, you want a combination of flash with a long exposure to pick up ambient background lights. In this mode, the flash fires to freeze the action of your subject amid the lengthened exposure. Whenever possible, use a tripod with this mode for best results.

Beach & Snow. The bright reflections and high contrast of sand and snow often will trick your camera’s meter into underexposing the scene. This mode will ensure a proper exposure by slightly overexposing based on the meter reading.





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