Different Digital Camera Modes
August 19, 2010 by Binary Camera
Filed under compare digital cameras
What do you know about the different digital camera modes? If you’ve ever used a digital camera even for a short period of time, you may already know that there are different modes which exist. Digital cameras are designed to be put into different shooting modes so you can get the best possible picture quality from your camera. The most commonly used mode is automatic. This is because most people want a simple point-and-shoot camera that allows them to take photos with ease and without having to know a lot about cameras and how they work.
When you learn more about the different digital camera modes, however, it gives you the opportunity to do more with your camera and get better photos according to the scenario you are in at the time. So what are these different camera modes? The most common are:
• Automatic mode
• Aperture priority
• Shutter priority
• Manual mode
• Portrait mode
• Landscape mode
• Macro mode
• Sport mode
• Night mode
Your specific camera may have additional modes but these are the typical digital camera modes that you will find. Some modes may not be available on all cameras. You can learn about which digital camera modes you have by reading the manual that came with your camera but even if you don’t have the manual, there’s still a way to find out.
Most digital cameras have modes that operate by a button or menus on the LCD screen. You can use the buttons or dials to switch through these modes and other menu options and choose that which you need for the current situation.
That brings us to the question of which ones to use in your current situation. While it can vary and you always reserve the right to choose whichever mode you think is best for your situation, we will give you some general ideas of each one.
As the name implies, automatic mode is the simplest mode and will do everything for you. In automatic mode, the camera will set the shutter speed, the aperture, the focus and the flash if needed. This mode is great when you need to take quick shots and don’t have time to deal with the settings.
Aperture priority is used when you want to manually set the aperture value but everything else will be done for you by the camera. Shutter priority lets you manually set the shutter speed and the camera will automatically adjust the other settings for you. This is great for when you have varying motion shots and other scenarios to set the shutter speed.
Manual mode allows you to set both the aperture and the shutter speeds to the settings you want for the given scenario. This gives you complete control over the settings of the camera and how your photo will turn out. This requires knowing which aperture and speeds are best for which situations.
Portrait mode is best for taking portraits and landscape mode will create white balance for natural sun light and provide the best landscape photos. Macro mode is best for close ups and will vary according to the types of lenses your camera has. Sport mode is best for action shots like a sports activity or game.
Night mode, as the name suggests is best for taking photos when it is dim or dark in the outdoors or the room you are taking the pictures in. Night mode uses a slow shutter speed so the camera needs to be stabilized in these photos.
Knowing these basic settings will help you get more benefit from your different digital camera modes and get the most from your digital camera photography.
