How to Select a Digital Camera Exposure Mode

Today’s digital cameras offer user-friendly exposure modes, letting the photographer select the focus, shutter speed and light value manually, or allowing the camera to determine one or more of the settings. By giving the user more control over his camera settings, he can choose the degree of camera guidance he needs while focusing on a other aspects of the shot.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose the full "Auto Mode" when you want the camera to make all the decisions for you. All you need do is point at your subject and take the shot. The camera will focus, adjust the light intensity and decide the best shutter speed.

2. Adjust some setting on your camera by using the variable "Auto Mode." Read your camera’s manual to differentiate between the two automatic modes, and choose the adjustable one when you want the camera to pick most of the settings but still allow you to make fine adjustments to the exposure.

3. Turn your dial to "Aperture Mode" when you want to select the depth of field your camera will use and allow the camera to adjust the shutter speed. If your main object is to create a subject in sharp focus against a blurred background, choose the aperture mode and select a low number. The camera will select the correct shutter speed.

4. Pick the "Shutter Mode" when you want to capture actions shots or take long exposures at night. In Shutter Mode, you determine the speed of the shot and the camera selects the corresponding aperture setting.

5. Take some shots on "Manual" exposure mode when you want to choose both the shutter speed and the aperture settings.

Tips & Warnings

• Pay attention to the choices your camera makes when choosing an exposure mode. For instance, if you choose a fast shutter speed in low lighting situations, the camera may adjust the ISO (sensitivity) to a higher number, leaving you with a photo full of digital “noise.”