How to Use More Functions in Your Digital Camera

Once you master the AUTOMATIC function, there are many other modes nearly all cameras offer. The results can be improved when choosing these modes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A camera which allows selection of other shooting modes besides AUTOMATIC.

1. Many digital cameras, not only the point-and-shoot models (which do not have interchangeable lenses), and the DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras which do allow lenses to be changed, offer many shooting mode selections besides AUTOMATIC. On the side where you find AUTO, there are often small icons indicating other scene modes. Common selections include: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, Non-flash. These are still modes where the camera is programmed to select exposure values with a set of functions for each mode designed to help make the best exposure possible. The exposure values are still selected by the camera, but there are priorities for each mode. Think of icons as specific instructions to the camera telling it what kind of photo you are trying to make. There are few adjustments you can make in these modes as the camera selects most of them.

2. P, S, A, and M (Program, Shutter-Priority, Aperture-Priority, and Manual) allow selection of more functions in the camera for more precise control over the type of photo to be made.
   You can select metering modes, shooting modes (single or continuous frames), drive modes for the focus motor, and a big one--White Balance to make color correct images according to the color of the source light on the subject. Program is the mode which allows you to make these selections (which can be made in S,A, and M, but doesn't require selection of shutter or aperture values as the camera will make still make those decisions based on what controls have been adjusted.

3. Shutter-Priority (S) is useful in selecting a particular shutter speed to either capture or blur motion. It is the choice when photographing any action subject or sports.
   The user selects the shutter speed, the camera selects the proper opening (f/stop) in the lens for proper exposure.
   Aperture-Priority (A) is used when the depth-of-field (area of focus in front and behind the subject) is needed to be selected. The user selects and aperture (f/stop), and the camera selects a shutter speed to guarantee proper exposure.

4. Manual (M) is the trickiest to use as the functions (shutter speed and aperture values) are not linked and one can be changed independently of the other. The camera's built-in meter must be used to determine the proper combination.
   M is often used in studio situations where the f/stop must be set for the exposure of the lights not connected to the camera, and the shutter speed must be set to synchronized with the firing of the studio strobe lights.

Tips & Warnings

• Learning how to use the selectable functions in PSA and M can improve the results of the image. PS and A are helpful in determining the exposure, but using the command dials on the camera allow other values to be selected.
• Metering selection is important for controlling exposure when the lighting is tricky or contrasty. Useful when the subject is back lit or lighter than the background.
• Learning about White Balance controls will help capture accurate color of the subject and eliminate fixing later with some type of manipulation program, adding to more time to finish the image.
• When using Aperture and Shutter Priority, the camera selects the appropriate matching values. However, when using Shutter Priority, the camera will make the F/stop value blink when an improper combination is selected.
• Using Aperture Priority has one drawback in that the camera will always select the shutter speed no matter how slow. This may require the use of a tripod when the shutter speed goes below 1/30 of a second.