What do the basic camera modes do?

Camera manufacturers have beginners in mind when creating the basic camera selection modes. They simply help you focus on having fun with your photography.

The camera does all the hard work of adjusting the exposure based on the conditions you're shooting in. This is the perfect way to enjoy taking pictures and get to know your camera before you move on.

Auto is the automatic mode that most beginners choose. The camera does everything for you, and you can concentrate on the subject. Sometimes it can be symbolized by a simple green rectangle.

The macro function unlocks an additional focus range on your camera so you can get up close and capture small details, such as flowers, insects, etc.

It is a good idea to switch away from macro after use, otherwise you may experience delays in the focus time when you have to take "normal photos" again.

Most cameras have a dedicated mode to highlight the best in a scene. This mode will automatically make the camera focus on as much of the landscape as possible by using a large depth of field.

The camera can also use a slower shutter speed in some cases to compensate for the small aperture, so a good tip is to use a tripod to avoid shaking and movement that results in blurry images.

This mode goes by both the names night or party mode, but both are used in low light. Night mode forces the camera to use slower shutter speeds, and will fire the flash automatically to help with exposure, so you can expect some distinctive light streaks along with frozen motion shots.

Sports mode does the opposite of night mode and increases the shutter speed to ensure that all movement is frozen and motion blur is avoided.

The camera will widen the aperture if necessary to compensate for the fast shutter speed and ensure an even exposure. Some cameras use face tracking to ensure focus follows the action, but this depends on the camera.

Portrait mode is suitable for both people and animals, but moving subjects may be better in sports mode. The aperture opens to reduce the depth of field, bring the background out of focus and make your subject the main element.

The flash will not fire under any circumstances, which is ideal if, for example, you are trying to be a discreet street photographer or are at a wedding.

The function is more and more often moved into the flash settings menu, but is still found on some mode dials.

Stage / SCN

This is an option for shooting specific, specialized scenes (sometimes called creative modes). The choices will vary from brand to brand, so it is difficult to go into detail on all of them.

You can see options like candlelight, autumn colors, twilight, toy camera effect, thumbnail, etc.

The camera can apply color filters to your LCD screen so you can see the effect in real time. My tip is to avoid these modes, and rather make creative corrections afterwards.

Guide (Nikon)

This basic camera selection mode is a Nikon specific feature. It gives the user access to frequently used and useful options such as time stamps, language, viewing and deleting images. It is designed to save time searching through the normal menu system.

Advanced camera modes

When you're ready to take your photos to the next level, the next group of camera modes will give you more control and thus creativity in your photography.

The camera will take a partial or full step back - depending on the setting - so you can directly influence the image result.

The power is in your hands with manual mode. The camera will sit back and let you make all the decisions regarding aperture, shutter speed and ISO. It won't help you balance your exposure if you get the settings wrong, but learning this feature opens up a whole world of amazing creativity!

The light meter is your friend when you use Manual. There you can see whether the image is overexposed or underexposed. Then it's up to you.

Aperture priority allows you to choose the aperture size, but the shutter speed and ISO are automatically adjusted to give you the best possible exposure. It's great to use if you want to learn about blender but without the burden of other settings.

This is a mode I recommend starting with, because in addition to controlling how much light enters the camera, the aperture also controls depth of field. If you want delicious Flurry backgrounds, it's the blender you have to work with!

It is worth mentioning that Av stands for Aperture value.

If you can understand aperture priority, shutter priority will be a breeze! You control the shutter speed - the camera does the rest.

It's a fantastic tool to use if you want to learn about the effects of long exposures for capturing stars, auroras, light streaks, light panting etc, but also for freezing motion with quick exposures of images, action sports and movement.

It is also worth mentioning that Tv stands for Time value. Why Canon uses Tv when everyone else uses S is a mystery.

Switching to program mode gives you control over ISO, exposure metering and white balance while you're shooting – but the camera makes all the choices when it comes to exposure (aperture and shutter).

The mode is ideal for the slightly more experienced users who like to perfect their work when they are out on location.

This camera selection mode is a Canon exclusive feature. It tells the camera which part of the image needs to be sharp using the focus button, and the A-DEP mode selects the corresponding aperture to ensure the aperture is properly adjusted.

This is another mode especially for Canon. It gives users quick access to several functions that will be displayed on the camera's LCD screen. You can change the exposure, depth of field, drive mode selection (single shot/continuous shooting) and some other settings.

This camera selection mode is designed for new photographers to jump right in and get great quality images without getting too technical about how exposure is set.

This is a unique Pentax mode that is more commonly referred to as "ISO Priority". Just like aperture and shutter priority, you choose ISO and the camera will adjust the aperture and shutter values ​​to balance the exposure.

Unlike many others, Sony often chooses to keep the panorama selection on the mode dial instead. In this mode, you can slowly move the camera around, while the image is built up from multiple images of the scene as it changes - in the same way that panoramas are created on the iPhone.

Most cameras have a Bulb mode, but it's not talked about much. Bulb is used when you need longer shutter speeds than the camera can handle, just hold down the shutter button for as long as you want the recording to last.

Custom

Whether it is expressed as "C1, C2 or C3" or as "User" (U1, U2, etc.) these are just slightly different names for the same thing - a mode where you save settings you use often, or want to have ready. A shortcut in a way.

I use these modes to save settings for photo studio and filming. Note that it takes some trial and error to find out which settings are saved and which you need to adjust from time to time.

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Summary

For photographers, it is crucial to understand and utilize camera selection mode to increase creativity and control over the image. From automatic settings for beginners to manual control for experts, these modes provide varied options. Mastering these modes provides flexibility in different situations and the ability to capture impressive images with precision and creativity. Experimentation and regular practice will contribute to continuous development as a photographer. Go out, explore, and let the camera selection modes be the tools that unleash your creative vision.