The camera mode settings include a range of different dials on the body to allow you to choose between different settings before you start. They are shown on a dial that features a bunch of different letters and markings. They are the camera modes and they refer to how your camera will control your exposure settings.
The Exposure Mode.
The Metering Mode.
The Focus Mode.
Manual Mode.
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The Program Mode.
You set up the camera in the above order. If you'd rather have the camera make the decision for you then use the Program Mode. It will automatically set up your camera to your exposure. I would be hesitant to use this mode, will explain later on.
These are the basic Modes or Settings for almost any camera. More sophisticated cameras will have other modes as well.
The Exposure Modes:
These modes are photography terms and they are expressed in letters on the main camera dial. They differ in camera models, so you will need the manual to match the letters with the Modes.
For Nikon: M=Manual mode, A=Aperture Priority mode, S= Shutter Speed Priority mode, P=Program mode.
For Canon: M=Manual mode, Av=Aperture Priority mode, S=Shutter Speed Priority mode, P=Program mode.
For Sony: M=Manual mode, A=Aperture Priority mode, S= Shutter Speed Priority mode, P=Program mode.
These are the main digital camera modes or exposure in photography: Program Mode (P): The camera automatically selects the shutter speed and aperture. Shutter Priority Mode (Tv/S ): You choose the shutter speed and the camera sets the aperture. Aperture Priority Mode (Av/A): You choose the aperture and the camera sets the shutter speed.
The Exposure Triangle mentioned in another post deals with the Shutter Speed an Aperture and how they affect each other.
The Metering Mode:
When you point the camera to a subject or a scene, the camera sensor processes of the amount of reflected light in the scene.
Because of the large range of subjects and scenes, the camera has different ways of evaluating the scene or subject.
There are three main evaluating or metering modes in the camera:
Nikon: Matrix, Centre-Weighted and Spot.
Canon: Evaluative, Centre-Weighted Average, Partial and Spot.
Sony: Multi, Centre and Spot.
Depending on the camera brand, other metering modes could be included.
The Focus Modes:
In most cameras when you press the Shutter buton 1/2 way, the focus setting is activated.
When you point the camera to a scene, the lens needs to focus on it to get a sharp result. You have the option to choose a focusing mode.
The main focus modes: Single, Continuous, Manual and Automatic give you the choice to capture what you want.
Single Focus is good for photographing subjects that don’t move. AF-S
Continuous Focus is good use when photographing moving objects. AF-C
Manual Focus is just that. Depending on the type of camera you have, you can manually adjust the focus through the lens or turn the camera setting to manual focus. You need to refer to your manual.
Auto Focus the camera selects between single focus and continuous focus. You lose control on capturing your exposure and not recommended.
The Program Mode:
The camera does all the above. This mode is useful maybe on holidays. It is best used on still scenes and subjects.
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