CAMERA MODES
This is how the various modes on Canon SLR models work and should be similar on other brands.
BASIC MODES: All basic modes shoot only jpgs. If you want to shoot Raw, you must choose Program, Aperture, Shutter, or Manual mode.
ISO is limited to 100 – 400. For low light shooting at ISO 800 and above don’t use the basic modes.
Auto mode: Camera sets aperture (f-stop), shutter speed, ISO and white balance automatically. It’s OK for naturally lit scenes without a lot of high contrast (light highlights/dark shadows). You can’t change the focus point to center point permanently, it reverts to all points which is not good and causes the camera to focus on the nearest thing, not necessarily the subject. Flash pops up if needed. Flash works best when subject is within flash range and fills the frame.
Portrait mode: Camera chooses a wide aperture such as f/2.8 – 3.5 to help blur the background to separate the subject from the background. The blurring is more noticeable if you use a longer lens such 85 – 200 mm length rather than a wide angle such as 18 – 55.
Landscape mode: Camera sets a small aperture whenever possible to keep the whole scene in sharp focus. In dim light such as early morning, evening, or an overcast day, this may require use of a tripod to avoid camera shake. Built-in flash will not work in this mode.
Macro mode: Camera sets a wide aperture for faster shutter speed. This is not optimal for macro photography with a very limited depth of focus area. It’s best to use aperture priority mode for macro and set the aperture to a smaller f-stop such as f/8 – f/16.
Sports mode: Camera selects a fast shutter speed to capture motion. Auto focus is set to track moving subjects. (AI Servo on Canon models.) ISO is limited to 400. For low-light sports indoors or out, it’s best to use a creative mode and set the ISO higher than 400.
Flash Off: Good for shooting a night scene or indoors when flash is not allowed. Use a tripod or a stabilized lens if there is decent light. Using a creative mode and setting an ISO higher than 400 may be preferable if you don’t have a tripod handy.
CREATIVE MODES:
Program mode: This is the best “Auto” mode to use if your camera has it. Designated by P on the dial. The camera still sets everything just like Auto mode: aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance, etc. However it allows you to change settings such as ISO and white balance, focus point, choose single shot or multiple shots, and use Exposure Compensation which allows you to lighten or darken the exposure chosen by the camera which might not be correct. The flash does not pop up automatically; you have to press the button to pop it up.
Exposure Compensation works in the creative modes. It lets you increase or decrease the exposure chosen by the camera to let in more light (+ = more light), or less light (- = less light) when the camera’s chosen exposure is not satisfactory. Just be sure to reset it to 0 when you get the shots!
Aperture priority mode: You set the aperture to let in more or less light and to control depth of focus and the camera automatically selects the appropriate shutter speed. Wide apertures (low f-stops like f/2.8 – 4) let in more light so that you have a faster shutter speed. This results in a shallower depth of focus which is good when you want to separate the subject from the background by blurring the background for portraits. Choose a medium aperture for normal shooting, such as f/5.6 – f/8. Choose a small aperture such as f/11 – 16 for landscape and macro shots where you want everything in focus and when it’s very bright out. It’s easy, give it a try!
Shutter priority mode: You select the shutter speed and the camera automatically selects the aperture. A slow shutter speed lets you capture motion if the subject is moving and a fast shutter speed freezes the action but requires more light so it’s not really appropriate to use in dim light such as night sports.
Manual mode: You choose both the aperture and shutter speed using a scale in the viewfinder that shows what the camera thinks is the correct exposure and if you have it under- or over-exposed. Then you can adjust either setting to alter the exposure like you want it. Manual is the best mode to use for night photography and many pros use it all the time.
A-DEP mode: The Camera evaluates all the focus points and selects an f-stop to keep everything in focus. Shutter speed is set automatically. Good for landscape and cityscape shots.