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Picture Taking Modes
Understanding and using your digital camera's picture taking modes
Virtually all digital cameras feature several programmed and programmable
picture taking modes. The programmed modes set the camera's shutter
speed, aperture, and other settings for you according to the type of photo you
want to take and the conditions under which you will be taking them.
Typical programmed picture taking modes include:
- Automatic - In automatic mode, your digital camera's computer will adjust
virtually all of the camera settings for you. All you have to do for the most
part is simply point and shoot. If you're new to digital photography and just
want to take some pictures right away with a minimum of fuss, the automatic mode
will produce acceptable pictures under most conditions.
- Landscape - The landscape mode is for taking pictures of scenery and distant
objects such as mountains, wheat fields, tall buildings - anything where the
subject is far away and you want a wide field of view. The camera will adjust
its settings for you based upon the assumption that you won't be able to use
the flash.
- Portrait - The portrait mode is used for taking pictures of one or two people
who are positioned relatively close to the camera. The focus is adjusted for the
nearest person and the sharpness is not adjusted by default in order to
produce smoother skin tones. The flash is also adjusted to reduce the red-eye
effect.
- Sports - Capturing clear, non-blurring photos of fast action scenes such as a
hockey game or bicycle race requires fast shutter speeds and continuous
automatic focusing. The sports setting adjusts these for you so you can
concentrate on following the action and taking great pictures.
- Close Up - The close up mode allows you to take crisp, clear photos of very
close, stationary objects. The camera will concentrate the focus on the center
of the frame where you will most likely have placed the object being
photographed.
- Nighttime - The nighttime setting is for taking pictures in a low-light
environment. Typically, the flash is automatically turned on and other
adjustments are made to ensure a proper exposure.
There are typically four programmable picture taking modes as well:
- Program - In program mode, the aperture (f-stop) and shutter speed are set for
you, but you have the ability to override these settings if you wish.
- Shutter Priority - When your digital camera is set to shutter priority, you
manually set the shutter speed and the camera will select the appropriate
aperture for a proper exposure.
- Aperture Priority - This mode is similar to shutter priority, except you set
the aperture and the camera sets the shutter speed.
- Manual - The manual mode gives you almost complete control over the camera by
allowing you to set the shutter speed, aperture and other settings as you see
fit. This mode is best used only after you have learned at least the basics of
digital photography and camera settings.
Conclusion
Knowing when and how to properly use your digital camera's picture taking modes
is essential for taking great photographs under a wide range of conditions. The
good news is "digital film" is cheap and you can practice with the various modes
and settings until you have mastered their proper use!
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"Digital Photography Primer"
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