Your camera probably has a dial or menu labeled with symbols like A, S, M, or even a green camera icon. These are camera modes, and each one changes how your camera decides on exposure settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
Here’s what the most common modes mean:
📷 Main Camera Modes
- Auto (green icon): The camera decides everything. Great for beginners, but limited control.
- Program (P): The camera picks settings, but you can tweak some. A nice step up from full Auto.
- Aperture Priority (A or Av): You choose the aperture, and the camera sets the shutter speed. Ideal for controlling depth of field.
- Shutter Priority (S or Tv): You pick the shutter speed, and the camera handles the aperture. Useful for freezing or blurring motion.
- Manual (M): You control everything — aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Gives maximum creative control, but requires practice.
When to Use Each Mode
- Auto: Quick snapshots or unfamiliar lighting.
- Aperture Priority: Portraits, landscapes, low light.
- Shutter Priority: Sports, action, motion blur effects.
- Manual: Studio shoots, long exposures, full control.
Tips
- Don’t be afraid to start in Auto, but experiment with Aperture Priority for creative control.
- If you're learning, Program mode is a safe and helpful middle ground.
- Manual mode is not always necessary — but it’s worth learning over time.