CAMERA SHOOTING MODES

CHEAT SHEET
SHOOTING MODE:
You select: The camera chooses: When to use this mode:
AUTO
Nothing Everything (including Select this mode when you are brand new to using
White Balance, focus and a digital camera or at times when you get frustrated and
drive mode) confused. There is no shame in shooting in Automatic
if you need to.
Automatic Mode

You select: The camera chooses: When to use this mode:

The ISO (and settings The aperture and the Use it when you’re learning how your camera works, as
like White Balance, shutter speed a stepping-stone to the semi-automatic modes, or when
Focus, and Drive mode) you have to shoot fast and don’t have time to think about
your settings.
Program Mode

You select: The camera chooses: When to use this mode:

The ISO and the The aperture For moving subjects when you want to control whether or
shutter speed (as well not any motion in the image is frozen or blurred (a person
as White Balance, running, race car, panning, flowing water, etc.).
Focus, and Drive mode)
Shutter Priority *NOTE: This mode will let you make a bad exposure (photos
too dark or too light) when it hits camera limitations.*

You select: The camera chooses: When to use this mode:

The ISO and the The shutter speed For shooting static non-moving subjects where you want
aperture (as well as to control the depth of field, especially shooting hand
White Balance, Focus, held. Best for shooting candid photos, street photography,
and Drive mode) travel, and when the light is changing rapidly.
Aperture Priority
*NOTE: This mode will let you use a really slow shutter speed
resulting in possibly blurry images.*

You select: The camera chooses: When to use this mode:

Everything Nothing When you want consistent exposures and you have time
to stop and think about your settings, do a test shot, and
adjust as needed. Use Manual Mode when the camera is
mounted on a tripod (long exposures, night, HDR, etc.).
Manual Mode
*NOTE: This mode will let you make a bad exposure in all
areas (too dark, too light, blurry).*

Courtesy of DIGITAL PHOTO MENTOR