Digital Camera Modes

Automatic Mode

The camera will set the shutter speed, aperture, ISO, white balance, focus and flash automatically. Automatic mode will usually give you a nice result in a wide variety of photo taking conditions.

Portrait mode

The camera will set the aperture large which will keep the background out of focus. Portrait mode will make sure that the only thing in focus is the subject and is ideal for taking photos of a single subject.

Macro Mode

Macro mode lets you take up close picture of small objects. When using macro mode focusing the camera will be difficult and flash shouldn't be used.

Landscape Mode

The camera in landscape mode will do the opposite of portrait mode and it will make sure that the scene that is being photographed will be in focus. The camera may set a lower aperture speed automatically in landscape mode and also a tripod is probably recommended so that the camera can stay still in this setting.

Sports Mode

Sports mode or action mode is designed for taking photos of moving objects. In this mode the camera makes the shutter speed high and attempts to freeze the moving object.

Night Mode

Night mode is for taking pictures in low light situations. In this mode the flash will illuminate the subject and leave the background dark. A tripod is recommended or the background may be blurry.

Movie Mode

Movie mode is for making still images into moving pictures. In this mode audio can be recorded and is typically used for when a still image photo cannot be taken.

Semi Automatic Modes

Aperture Priority Mode

This mode is like a type of semi-automatic mode and is where the operator chooses the aperture and the camera figures out the rest of the needed settings. This mode is used for taking a depth of field shot where the size of the scene is controlled.

Program Mode

This mode is only on some cameras in addition to the automatic mode. Cameras with this mode gives the user more control over features like flash and, ISO etc.

Fully Manual Mode

Manual Mode

This mode gives the user full control of all of the cameras settings. With this mode it gives the user the capability to set up the picture the way they want to but the results will be poor if the user isn't familiar with what all of the settings do.