There are all different modes on a camera that assists with many different styles. They all have varying uses and are fun to experiment with. The list of camera modes consists of three categories, Automatic Modes, Semi Automatic Modes, and Fully Manual Mode.

Automatic Modes consists of Automatic Mode, Portrait Mode, Macro Mode, Landscape Mode, Sports Mode, and Night Mode.

Automatic Mode is pretty basic. It tells your camera to consider all of the elements like light, shadows, and subjects to decide where the ISO, SS, aperture, white balance, focus, and flash should be to get good exposure. But while using this mode, you need to keep in mind that the camera is only guessing what you want. Sometimes its best to give a couple hints like the size of the lens or the SS.

Portrait Mode is best used when you want the focus to be on one single subject. This mode will tell your camera to select a larger aperture to keep the background blurry, causing a narrow depth of field. To help the camera take the desired shot, its best to come in close to the subject so that the camera has less information to process. A little tip to use when shooting outside is to use your flash to cast a subtle light on the subjects face.

Macro Mode is mainly used for little subjects like flowers and insects, hence the mane Macro. Depending on your lens, you might have to physically move closer to the subject to the desired proportions. Remember though, since you have a much closer shot and a narrower depth of field its best to use a tripod. Being that close makes any sort of movement show in the photo so the more stable the camera, the better the picture. Also don’t use the flash, it causes overexposure.

Landscape Mode is pretty self explanatory and almost the exact opposite of Portrait Mode. Instead of a large aperture, the camera will set aperture small to keep everything in focus. This mode is best used with a tripod since the camera will select a faster SS to compensate for the small aperture. Its best to choose a scene with subjects in different distances from the camera.

Sports Mode, also referred to as Action mode, is used for motion still. In other words, It captures moving objects as if they were frozen. The camera will raise the SS to stop any blurriness coming through on the picture. This mode is used for many different sports event and even wildlife photography.

Night Mode is used for shots in low lighting. The camera will use a longer SS to capture the details for the background but pop the flash to catch the subject. For the best shot in this mode you’ll want to use a tripod, Unless you want a blurred background. Some photographers will use this mode for more creative shots due to the way the SS is set, the different colors, and lights you can catch and play with.

The Semi Automatic Modes include Aperture Priority Mode (AV or A), Shutter Priority Mode (TV or S), and Program Mode (P).

AV gives the photographer a preference of the depth of field. The camera will change the SS, white balance, ISO, etc. to balance the exposure depending of the chosen aperture. If you choose a smaller aperture, the camera will choose a slower shutter speed. Vise versa for a larger aperture. Remember, if your SS raises higher than 1/60sec (1/30sec) you need a tripod!

Tv gives you the preference over the SS, controlling the way a moving object is captured. The camera will combat your desired SS with the matching aperture. This mode helps you control if you want the subject to blur in motion or be still. For example, to capture the blur of a water fall, you’ll select a slow SS. If the lighting is poor or dim, you’ll want to choose a slower SS.

Program Mode is basically Automatic Mode. The only exception being that it gives you more control over the flash, white balance, ISO, etc. Make sure to check the manual for the difference between the two with your particular camera.

Lastly there is Manual Mode. This mode give you complete control over your camera. When you’re first learning you’ll want to use this mode to get a better understanding of SS, aperture, ISO, shite balance, flash, etc. You’ll want to use this mode for areas with difficult lighting or for desired effects the other modes cant give you. Don’t forget, don’t force anything. If the focus or the lens isn’t moving, check your Mode and choose one that gives you control over what you are trying to change.