If you are new to the world of photography and reading this, remember that there is no one way of getting the photographic result that you want. If the automatic or semi-automatic modes of your camera are helping you achieve your desired results, then keep smiling, and continue shooting. And make sure to enjoy every moment of it.
But mean while my advice is that you keep on getting to know your camera and all it has to offer. The choice is yours. Still, if you want to make sure that your pictures come out exactly the way you want, then you should learn how your camera actually works.
Truth is, you should learn the basics of your camera functions no matter whether you are planing to shoot in automatic or manual settings. And yes mastering your camera settings can take time, so you will need to practice and practice some more. But at the end of the day, you should shoot in the setting that make you happy.
What is the difference between manual setting and automatic settings?
Manual mode refers to the settings on your camera that allows you to manually control aperture, shutter speed, ISO and focus. Together, these elements give you full control over your final photos.
The difference between shooting your pictures in automatic mode is that when you shoot in automatic mode, you are letting your camera have control over some of those settings as opposed to you having direct control over them. But it also gives you the freedom to focus on your subject, on what you actually want to photograph, especially if you are shooting with your first camera, and still need to learn what the functions are.
Many people are intimidated by shooting in manual mode, especially those who are relatively inexperienced or new to the art of photography. So while you can choose to shoot in an automatic mode, choosing to operate in manual mode gives you way more creative control.
I’m actually one of those people who for the longest time didn’t learned how to shoot in automatic mode. My husband is a great teacher, and he was the person who gave me my first Canon camera and showed me the ropes. As he was following photography classes, and was truly passionate about it. There was simply no discussion about not knowing the manual settings from day one. That was the only way I was supposed to learn, and I did.
So just remember this… nothing is impossible and you can do this too!
There are so many great benefits in knowing how to shoot with manual settings and with a little practice you will be great at it in no time. Manual settings give you true control over your style.
But don’t worry if all you know for now is how to use automatic modes. There are times when it can be really handy, especially in more difficult lighting conditions, or with fast moving subject. Plus the cameras are more capable than ever of delivering a wonderfully exposed image in automatic modes. But to offer yourself, as much as possible, creative freedom, the key is still to know which function offers which results.
If you want to get for example, motion blur or freeze action, it is best to use Shutter Priority. This will keep your subject, and the background in sharp focus. If you want to control depth of field to blur or sharpen a background, Aperture Priority is your best choice. Here you will have a choice to have your background in soft focus, or not.
Aperture priority: background is in sharp focus
Aperture priority: background is in soft focus
It’s not a bad idea to work with the camera in the semi-automatic modes of Aperture Priority or Shutter Priority. Especially if you want to use those modes to share some of the responsibility for exposure with your camera. You can do this when you want or need the freedom to focus on your subject and compositions, and not spend time on changing commands while capturing images.
When you are ready to start understanding your camera better, manual settings can be so much fun. It can also help you to slow down and evaluate your photography more. But if you are just starting, and learning how to use your new camera and feeling your way through the complexity of DSLR photography, don’t feel bad or embarrassed that you are starting and shooting with automatic mode.
Sometimes it’s better to just go with the flow, enjoy it and when ready get curious and start learning how your camera actually works. And what can you do with it to capture your moments, and express your creativity.
What are the shooting modes and when to use them? What the green box, B, Av, Tv, P, and M actually mean?
I’m guessing that you have a great news, you’ve got a fancy new camera. Bad news probably is that you have no idea how to use it or what any of the settings do or mean. Making the jump from a point and shoot to a DSLR requires you to embrace a learning curve. Below you will find some information about each shooting mode to help you to get to know your camera, and find out what each setting actually means.
“green box” – Automatic mode
Usually this mode is signified by a green box alone, green box with or without the word “AUTO”, or “A+” in it, or a little green camera icon. Automatic mode is exactly what it sounds like. It allows you to turn your DSLR into a fancy point and shoot camera.
In this mode, your camera will scan the area within your frame, all you see when you look through the viewfinder, for lighting conditions. Then it makes an educated guess on what your focus point or points, aperture, shutter speed, white balance, ISO and any other settings should be.
Modern digital cameras are so smart that this whole process takes less than a second. While easy to use, auto-mode gives you little to no control of anything including what your camera focuses on.
“B” – Bulb mode
Bulb mode is a mode used for extended exposure and is indicated by a B. Usually anything over thirty seconds falls into this category but there aren’t any strict rules about what is and what isn’t extended exposure. When using bulb mode you can press the shutter button down and release. The shutter will remain open until you press the shutter button down again to close it.
When using bulb mode, I recommend using a tripod, and a remote shutter release. If the shutter is open for longer than a small fraction of a second your pictures can become very blurry. The tripod adds the needed stability to keep your photo crisp, and in focus while the remote shutter release keeps you from moving the camera when you press down the shutter button.
“Av” – Aperture priority mode
Aperture priority mode is typically denoted by AV depending on what brand of camera you have. This mode allows you to set your aperture, and then the camera automatically changes the other settings to make them work with the aperture you’ve chosen.
The aperture is actually the width of the hole inside the lens that opens and closes. As the aperture widens, and the number indicating the aperture gets smaller, more light is let in.
The aperture controls two main components of your photograph, the first is the amount of light that reaches the camera’s internal sensor. The other element of your pictures that aperture modifies, is the depth of focus.
Just keep in mind that the wider your aperture the smaller your depth of focus.
If depth of focus is your main concern, this might be the right shooting mode for you.
“Tv” – Shutter priority mode
Shutter priority can be selected by turning the dial to TV, depending on your camera. Shutter priority mode allows you to select the shutter speed. In that case the camera adjusts the aperture to a value that will work with the shutter speed, you’ve selected, to create a well exposed picture.
Shutter speed controls how quickly or slowly your shutter closes. This allows you to control the amount of light that goes into the lens. The longer the shutter is open the more light gets into the camera, and hits the sensor to create the image. It also controls how much movement is visible in your picture.
As the shutter speed increases movement is frozen, while decreasing the shutter speed increases the visibility of motion.
If portraying or freezing movement is your main concern, shutter priority is a good place to start.
“P” – Program mode
Program mode can be confusing for two reasons, the first reason is that on some cameras the P stands for auto mode instead of program mode. If your camera doesn’t seem to have an automatic mode, it’s a pretty good bet turning that dial to the P will do the trick.
The other reason is that program mode is like automatic mode except you have the ability to change select settings. You can turn your flash off or on, and choose manually your white balance.
The function of the program mode can be different, depending on the brand and the model of your camera. Some will allow you to adjust settings like the ISO and focus points, others will allow you to set the aperture, and or to set your shutter speed. While others again will have more limited options.
“M” – Manual mode
Manual mode is almost always marked with an M. Manual mode means you get to have complete control over every aspect of your pictures. Including choosing your shutter speed, ISO, aperture, white balance, and focus points. Here you can change pretty much everything, and in doing so, fine-tune the end result. Your photographs are yours.
Camera User Settings (C1, C2, C3)
If you frequently change the settings on your camera to a specific setup, you might find the camera user settings to be very useful. For example, when shooting portraits while using the studio lights, I often set the camera exactly the same way.
I use manual settings, I always shoot in RAW, set ISO on 100, and the AV to f/2.8 and Shutter Speed on 125. Now when I’m in my studio using the studio lights, all I have to do it to select C1 mode on top of my camera. And the camera does that job for me. My favorite settings are set automatically, and I’m ready to shoot. So while taking pictures all I have to think of, is the composition and where I want my focus point to be.
This feature is great in other scenarios as well. For example, if you want a certain setup when shooting video, or if you like to shoot in a specific way.
BONUS TIP | For camera manual settings
A good starting point with setting manual settings is to set your Shutter Speed 1/100, Aperture f/2.8 and ISO on 100 on a sunny day, 400 when you are inside, and 1600 on a cloudy day. Start with those settings, test it and adjust it when needed.
I hope that you found those tips useful, and that you feel even more encouraged to start using your camera.
Start exploring the incredible, fascinating world of photography. Start using your camera!
With love,
Marta
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Very Great Work, It is so much helpful to us
Thank you so much for visiting and your comment. I truly appreciate it! Wishing you a wonderful day and happy shooting! ;)