dialThe Camera Dial, it doesn’t need to look as daunting as it does! Below is a brief, detailed explination on what each of those little pictures mean. This will help any beginner photographer gain more understanding and allow them to become more adventurous, stepping away from Automatic Mode!

Program Mode (1)
Both the aperture and the shutter are set for you, you have control over the exposure.

Automatic Mode (2)
The camera is in complete control of all the settings. All you need to do is point and shoot.

Portrait Mode (3)
Pre-program specially for taking photographs of ‘head and shoulders’. The camera will set the aperture to the largest possible for the lighting available in assumption that you want the face to stand out against the background.

Landscape Mode (4)
Opposite to Portrait Mode, the camera sets the smallest aperture possible in order to create mode depth of field for taking photographs of landscapes.

Close Up Mode (5)
The camera will let centre focus and your aperture will be around f/8to focus on the subject you are zoomed in on and to create a slightly out of focus background.

Sports Mode (6)
The camera will set the highest shutter speed available and the built in flash will be switched off. Focus is set to ‘continuous’ while your shutter release button is pressed in half way. This mode is programmed for highspeed shots, sports and action photography.

 Night Landscape Mode (7)
A tripod is recommended with slow shutter speeds set to capture night shots.

 Night Portrait Mode (8)
The camera will make use of the built in flash for this mode. The flash will be focused on the subject and the natural lighting will be used for the background.

Manual Mode (9)
You are in full control of both your aperture and your shutter settings. This mode allows you to play with long exposure on Bulb settings also allows you to use studio flash where you need to set your aperture and shutter independently.

A or AV: Aperture Priority Mode (10)
Semi automated, this setting allows you to choose your aperture and your camera will select the best shutter speed.

S or TV: Time Value, Shutter Priority Mode (11)
Semi automate, this setting allows you to choose your shutter speed while your camera selects the best aperture to match for correct exposure.

I hope this has given you the understanding and confidence to switch your camera off Auto Mode and play with the other modes available.