camera modes - Amateur Astro Photography
Stills by Larry Waite
Larry Waite
Stills by Larry Waite
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camera modes
Tips
Most cameras now days have various types of AUTO MODES. These are usually represented by letters for example;
A = Aperture priority mode, some cameras this is AV
P = Program mode
S = Shutter priority mode , some cameras this mode is TV
M = Manual
AUTO = Automatic mode
They are pretty handy features to have for both amateur and professional photographers alike.
Auto Mode
Let's start with plain AUTO mode.
AUTO lets the camera set the ISO, Aperture and Shutter speeds for you.
The camera selects the Shutter speed, ISO and Aperture, taking the guess work out of most common photo scenarios.
A good place to start is Auto, then progress through the other modes to fully understand their capabilities, advantages and disadvantages.
This mode lets the camera make all the decisions for you automatically, pretty good for most common shots and a great way to learn some of the basic
setting like ISO, Shutter speed and Aperture (F-Stops).
Although it is pretty good, it does not always get it right. I mean, the camera does not know what you are trying to do all the time.
I.e.: capture a racing car with movement streaks, or the Milky Way etc.
If I am trying to find the right ISO or Aperture setting etc., and I am having difficulties, I often switch to auto to see what my good friend the camera recommends.
I then make subtle adjustments from there back in manual mode.
Aperture Priority Mode
AP mode is the longest standing semi-automatic shooting mode, next to manual mode, which of course has been around for much longer.
In this mode, you select the aperture setting and the camera will set the shutter speed.
You will still have control over the other functions.
Shutter Priority Mode
You set the shutter speed and the camera sets the aperture.
Shutter mode is probably best suited for subjects that need a specific shutter speed to "freeze a running horse or fast car" or to extend the exposure time to create motion blur.
Program Mode
The camera sets both Aperture and Shutter speed for you. You set the ISO and the cameras works the rest out (easy huh?)
Manual Mode.
This is the mode that lets you be creative and you are 100% responsible for the Shutter, ISO and Aperture. You make ALL the decisions.
The cameras still has visuals to guiding you towards the right choices, but ultimately you're in control.
If you know, through trial and error, or receive a tip of a particular setting that works for a particular lens, then put the camera into Manual mode and apply the known settings. (You may still have to tweak it a bit).
For example, the night sky (again) In manual mode, try ISO 1250, Shutter Speed 25 seconds and Aperture as low a number as the lens will let you go.
This should capture the stars for you, but depending on your camera, the lens and the lighting etc., you may have to tweak the setting I.e.: increase ISO more or the shutter speed to only 15 or 20 seconds etc.
