Shooting Modes - S40

[Squirrel9521]

I'm really new to photography and I've just developed an interest for it, however I have a question about my camera. I have a S40 and I don't understand what each shooting modes mean and what makes them different from each other. If someone could explain each one of them for me, how it works, and an example of when to use each shooting mode, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[SDK^]

Hi

Firstly - It's all in the manual - RTFM :)

But a quick guide :)

Auto mode
Camera has complete control over exposure, point-and-shoot operation, the majority of manual features are disabled, you can't alter exposure compensation, ISO or use RAW mode. You can set flash mode, macro and image size.

Portrait
In this mode apertures are kept as large as possible (small F number) to produce a blurred background to help define the subject in a portrait shot.

Landscape
In this mode the flash is by default disabled (although you can enable it) and focus is locked at infinity. Apertures are kept as small as possible (large F numbers) to produce the largest possible depth of field. Macro focus is also disabled. Designed to be used for taking landscape shots.

Night Scene
Known on other cameras as "Slow Sync Flash". Put simply in this mode slow shutter speeds are used to capture a dimly lit background (buildings at night for example) and the flash fires briefly to illuminate a foreground subject.

Fast Shutter or Sports Mode
Instructs the camera to uses the fastest possible shutter speed for a particular exposure, this often means the largest aperture (F2.8 at Wide, F4.9 at Tele) in combination with ISO 100. Useful for capturing sports events.

Slow Shutter
Instructs the camera to uses the slowest possible shutter speed for a particular exposure, this often means the smallest aperture F8.0. Useful for blurring moving water.


P - Program Auto Exposure
Very similar to AUTO exposure but you have access to all the normal manual controls, can set the ISO, exposure compensation, use bracketing etc.

Tv - Shutter Priority Auto Exposure
In this mode you select the shutter speed and the camera will attempt to select the best aperture for a proper exposure. Shutter speed is displayed on the LCD, press the left / right arrows to select different shutter speeds.

Av - Aperture Priority Auto Exposure
In this mode you select the aperture and the camera will attempt to select the best shutter speed for a proper exposure. Aperture is displayed on the LCD, press the left / right arrows to select different apertures.

M - Full Manual Exposure
In this mode you select the aperture and the shutter speed from any combination of the above. Left and right arrows select shutter speed, up and down arrows select aperture.