Different Modes on DSLR Camera Explained

Here are some photography terms that you need to know.

By Gizbot Bureau

| Updated: Thursday, August 3, 2017, 8:00 [IST]

These days buying a brand new DSLR and traveling to places has become a trend now. Moreover, Photography is one of the hobbies that a person can have to keep the creative side alive.

Different Modes on DSLR Camera Explained

If you are planning to or have bought a new DSLR camera, you need to understand it first before using it. In an attempt to help you we have compiled a list of terms you need to know before you jump into photography.

Auto Mode

This is the mode, where the camera automatically chooses the optimal shutter speed, aperture, ISO and flash settings for your shot. In this case, no adjustment needed and all you need to do is point and shoot. If you are new to DSLR or have no idea, you can use this mode to take some quick shots.

Portrait Mode

This mode can be used when you want the subject in the foreground of the frame and choose a shallow depth of field in order to keep the subject in focus and blur the background. This mode works well in well-lit conditions and if the surrounding is dark, it will automatically add flash.

Macro Mode

This mode comes handy when you want to take a picture of an image that is so small. However, you need to have a separate Macro lens to achieve this shot with perfection. This mode will work best in bright conditions and will choose a shallow depth of field to focus on the subject.

Landscape Mode

Unlike the portrait mode, this mode uses a small aperture to create a focused image from the foreground into the distance. This mode works best in daylight conditions and needs a wide-angle lens to achieve the perfect shot.

Sports Mode

As the name implies, this mode is used to capture the subject that is in constant move. For eg, cycling, players in the football stadium, and much more. In this mode, you should have a high shutter speed of at least 1/500 - 1/1000 of a second. Thie helps to freeze movement perfectly without blurring the subject. You can also set the continuous shooting mode in this mode to capture images consecutively.

Night Portrait Mode

This mode balances the darkness of the background along with the need to light the subject in the foreground. In this mode, the aperture will be wide to allow more light to capture the background and keep the subject in focus. If there is no enough light, flash can be used to fill in space as well.

Shutter-Priority Mode

In this mode, a user will manually set the camera's shutter speed and on the other hand, the camera automatically picks the right aperture based on the of light. This mode is used when you need to freeze motion. If there is too much light, the camera will increase the lens aperture to a higher number, which decreases the amount of light that passes through the lens and vice versa. Also, you won't be having the control to a depth of field as well.

Aperture-Priority Mode

In this mode, the user manually set the lens aperture, while the camera automatically picks the right shutter speed. Here, you will have the full control over subject isolation and you can play with the depth of field. If it is too much light, the camera will automatically increase the shutter speed, and vice versa.

Manual

As the name suggests, you have to control every aspect of the camera including Shutter Speed, Aperture, ISO, Flash, Focus and everything. This mode will help you to know more about the system, as you keep using it.