Many cameras offer a mode dial for easy access to different modes. Many aspiring photographers are led to believe that manual mode is the gold standard and the only setting that "real" photographers use.
However, manual mode is just one tool a camera provides, and excluding the others can slow you down or lead to missed opportunities. Modern cameras offer advanced automatic modes and multiple semi-automatic ones like aperture and shutter priority, providing more flexible options without sacrificing complete creative control.
Mastering when to choose manual – or when to embrace other modes – is a sign of expertise, not a limitation. In this article, we will explain what the different modes are, and when you might want to rely on each, helping you embrace your and your camera’s full potential.
Auto
Auto mode is usually displayed on the top dial in green, either with the word "Auto" or a green "A. " In Auto mode, the camera sets all core settings automatically. That includes aperture, shutter speed, ISO and white balance, but many cameras also adjust creative factors like color mode, noise reduction and more. Canon mirrorless cameras, for example, offer a Scene Intelligent Auto setting, which aims to detect the type of scene you are photographing and optimize all settings for that situation.
Auto modes typically don't allow for any manual override of settings. You simply point and shoot, fully relying on the camera's judgment. It's ideal for casual shooters, beginners and moments where speed is essential and creative control isn't. However, it will limit creative control and may not always choose the best settings for tricky conditions.
Program
Program mode, marked on the top dial by a "P," is similar to Auto mode but allows for some control. In Program mode, the camera will automatically choose aperture and shutter speed for proper exposure, but you can adjust other settings like ISO, exposure compensation and white balance, which are unavailable in full Auto mode.
Additionally, most cameras give you some room to adjust the exposure settings they've selected by "shifting" the program. Doing so will keep the brightness consistent, but will change the shutter speed, aperture, and/or ISO together, which can help if you want to prioritize a deeper depth of field or faster shutter speed. Each camera brand handles this slightly differently, however, so be sure to consult your camera's manual for the full details of what it does and doesn't allow.
Program mode is good for situations where you want a little more control than full Auto, but still want the camera to set core exposure settings for you. Street photography, everyday shooting, travel and other unpredictable situations are all situations where Program mode may come in handy.
Scene
Scene modes are typically labeled as "SCN" on the top dial. In Scene mode, you can choose various pre-programmed scenes, each optimized for different shooting scenarios, such as portraiture, action, landscapes, macro, sunset, night scenes and more. When you select a scene, the camera optimizes all settings for that situation. It goes beyond simply covering exposure settings, also adjusting white balance, metering mode, color profiles and more.
Scene mode is helpful when you need quick, reliable results and don't have the time or experience to adjust settings for specific situations manually. It can choose the appropriate settings to blur the background when taking portraits or close-up photographs, or capture images in challenging lighting situations where manual mode may not produce the best color or exposure.
Aperture Priority
Aperture Priority mode is marked as "A" or "AV" on your camera dial. In this mode, you select the desired aperture to control depth of field, and the camera will adjust shutter speed to produce a well-exposed image. It also allows full manual control of other settings like ISO and white balance, or you can individually set those to automatic.
Aperture Priority is perfect for situations where depth of field is the main creative priority, but the lighting is prone to changing. For example, if you're creating portraits outside, you may want to ensure that you have a shallow depth of field to blur out the background. On the other hand, if you're taking photographs of landscapes, you may want a consistently deep depth of field to have the entire scene in focus.
Shutter Priority
Shutter Priority is marked as "S" or "TV," depending on your camera. It is similar to Aperture Priority, but instead of controlling aperture, you control shutter speed. Then, based on the shutter speed you select, your camera will automatically adjust aperture for you.
Shutter Priority is perfect for situations where you need to control how motion is rendered (either frozen or blurred) but aren't as concerned with depth of field. It's commonly used when photographing sports, wildlife and other action situations where motion is the priority and you need to be able to react quickly.
Manual
Manual mode puts you in full control of everything. You select aperture, shutter speed and ISO (though you can generally set ISO to automatic and still be in Manual mode). Manual mode is best for when you want full creative control and have the time to manually adjust each parameter. It's also useful in tricky lighting situations where your camera may not know what specifically you are after.
Use what's best for you and a given situation
Some manufacturers have specialty modes in addition to the ones mentioned above, so be sure to check your manual for information on those. It's also important to remember that each camera mode is ideal for different situations and people; there is no single right mode. The goal of using your camera is typically, at least in part, to create nice photographs, and whichever mode helps you achieve that goal is the correct one.
. dpreview.com2025-9-23 16:00
