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Camera modes for new DSLR users
Continued from part oneMetering modes - use matrix
Digital single lens reflex cameras have three main metering modes. In my experience, the two best are Matrix and Spot.
Matrix metering lets the camera compare different zones of the image area to decide how to get the best range of tones. Use Spot metering when the subject is in shadow and the rest of the scene is too bright, or when the subject is in spotlight and the rest of the frame is dark.
DSLR focus modes
Digital single lens reflex cameras have three main focus modes: One Shot, AI, AI Servo.
One Shot is the basic mode you push the button half way down and the camera focuses. It will not change or refocus until you lift your finger completely and repress the shutter button.
AI focus acts the same way as One Shot but is more intuitive. If something moves, or if you move, AI can choose to refocus.
AI Servo is active all of the time that the shutter button is depressed. This would be the mode of choice for fast action or tracking a moving subject, especially if using the high frames per second drive mode.
High speed drive modes
Even entry level DSLR modes have a high speed drive mode - this is personal taste. I leave mine on because some times I don’t have time to switch it on. I only turn it off when the sound of the shutter would cause a problem.
Aperture Priority mode
Besides the automatic green and Program modes, DSLRs have other modes including Shutter Priority (Tv), Aperture Priority (Av), Manual (M). Some DSLRs with multiple focus points have an A-dep mode, which adjusts depth-of-field.
I find the most useful mode to be Aperture Priority. I select the f-stop and the camera adjusts the shutter speed automatically.
Why should you care about Av mode? Because it allows you to take your first steps toward true creative control over the camera.
For example, if you want to shoot the little one’s baseball game, set the camera to Av. With the dial beside the shutter button set to the widest aperture your lens has (small numbers = wide aperture= more light) if you are using the lens that came in the kit, it is probably f 5.6. This will force the camera to use a faster shutter speed, which should stop the action and prevent motion blur. Of course this works best in daylight.
Changing the aperture size, also gives a photographer more control over depth of field.
Remember, no camera settings are carved in stone but a good place to begin is by using those recommended in this article.
