Shooting Modes (P / A / S / M)technical
The mode dial decides which exposure settings you control and which the camera sets for you.
Program (P) sets aperture and shutter for you — good for grab shots. Aperture Priority (A/Av) lets you pick the aperture (for depth of field) while the camera sets the shutter — the most-used mode for portraits and landscapes. Shutter Priority (S/Tv) lets you pick the shutter (to freeze or blur motion) while it sets aperture — handy for sports. Manual (M) gives you both, often paired with Auto ISO so the camera still helps with brightness. Most enthusiasts live in A or M.
Use this when
- Control depth of field: Aperture Priority (A/Av)
- Control motion: Shutter Priority (S/Tv)
- Full control / tricky light: Manual (M), often + Auto ISO
Common mistake: Sitting in full Auto and wondering why you can't get background blur or freeze action.