Digital Camera Scene Modes
Digital camera scene modes are preset and allow the digital camera to quickly set the exposure based on certain lighting situations. Some of the most popular include auto, action, portrait, night portrait, landscape, and macro. With a digital camera SLR or prosumer point and shoot camera, a photographer has the option to use the manual modes for more control: Manual (M), Program (P), Shutter priority (S), Aperture priority.
Automatic modes
In automatic modes the camera determines all aspects of exposure. The digital camera will select the best aperture, focus, light metering, white balance, and sensitivity (iso). For example in portrait mode the camera would use a wider aperture to blue the background so you can focus on the person in the shot. In the same light conditions a smaller aperture would be used for a landscape mode so the subject and background would all be in focus.
These cameras are great values under $200 and allow you to use a variety of automatic scenes:
- Casio Exilim EX-Z75
- Nikon Coolpix S51
- Sony Cybershot DSCS730
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K
- Fujifilm Finepix S700
Manual Modes
Manual modes give the photographer to set the shutter speed and aperture. Most cameras will have:
- P: Program mode offers partial control over shutter speed and aperture.
- Tv or S: Shutter priority controls the shutter speed, and aperture is calculated by the camera.
- Av or A: Aperture priority controls the aperture, and shutter speed is calculated by the camera.
- M: Manual mode controls shutter speed and aperture independently.
Prosumer digital cameras offer the simplicity of point and shoot cameras and the flexibility of digital slrs. They are ideal for the amateur photographer who wants to more control and creativity. As a result, these cameras offer manual modes. They are prices betwen $500 and $999