​Camera Exposure Modes

There are five traditional camera modes:

  • Full Auto

  • ‘P’ Programmed Auto

  • ‘A’ Aperture Priority

  • ‘S’ Shutter Priority

  • ‘M’ Manual Mode

These are the modes that nearly all DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras use for photography.

Full Auto Mode

The camera works everything out for you and happily used by snappers around the world.

However, this quickly becomes limiting when you need to photograph something other than quick snaps or in less than a ‘default’ environment.

Programmed Auto

The camera takes control of your exposure settings, but it also allows you to override any of the settings by turning their dials.

The camera will automatically adjust the other if you adjust one of the settings.

Aperture Priority

(Fixed Lens Aperture)

The photographer selects an aperture and then the camera alters the other settings to obtain the correct exposure.

This is very handy when you need to obtain a specific depth of field.

Shutter Priority

(Fixed Shutter Speed)

The photographer selects a specific shutter speed.

The camera alters the other settings to obtain the correct exposure.

This is really useful when you wish to shoot sports action or moving subjects.

Manual Mode

(Fixed Shutter, Aperture & ISO)

You decide on the aperture and shutter controls, and usually the ISO settings as well.

This is often used in a studio flash environment or where the ambient light is consistent.

Photographers will use this to ensure that a series of images all have exactly the same exposure. This ensures consistency and can greatly cut down small adjustments during the post production phase.

Developments in Exposure Control

These two controls are very commonly used by digital photographers for swift and easy adjustments to exposure. These were not available for film photography but are now used by many photographers.

Exposure Compensation

Most modern cameras have this option.

You can change the desired exposure level up and down (+ and -) in third stop levels.

This is useful for when your camera’s automatic exposure level is not quite right. It’s also particularly handy when shooting towards the light and against a dark background.

Auto ISO

You can use this to override any mode in nearly all modern digital cameras, including Manual Mode. A very useful tool for when you need a fixed depth of field and fixed shutter speed, but your ambient light is changing swiftly.

All of the adjustments are made by the camera automatically altering the camera's sensitivity.

This is used a lot by sports photographers who may need a fast shutter speed and fixed depth of field.