In this article, I will try to explain what the modes P,Av(A on Nikon),Tv(S on Nikon I think)& M basically do. I will NOT explain anything about scene modes(like portrait and fireworks!), because those are for people that take pictures. We on the other hand, would like to make pictures- pictures that look exactly the way we want them to.
The picture shows what a typical canon DSLR dial looks like.
First of, we start with P or Program mode. This mode is the simplest of the 'creative' modes. Unlike Full Auto, this allows you to change ISO value(sensors sensitivity to light), ev (exposure value compensation), white balance(WB). It also allows you to change between 'combinations' of shutter speed and aperture. You can use it for a while after 'graduating' from Auto :p
(I will explain each of Aperture, Shutter and ISO in a later article)
Next, we have Av- Aperture Value (people call it Aperture Priority). This lets you choose the aperture value. According to the available light and your camera's metering, the camera will calculate the appropriate shutter speed. ISO, WB and ev can also be changed. It is used when the main thing you want to control in the photograph is the depth of field- the range of distance in which everything is 'acceptably sharp'(basically, how much looks 'in-focus').
Tv- Time Value (also called Shutter Priority): This is the opposite of Aperture priority. You have to choose the shutter speed and according to the light & metering, the camera will decide the appropriate aperture. ISO, WB and ev are changeable. Use it when the more important aspect you want to control is motion & motion blur. Useful for panning sometimes.
M- Manual-> gives you control over ALL settings. Use when you have time to set up or when the lighting is not predictable. You need some extra practice with manual for it to start feeling natural. Preview the picture you've taken and adjust the exposure accordingly. The camera's light meter will only guide you with your exposure, it will not make any changes to your settings.
In manual, you also have an interesting Shutter Speed. A 'B' comes in the area where a time value usually appears. This is called 'Bulb mode'. In this mode, the shutter remains open as long as you hold the shutter release down(or the time between 2 clicks of a shutter release cable). Use on a tripod unless you're trying some creative effect.
My favorite mode is Aperture Priority. I like choosing the aperture for the situation(to control DoF) and setting the ISO according to the lighting. The metering is accurate >70% of the while, and if needed I just increase/decrease the ev which effectively changes the shutter speed. The only times I use Manual are when the metering is off by a large margin (> +/- 2 stops from what I want), or when the lighting is very constantly changing and driving my meter insane! :D (Reminds me of BITS Pilani Goa auditorium- they can sometimes be so unpredictable with the lights! )
Thats all for now. Try out these modes when you can. Happy Clix!
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