Taking Control with Manual Options
Cheapo digital cameras are often called point-and-shoot models with good reason: You point, you shoot.
Sometimes these cameras let you pick from a few pre-programmed settings like Night Snapshot or Kids & Pets, but for the most part your camera is doing all the thinking for you. More expensive cameras, on the other hand, let you take your camera off autopilot.
If you’re a first-time buyer, you may think a point-and-shoot is a safe starting point. Before you decide, read Chapter 3 to learn about special situations—sports photography, nighttime shots, fireworks, indoor portraits, and so on—where you can get amazing results with the help of manual controls. If you’re looking for a camera that you can grow with as your photo skills increase, manual controls are worth paying for.
On the other hand, you may have chosen your digital camera for its gorgeous flip screen or powerful zoom lens, but never use the manual modes that these models often include. If so, you need Chapter 3 even more. It will help you unleash your camera’s potential—and your own creativity.
The following are the most popular manual features (see Chapter 3 for full coverage about when to use each setting).
Aperture-Priority Mode
In aperture-priority mode, you specify how wide the camera’s shutter opens, and the camera takes care of the other settings (like shutter speed or flash). It’s probably the most popular manual mode, because it puts you in control while ensuring proper exposure. ...
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