The Digital Photography Companion

APPENDIX

192

Scene modes are a collection of settings that help you get the best shot in a variety of

conditions. You can also use them as shortcuts in any situation that suits you. is table

will help you understand the basic settings in common scene modes.

Scene mode information

Scene mode ISO Flash Drive White balance Shutter speed Depth of field Comments

Portrait Low Auto Single Auto Average Shallow Best for solo portraits

Landscape Low Off Single Auto Average Deep For any situation requiring deep depth of field

Night Scene Low Auto (metered

for person)

Single Auto Slow Average Flash portraits with low light backgrounds

Sports Very high Off Continuous Auto Fast Shallow Action shots without flash

Kids and pets High Auto Single Auto Average Average Action shots with flash

Indoor (party) High Auto Single Auto, but aware

of tungsten and

fluorescent

Average Average Indoor scenes that retain some background

Snow Low Auto Single  Average Average Bright conditions that require warmer white

balance

Beach Low Auto Single Auto Average Average Bright conditions that do not require warm

white balance

Fireworks Low Off Single Auto Very slow Average Requires tripod

Aquarium Very high Off Single Auto, but aware of

artificial lighting

Fast Average Place front of lens against aquarium glass to

minimize reflections

APPENDIX

193

Scene modes are a collection of settings that help you get the best shot in a variety of ...