Choosing the Appropriate Shooting Mode - Part 2

Creative/Semi-automatic Shooting Modes

"The Jeepney" 

Baguio City, Philippines

The first part introduces you to the different shooting modes available in digital cameras, where the most simple and basic mode is the AUTO.  In this mode, the camera does automatically all the necessary settings needed to properly capture the subject.  By analyzing  the light condition, the camera automatically adjusts the

Exposure

Paoay Church, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

In order to capture an image in a digital camera, first and foremost, we need light to reach the image sensor.  Image sensor was discussed here.  The amount of light needed ideally depends on the intention of the photographer.  If the photographer wants a bright photo, then the camera must allow more light to reach the image sensor. Conversely, less light is needed to produce dark photo.

Choosing the Appropriate Shooting Mode - Part 1

M, A, S, P or Auto?

In this world of competition and innovativeness, digital camera manufacturers have produced a wide variety of shooting modes with the pitch of providing users more options to control their camera.  For beginners, this is where the agony starts.  

ISO Sensitivity Value

There are basically three camera settings that determines how bright or dark your photo will be:

1. Shutter Speed
2. Aperture
3. ISO Sensitivity Value

Let me first expound on #3, the ISO Sensitivity or ISO Speed or simply referred to as "ISO" in the photography world.  I will neither elaborate why it was called ISO nor explain its technical details, but will rather stress on its function.