DSLR camera and its Modes

In the most literal sense, a DSLR camera is a digital single lens reflex camera. Inside the camera body is a mirror that reflects the light coming from the lens up into an optical viewfinder, by way of either a prism (in higher-end DSLRs) or a series of additional mirrors (usually in lower-end models). This is how you can see what you're shooting, right through the lens, and is where the term 'reflex' comes from-referring to mirror's reflection.

When the shutter is pressed, that mirror flips up out of the way, the shutter slides open, and light coming from the lens takes a straight shot to the imaging sensor where a photograph is made.

P, S, A, and M Modes (Exposure Modes)

Shooting modes fall into three categories: auto, scene, and P, S, A, and M modes. In auto and scene modes the camera controls shutter speed and aperture. P, S, A, and M modes are known as exposure modes and give photographers a choice as to which elements of exposure—aperture or shutter speed—they wish to control.

・Mode P (Programmed Auto)

The camera automatically adjusts aperture and shutter speed for optimal exposure, but the photographer can choose from different combinations of aperture and shutter speed that will produce the same exposure. This is known as flexible program.

・Mode S (Shutter-Priority Auto)

The photographer chooses the shutter speed and the camera automatically adjusts aperture for optimal exposure.

・Mode A (Aperture-Priority Auto)

The photographer chooses the aperture and the camera automatically adjusts shutter speed for optimal exposure.

・Mode M (Manual)

The photographer chooses both aperture and shutter speed, providing the greatest latitude for creative expression. Choosing the wrong combination could, however, result in photographs that are too bright (overexposed) or too dark (underexposed). We therefore recommend using the camera exposure indicator as a guide when choosing aperture and shutter speed.

Happy Learning!

Anamika Gupta

IAAN