We've covered Manual Controls in our recent guide, but what about all those Scene modes on your new digital camera? As if the Mode dial didn't offer enough with Auto, Manual, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Program AE, and a few other assorted modes, most digital cameras have to throw in a cavalcade of scene-specific modes that are geared toward those looking to take the next step up from full Auto. It's easy to discern which Scene mode is appropriate for each shooting environment, but what exactly is going on inside the camera? We're going to break down each Scene mode in this guide.
Portrait
Portrait shooting usually consists of a wide aperture, around f/2.0, which creates a shallow depth of field. The key here is to focus on the subject in the foreground while blurring the background. Most Portrait Scene modes will opt for the camera's widest, or brightest aperture. ISO will usually be set low as well, in order to maximize detail of the subject being captured.
Landscape
On the other end of the spectrum, there's landscape. Here, the camera will want to choose a narrow aperture in order to compensate for the vast depth of field, such as rolling mountains and endless fields. Choosing a higher aperture value means the camera will have to lower the shutter speed, requiring a steady hand. In most bright light environments, this is not an issue. In Landscape mode, the camera will also want to choose the lowest ISO possible to gain maximum detail with minimal noise.
Sunset
When you shoot in Sunset mode, your camera is merely shifting the White Balance to a warmer tone, to accentuate the golden hues of the sun's rays. Take a picture of a sunset in Program AE or Auto mode and then take one in Sunset mode. When you compare the two, the image taken in sunset mode is notably warmer.
Sports
When you shoot in Sports mode these days, the effect can vary depending on your camera. On a model like the Nikon Coolpix P100, Sports mode works by shooting a series of quick burst shots at a high ISO in order to freeze action. Most cameras will just capture one image using a high Shutter Speed. We know that the higher the shutter speed, the more frozen moving object will be. Sports mode is ideal for obviously sporting events, but it can also be deployed in front of a waterfall or racing car. In order to compensate for the high Shutter Speed, your camera will most likely boost the ISO, so don't be surprised if your images are on the noisy side.
Night Scene/Twilight
Most cameras have a night shooting mode that functions without the use of the flash. Instead, it allows you to select a slow shutter speed for shooting in dark lighting. Cameras like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 can support up to a 60-second Shutter Speed, and you'll want to use a tripod in order to keep the camera steady while its shutter is open. Also, Self-Timer is a good idea, since you can potentially jostle the camera while pressing the shutter button. Be careful with night modes like this, for the camera usually relies on an Auto White Balance that will most likely capture too warm. When it comes to low shutter night shooting, Manual adjustment is the best route to take.
Kids and Pets
Anything involving kids and pets requires faster shutter speeds, due to the unpredictability of the subjects. Kids are just like pets in the sense that they can't be trusted to keep still. So, your camera will most likely utilize subject focus tracking, and fast shutter speeds to freeze the fidgety freaks in their tracks. Face Detection could also enter into the picture, and Panasonic is right on top of the ball with Face Recognition, which remembers faces for tagging.
Foliage, Snow, Beach
Don't be deceived by this trio of Scene modes. Three different seasons bring three different White Balances, and that's about it. Warmer for snowy days, cooler for the sandy shore, and somewhere along the warmer fide for the Fall. We usually stay away from season-oriented Scene modes.
Fireworks
The key to any good fireworks photoshoot is a tripod, long shutter speed, and lots of time. When you shift into your camera's Fireworks mode, you'll want to mount the camera on a tripod and use Self-Timer. This is very similar to Night mode, but the camera also alters the White Balance to a warmer hue. Shooting in Manual mode is the best option when shooting fireworks, but using this mode is a good start. The camera will use a longer shutter in Fireworks mode, so be sure to use that tripod!
Go Shoot
These are the most common Scene modes across the digital camera spectrum, but every camera is different. Play around with your Scene modes and you'll begin to see exactly what the camera is doing to suit each shooting environment. That way, the bridge to Manual mode will not be as foreboding.
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