Module 1B: Camera Operation

B. Camera Operation

Exposure Modes

Manual (M)

Manual mode is for photographers who want complete control over the f-stop and shutter speed selections. The photographer will determine the exposure by selecting the f-stop, shutter speed, and ISO settings based on the desired image capture. In this mode, the camera cannot determine the final exposure if the ISO is set to any setting other than Auto ISO.

Program (P)

In program mode, the camera makes the f-stop and shutter speed selections. The photographer may choose the ISO setting, but the camera makes all other exposure choices.

Aperture Priority (A) (Av)

In this mode, the photographer selects the aperture and the ISO setting, but the camera selects the corresponding shutter speed.

Shutter Speed Priority (Tv) (S)

In this mode, the photographer selects the shutter speed and the ISO, and the camera selects the corresponding f-stop.

The Green Box (Auto)

This mode sets the camera fully automatic and does not allow the photographer to control the ISO, f-stop, or shutter speed selection.

Creative Modes

These so-called creative modes are simply glorified program settings with specific tendencies in which the camera chooses f-stops or shutter speeds based on the selected creative mode. For example, a runner icon indicates that the camera will always select the fastest shutter speed to control motion.

These modes are generally fun for consumers who might choose to use them but probably have little value to an educated photographer.

ISO 
The ISO setting controls the sensor's sensitivity to light. The ISO setting also calibrates the in-camera meter to measure light for a given ISO correctly.

 A recent trend in digital cameras has been the addition of Auto ISO. This setting puts the camera into an automatic exposure mode while still allowing the photographer input on a given aperture preference or a preferred shutter speed given the potential movement of the subject.

White Balance

This control on the camera is used to correct the color casts that come with photographing in various lighting conditions. This control uses a series of icons to represent various lighting sources, and the photographer can choose the icon that matches the light source being used.

There are also custom white balance options that can be used with other tools to set the white balance of a given scene.

 

Some cameras also offer a "K" or Kelvin setting that allows the photographer to be even more selective in controlling the white balance. The "K" setting requires the photographer to access the menu to choose the desired Kelvin temperature setting manually.

Focus

While many photographers use the shutter button to activate the camera's auto focus features, most cameras provide an option to use a button on the back of the camera to trigger the focus.

Some photographers elect to use the back-focus feature exclusively and have elected to disable the shutter button from activating the focus. Once the camera is focused with the back button, there is no need to re-focus as long as the camera-to-subject distance does not change. This allows the photographer to fire rapidly for fleeting expressions and opportunities that might be missed if each image had to be focused.

The shutter button for focus is deactivated in the Custom Function section of the menu.

Mirror Lock-up

This control locks the mirror in an upward position so that it does not move during an exposure. This is helpful for long exposures where the vibration of the moving mirror can cause the image to be less sharp.

Menus

There are several settings and custom function features within the menu settings. Some settings allow a more personalized experience for a photographer's preferences, while others impact how an image is recorded.

Quality

This menu function controls the file type and size that will be used to record images. These may include RAW, JPG Small, JPG Medium, JPG Large, RAW+JPG, or Tiff options. 

Format

This menu function is the preferred method to prepare a memory card for use after all previous images have been safely copied and backed up.

Formatting does not delete the images on the card, but it does delete the directory structure used to access the images. Therefore, you must use image recovery software on your card to recover any images you inadvertently left on the card during formatting.

Exposure Level Increments

Also known as EV Steps, this setting allows you to set the camera to adjust your exposures by whole stops (one stop), half stops, or one-third stop increments. Increasing the increments to one-half and one-third stops allows for more exposure capture precision.

Not all cameras offer this feature; some may limit these settings to only one-half or one-third increments. How you set this option is a matter of preference.

Use of the Camera in Extreme Temperatures and Humidity

While most of us may never take an Arctic expedition, there are still many times when our gear is exposed to sub-freezing temps and other weather extremes. Knowing just a few things about these environments will help you survive with your camera intact.

Cold Temps

The effects of freezing temperatures on your camera are probably minimal. Check the owner's manual specific to your camera for more recommendations regarding temperature changes.

One issue you will likely encounter with cold temps is reduced battery life. Prepare by having extra batteries on hand and keep the batteries charged that you are not using. Keep spare batteries warm by keeping them in clothing or inside your coat. Turn off the image preview and minimize half-pressing the shutter button for focus.

One of the biggest problems for camera use in extreme weather conditions is condensation forming inside the lens, the sensor, and the camera body. Condensation can be problematic when you suddenly go from cold to warm temperatures. If you have been in the cold for some time, going indoors and exposing the camera to warm temperatures may cause condensation. Give the camera time to warm up and allow the condensation to evaporate before returning it to the cold so that the condensation does not freeze once it is exposed to the cold.

Warm Temps

You don't have to be in freezing temperatures to experience condensation. A camera and lens that has been in a cold, air-conditioned environment for a period will likely become overcome with condensation if it is suddenly exposed to warm, humid air.

To avoid this situation, try to warm the gear gradually and not send it immediately into the hot, humid air after it has been indoors or in a car with solid AC. Otherwise, keep a camera outside the air conditioning if possible.