All digital cameras have fully automatic modes to take photos by simply pointing and shooting. Intermediate and advanced cameras that have semi-automatic and manual modes allow for more creative and technical control.
Automatic modes
Auto/Simple - fully automatic, point-and-shoot mode, which lets beginners easily take photos. The camera selects all settings.
Program AE - camera automatically sets the shutter speed and aperture based on the brightness of the scene. User can adjust some settings such as exposure compensation, white balance, ISO, focusing and metering modes.
Semi-automatic modes
Shutter priority (Tv) - User selects shutter speed and the camera automatically selects the aperture. Selecting a faster shutter speed allows you to "freeze" the action of a moving subject. Slower shutter speeds capture movement and also let you shoot without a flash in dim lit scenes.
Aperture priority (Av) - User selects aperture and the camera automatically selects shutter speed. Opening up the aperture (smaller f-stop number) decreases depth of field. Closing down the aperture (higher f-stop number) increases depth of field.
Manual mode
User manually selects the shutter speed and aperture. An Exposure Display visible on the LCD or electronic viewfinder shows the amount a photo will be over- or underexposed. Long exposures are taken in manual mode.
