Tech & Auto
Simple DSLR Settings Every New Photographer Should Know
By CASSIDY WARD
Aperture
If you think of your camera as a mechanical eye, the aperture is its pupil. A wide aperture lets in the most light while a narrow one lets in much less.
If you're in an very bright environment, a smaller aperture can help to bring out less apparent details, while low-light environments might require the setting to be wider.
Shutter Speed
A fast shutter speed is just a fraction of a second while a long shutter speed can last several seconds or even minutes at a time.
The camera is gathering light while the shutter is open and it’s also going to catch movement. If you're doing a portrait, a slow shutter speed will leave everyone looking blurry.
ISO
ISO refers to how sensitive your camera's sensor is to the light allowed in. Upping the ISO brightens the image by making the sensor more sensitive.
High ISO values are best used in low-light conditions like astrophotography. Although, importantly, the moon is so bright that a low ISO with a slower shutter speed can work best.
Mode Dial Settings
Your DSLR also has a mode dial circumscribed by a collection of letters and symbols, each of which does has a different function.
Knowing how to use them can be difficult at first, but they are worth learning as they are some of the easiest ways to snap quick photos with a little more intention.
Focus Modes
A DSLR offers several focus modes. Single focus is good for taking still images, and Continuous focus is better if your subject is likely to move.
In Manual focus, your camera stops assisting altogether and you adjust your lens to get the image you want. It can be challenging, but it can also achieve some of the best results.