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P, s, a, and m modes, Choosing an exposure mode – Nikon D50 User Manual

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Refer

ence—P

, S, A, and M Modes

P, S, A, and M modes offer varying degrees of control over shutter speed
and aperture.

Mode

Description

P

Programmed
auto

Camera sets shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure.
Recommended for snapshots and in other situations in which
little time is available for adjusting camera settings.

S

Shutter-priority
auto

User chooses shutter speed; camera selects aperture for best
results. Use to freeze or blur motion.

A

Aperture-priority
auto

User chooses aperture; camera selects shutter speed for best
results. Use to blur background or bring both foreground and
background into focus.

M Manual

User controls both shutter speed and aperture. Set shutter
speed to “bulb” for long time-exposures.

P, S, A, and M modes offer control over a variety of advanced settings, in-
cluding shutter speed, aperture, and white balance.

Choosing an Exposure Mode

P, S, A, and M Modes

Controls used: Mode dial

P, S, A, and M Modes

When using a CPU lens equipped with an aperture ring, lock the aperture ring at the
min i mum aperture (highest f/-number). Non-CPU lenses can only be used in mode
M, when aperture can be adjusted manually using the lens aperture ring. The cam-
era exposure meter can not be used. See “Optional Accessories” (

105).

If the limits of the exposure metering system are exceeded, one of the following in di -
ca tors will be dis played in the control panel and viewfi nder:

Indicator

Description

Subject too bright. Lower sensitivity or use optional Neutral Density (ND) fi lter.
Subject too dark. Raise sensitivity or use fl ash.

Advanced Settings

11: EV Step controls the size of the increments for shutter speed and aperture

(

92).

12: BKT SET can be used to vary exposure automatically over a series of

photographs (

93). Exposure can be locked using AE lock (

97).