If you own a point-and-shoot camera, then you probably don’t stray from the auto mode much. While there’s nothing horrible about wanting to simplify picture taking, you might be surprised by how much better your photos could look just by pressing a few extra buttons.
Knowing how to manipulate your camera’s Manual mode settings will go a long way to help you capture the best shots possible. To start, review your camera’s instruction booklet or look for the “M” on your camera’s menu. Each will provide details on how to best utilize features including ISO settings and shutter stop settings.
ISO setting determines how sensitive your camera is to light. The general rule is: the lower the light, the lower the ISO setting. The more light you have to shoot with, the higher the ISO setting. So, if you are shooting outside on a bright summer day, then manually set your ISO to 100. Conversely, if you are trying to take pictures in a dark theater, then crank your ISO setting to 1600. Just keep in mind that high ISO settings often result in grainy shots, which is why it is important to preview your shots on your camera’s LCD before pressing the shutter button.
Shutter speed can also be modified in the Manual mode. Shutter speed determines how fast your camera’s shutter opens and closes while you are taking a picture. Long shutter speeds are preferable when shooting moving subjects, such as runners or speeding cars. By setting your shutter speed to 1/250th or higher you allow more light in and the chances of successfully freezing the moving subject increases. To create a blurred effect, shoot with a lower shutter speed. However, if you plan to use a lower shutter speed, it’s a good idea to shoot off of a tripod to avoid blurry shots.
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