The mode dial

The mode dial

One of the most important decisions you make when taking pictures is selecting an exposure mode. This choice not only determines how exposure is calculated but also how other features behave and what other options are available to you. While the Auto mode is good for novices and those getting used to a new camera, this option (along with Effects and Scene modes) pretty much turns the control over to the camera and limits your ability to change parameters such as white balance. Semiautomatic and Manual controls (P/S/A/M) allow you to access and adjust the camera's full complement of settings.

(Image credit: Nikon)

Program, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority and Manual (P/S/A/M) exposure modes each play a specific role in picture taking. Here's how they work.

P= program auto exposure: Although we suggest you stay away from the Auto mode (it's the green icon on the dial), a good "automatic" starting point is the Program mode. While the camera still decides what shutter speed/aperture combination to use, you still have plenty of options to manipulate the camera's decisions. To control the shutter speed to avoid camera blur, for example, turn the command dial to the left. (The aperture will change in tandem to keep the same exposure.) Turn the command dial to the right to change the aperture. (The camera will adjust the shutter speed to ensure a good exposure.) You can also change the ISO to get different settings or use Exposure Compensation (the black/white button near the camera's on/off switch) to help tweak the exposure.

S = Shutter-priority: In this mode, you choose the shutter speed, and the camera selects the aperture. Unless you have very steady hands or you are using a tripod, aim for a shutter speed of 1/125 of a second or faster to avoid blurry pictures from minor camera or subject movement. (Adjust the ISO up if there's not enough light to achieve the desired shutter speed.)

If you want to freeze movement, set the shutter speed to at least 1/200 of a second, or higher for fast-moving subjects. On the other hand, if you want a photo to show motion, set the shutter speed down to 1/60 of a second or slower to capture the flow of a waterfall, for example. Use a tripod to ensure that the rest of the image isn't blurry.

A = Aperture-priority: You choose the aperture (f-stop), while the camera selects a shutter speed that will, in combination, deliver a good exposure. The main benefit of shooting in Aperture-priority mode is that it gives you control over the depth of field, or how sharp the image appears from near to far.

The numbering or f-stop system for aperture settings can be a little confusing. For example, the smaller the number — like f/2.0 — the larger the aperture opening, which allows more light to hit the sensor. Set the aperture to a smaller f-stop number in low light.

Another time to use a larger aperture opening (small f-stop number) is when you're taking a portrait. The large (also called fast) aperture decreases the depth of field. That means that the background and foreground will be slightly blurred, placing the emphasis on your subject.

On the other hand, if you want more of the image to be in focus (let's say you're shooting a cityscape), then you want to use a higher f-stop number, such as f/8, f/11, f/16, etc. This increases the depth of field, so that the image appears sharp throughout the scene. But when you use a smaller aperture (a higher f-stop number), less light hits the sensor. Increase the ISO if you need to set a faster shutter speed to avoid blur from camera shake.

M = Manual: This mode allows you to choose both the shutter speed and the aperture. Shooting in manual-exposure mode is not as difficult as it might seem, because there's an exposure gauge in the viewfinder and in Live View to help you know when you've hit the right combination. Just adjust one or both settings until the mark is near the center of the gauge. If the picture is too light or too dark for your liking, just adjust the shutter speed or aperture (or both) until you see markers to the right (for a lighter exposure) or to the left (for a darker exposure) of the midpoint on the gauge.

The Nikon D5600's Auto mode is marked as a green square on the mode dial. Forget it exists. If you want point-and-shoot simplicity, go with the Program auto mode; if and when you decide you want to explore further options, this mode allows you to tweak many parameters, whereas the Auto mode does not.

On the mode dial, you'll also see a flash-off mode to use if or when you can't or don't want the flash to automatically pop up if there's not enough light.

The D5600 also has some fun Effects modes, including Super Vivid, Photo Illustration, Toy Camera effect, selective color and more to enhance your creative endeavors. Scene modes are easy to use, but they limit your manual adjustments and access to other controls. The D5600's Scene modes include Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Child, Beach/Snow, Party/Indoors and more. Feel free to experiment with these automatic scene modes, but your best bet is to use one of the P/S/A/M modes to control how your image looks.

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