1 Manual mode

Manual mode is when you adjust the aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, and focus manually, without relying on the camera's metering or autofocus system. This mode gives you the most creative freedom and flexibility, as you can fine-tune the exposure, depth of field, motion blur, and color temperature to suit your vision. However, manual mode also requires more skill and experience, as you have to constantly monitor the changing light and adjust the settings accordingly. Manual mode is best for situations where you have consistent or predictable lighting, or where you want to achieve a specific effect or mood.

3 Semi-auto modes

Semi-auto modes are when you use a combination of manual and auto settings, depending on your preference and needs. For example, you can use aperture priority mode, where you set the aperture and the camera sets the shutter speed and ISO, or shutter priority mode, where you set the shutter speed and the camera sets the aperture and ISO. You can also use auto ISO, where you set the aperture and shutter speed and the camera adjusts the ISO automatically. These modes allow you to have some control over the exposure, while letting the camera handle the rest. However, you still need to check the exposure meter and the histogram to make sure the camera is not overexposing or underexposing your shots.

4 Manual focus vs auto focus

Another aspect of choosing between manual mode and auto mode is the focus. Manual focus is when you adjust the focus ring on your lens manually, while auto focus is when you use the camera's focus system to lock on your subject. Manual focus gives you more precision and accuracy, as you can decide exactly what to focus on and how sharp or soft to make it. However, manual focus also takes more time and practice, as you have to judge the distance and the depth of field by eye or by using focus aids. Manual focus is best for situations where you have a static or slow-moving subject, or where you want to create a specific effect or style.

Auto focus is when you use the camera's focus system to lock on your subject. Auto focus is faster and easier, as you don't have to adjust the focus ring and just press the shutter button or the focus button. However, auto focus also has some challenges and limitations, as the camera may not always focus on what you want or how you want. Auto focus may result in missed or inaccurate focus, hunting or pulsing, or loss of focus when the subject moves or the lighting changes. Auto focus is best for situations where you have a fast-moving or unpredictable subject, or where you need to react quickly and capture the moment.

5 Tips and tricks

When deciding between manual mode and auto mode, it's important to experiment with both and see what works best. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the exposure meter, histogram, zebra stripes, focus peaking, magnification, false color, custom buttons, presets, memory cards, exposure lock, focus lock, back button focus, exposure compensation, white balance correction and focus fine-tuning to get the best results. These tools will help you check your exposure and focus to avoid clipping or crushing the highlights and shadows as well as blurry or soft footage. They can also be used to save your favorite settings and switch between them quickly and easily as well as adjust and correct your settings when using auto or semi-auto modes.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?