“Nanny” modes are auto-settings on consumer and prosumer digital cameras. They are recognized by name such as “Sport”, “Fireworks”, “Sunset” and of course “Auto”.

[hidepost=1]

The default shooting mode on all digital cameras is Auto. This is what makes a point-and-shoot camera truly point-and-shoot. The cameras makes its best guess and what would make a good shot, you point, press the shutter button and shoot; the camera does the rest in an effort to make the best shot.

Bear in mind these shooting modes are what the camera company (as in the company that made your camera) thinks are good camera settings for a particular environment. Sometimes these modes are correct but other times they make for horrible pictures. If you have taken photos using certain shooting modes that were in essence ideal for the environment but still came out horrible, it is not your fault. Remember, the camera is guessing based on a set of predefined settings. Those settings may not always be correct.

“Sport” is the best all-use shooting mode

All consumer/prosumer digital cameras come with a predefined shooting mode called “Sport.” This shooting mode is by far the best for all-around use (even better than “Auto” at times).

Pros to Sport mode are:

• It is a “moving environment” shooting mode. This means it works even if the environment around you is moving (boat, car, etc.)
• It typically has the best focus.
• It is a true “shoot and don’t worry about it” mode – more so that Auto.
• It works indoor and outdoor without any fuss.
• Works better for sunrise/sunset shots compared to actual predefined Sunset/Sunrise mode.
• Cons to Sport mode:
• Color may not look as vibrant compared to other shooting modes.
• Virtually impossible to take night shots with.
• May make water look too good and look like sculptured clay.

How to experiment with different shooting modes

The easiest way to experiment with the shooting modes of your consumer/prosumer camera is to shoot the same thing with each mode.

Yes, it’s true, this could take some time as some cameras have as many as 31 different modes. However it is better to try them all. You may be surprised to find that some modes completely contradict what the camera “says” they are good for. For example, you might find “Baby” (for shooting photographs of an infant) may be perfect for landscape shooting. Or maybe “Landscape” is best for an indoor shot.

When testing your shooting modes, you should try them all with an indoor shot and and outdoor shot. Be willing to take horrible pictures on purpose. This is a learning process – and a good one because you will learn all the ins and outs of how your digital camera works under specific conditions.

Are shooting modes identical from make to make, model to model?

NO. Different cameras have different lenses and features. A “Landscape” mode for one particular camera may “act” very differently on another manufactured by a different company.

This is why it is important to test the shooting modes for your particular digital camera and learn what it can and cannot do as far as your personal tastes are concerned.

[/hidepost]

Like what you read?

If so, please join over 28,000 people who receive our exclusive weekly newsletter and computer tips, and get FREE COPIES of 5 eBooks we created, as our gift to you for subscribing. Just enter your name and email below: