SCENE MODES

DIGITAL SNAPSHOTS

By PETER WEINBERGER

The majority of point-and-shoot cameras come with scene modes to help shoot in difficult or unique situations. This means the camera has auto settings for scenes such as night photography, portraits, sports, close-ups, landscapes, and even to assist with panoramas. But do they really work? Here are some guidelines.

Close-ups

Digital cameras have great close-up (macro) capabilities. Some will focus as close to 1-2 inches. Be sure to adjust your zoom lens somewhere in the middle focal length. If it's too wide, or telephoto, it will be harder for the camera to focus.

Night photography

The flash will be set on auto, with a slow shutter speed. The goal is to capture some of the natural light, with the flash as the main light source. Works OK in early evening light. But if it's pitch black, your image will look like any flash photo.

Sports photography

The camera will use a faster shutter speed to freeze the action. This won't have a big impact since your shutter speed will be fast enough when shooting outdoors anyway.

Portraits

The camera will select a low f-stop to blur the background. You will notice little, if any difference. If you are concerned about cluttered backgrounds, use the telephoto lens.

Landscapes

The camera simply focuses at infinity. It will help focusing speed on some cameras, but really will have little impact on the photo.

Panorama assist

This helps you line up (stitch) multiple photos when shooting a panorama. This is a great tool and can be the key to merging several images together. This mode is included with more expensive cameras, but is becoming more common.

Most of these modes can be created in your camera by using the camera's shutter and aperture priority controls.