The mode dial is one of the most important parts of any advanced camera, but also one of the most underused. Usually found on top of the body as a physical dial or selector, it allows photographers to quickly switch between different shooting modes and adapt to varied conditions, subjects, and even creative preferences.
The acronym PASM refers to the four main exposure modes that are found on most DSLR and mirrorless cameras. In Program mode (P), which is semi-automatic, the camera selects the aperture and shutter speed, but leaves you to adjust settings like ISO, exposure compensation and white balance. In Aperture Priority mode (A or Av), you choose the aperture, and the camera adjusts the shutter speed to achieve the ‘correct’ exposure. Similarly in Shutter Priority mode (S,…