DSLR Shutter Modes Explained - Beginner DSLR Camera Tips

You may think that when taking a photo you simply have to hold down the shutter button to take a photo and while this is partially true it is also wrong, because there are many more options available when taking photos with a DSLR. For this reason this article will discuss different shutter modes and how they are used. So even if you're a beginner and you don't know about these modes, then simply keep on reading.

Single Shutter Mode

The single shutter mode is the mode discussed above. You hold the shutter down half way to focus your lens and then press it down further to take the shot. When you want to take another picture simply repeat the process.

Continuous Shutter mode

Using continuous shutter mode will allow you as a photographer to shoot off a burst of shots. This mode is extremely helpful when you are shooting fast moving objects such as athletes during a sports game. Beginner model DSLR cameras will allow you to shoot up to 3 frames per second while more expensive models can shoot up to 12. To use continuous shooting mode simply select it on the shooting mode option on your camera and hold your finger down, your camera will now keep taking pictures until you release your finger or until you fill the buffer on the memory card.

Self timer shutter mode

I'm sure this one doesn't need any explaining however I will just in case you don't know what it is. You may think that this mode is to be used for self portraits and while it can the intent of this mode is to set the camera to wait a certain amount of time before taking the photo after the shutter is pressed. The main reason for this is that once you press the camera you cause it to slightly move which can alter the image quality of your picture, however by setting a 2 seconds interval the camera will then settle down and there will be no motion to disturb the quality on the image by the time the shot is fired.

There are other shutter modes; however the above modes are what you will be using mostly when it comes to using your digital camera.