Nikon D7000 manual Choosing a Scene Mode

Chapter 2 ■ Nikon D7000 Quick Start 29

The Scene modes take full control of the camera, make all the decisions for you, and don’t allow you to override the D7000’s settings. They are most useful while you’re learn- ing to use the camera, because you can select an appropriate mode (Auto, Auto/No Flash, Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, or Night Portrait) and fire away. You’ll end up with decent photos using appropriate settings, but your opportunities to use a little creativity (say, to overexpose an image to create a silhouette, or to deliber- ately use a slow shutter speed to add a little blur to an action shot) are minimal.

Choosing a Scene Mode

The 21 Scene and Auto modes can be selected by rotating the mode dial on the top left of the Nikon D7000 to the Scene position, and then rotating the main command dial to select one of the following:

■Auto. In this mode, the D7000 makes all the exposure decisions for you, and will pop up the internal flash if necessary under low-light conditions. The camera auto- matically focuses on the subject closest to the camera (unless you’ve set the lens to manual focus), and the autofocus assist illuminator lamp on the front of the cam- era will light up to help the camera focus in low-light conditions.

■Auto (Flash Off). Identical to Auto mode, except that the flash will not pop up under any circumstances. You’d want to use this in a museum, during religious cer- emonies, concerts, or any environment where flash is forbidden or distracting.

■Portrait. Use this mode when you’re taking a portrait of a subject standing rela- tively close to the camera and want to de-emphasize the background, maximize sharpness, and produce flattering skin tones. The built-in flash will pop up if needed.

■Landscape. Select this mode when you want extra sharpness and rich colors of dis- tant scenes. The built-in flash and AF-assist illuminator are disabled.

■Child. Use this mode to accentuate the vivid colors often found in children’s cloth- ing, and to render skin tones with a soft, natural-looking texture. The D7000 focuses on the closest subject to the camera. The built-in flash will pop up if needed.

■Sports. Use this mode to freeze fast-moving subjects. The D7000 selects a fast shut- ter speed to stop action, and focuses continuously on the center focus point while you have the shutter release button pressed halfway. However, you can select one of the other two focus points to the left or right of the center by pressing the multi selector left/right buttons. The built-in electronic flash and focus assist illuminator lamp are disabled.