Nikon D80KIT, D80OUTFIT P, S, A, and M Modes

P, S, A, and M Modes

P, S, A, and M modes offer control over a variety of advanced settings, including exposure ( 52), white balance, and image optimization. Each of these modes offers a different degree of control over shutter speed and aperture:

		Mode	Description
P	Programmed auto		Camera sets shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure. Recom-
			mended for snapshots and in other situations in which there is little
	(	47)
			time to adjust camera settings.
S	Shutter-priority auto		User chooses shutter speed; camera selects aperture for best results.
	(	48)	Use to freeze or blur motion.
A	Aperture-priority auto		User chooses aperture; camera selects shutter speed for best results.
			Use to blur background or bring both foreground and background into
	(	49)
			focus.

M Manual ( 50)

User controls both shutter speed and aperture. Set shutter speed to “bulb” or “--” for long time-exposures.

Lens Aperture Ring

When using a CPU lens equipped with an aperture ring ( 117), lock the aperture ring at the minimum aperture (highest f/-number). Type G lenses are not equipped with an aperture ring.

Non-CPU lenses can only be used in exposure mode M, when aperture can be adjusted manually using the lens aperture ring (in other modes, the shutter-release will be disabled). The camera exposure me- ter, ISO Auto, and variety of other features can not be used ( 117).

Custom Settings

Use Custom Setting 7 (ISO auto; 88) to enable auto ISO sensitivity control in P, S, A, and M modes. Custom Setting 10 (EV step; 89) determines the size of the increments used for exposure control. Custom Setting 15 (Command Dials; 91) determines the roles played by the main and sub-command dials in setting shutter speed and aperture.

Reference: P, S, A, and M Modes 45