Aperture priority: the mode most professionals actually use
Aperture priority lets you control depth of field while the camera handles shutter speed. Here is how to use it well with Auto ISO and exposure compensation.
In aperture priority (A on Sony, Av on Canon), you choose the aperture and ISO, and the camera picks the shutter speed for a correct exposure. It is fast, flexible and the default for many working photographers.
Why it works so well
Aperture controls the look of the photo: how blurred the background is and how much is in focus. By setting it yourself, you keep creative control while the camera reacts instantly to changing light.
Watch your shutter speed
The main risk is the camera choosing a speed too slow to hold steady or freeze motion. Keep an eye on the shutter speed shown in the viewfinder. If it drops below what you need, raise the ISO or open the aperture.
Add Auto ISO with a minimum speed
On Sony cameras you can set Auto ISO with a minimum shutter speed. In aperture priority, the camera will keep the shutter at or above that speed and raise ISO only when needed. It is an ideal setup for events, travel and street photography.
Fine-tune with exposure compensation
The camera aims for a middle-gray average. Bright scenes like a white beach get underexposed; dark scenes get overexposed. Use the exposure compensation dial: +0.7 to +1 for bright scenes, −0.7 to −1 for dark ones.
Good starting points
- Portraits: A mode at f/1.8 to f/2.8
- Travel and street: f/5.6 to f/8
- Landscapes on a tripod: f/8 to f/11 at ISO 100
