Camera Modes
These modes can vary depending on brand and features available on your camera. Watch this video to get a greater understanding of the various modes available on most cameras. A summary of this information is available below in printed form.
Auto Mode
This is the Automatic Mode found in all digital cameras and is represented by either a green box or green word Auto on the mode dial. It is used by beginners and even professionals who just want to take a quick snap without worrying about exposure settings. In automatic mode, you will usually not be able to adjust ISO or white balance settings.
Program Mode (P)
Program mode allows partial manual control over flash, shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings. The photographer can choose the value for each, but the camera automatically adjusts the other settings for correct exposure.
Shutter or Time Value Mode (S or Tv)
The Shutter Mode is best used when you're taking fast action photos, like sports or wildlife... or need to use a very slow shutter speed for a panned shot or to show motion - and is usually found in advanced digital cameras. You select the shutter speed and the camera chooses the best aperture for the correct exposure.
Aperture Mode (A or Av)
The Aperture Mode is found on high end compact cameras and all DLSR's. Select the aperture, thereby locking your depth of field (more information about Depth of field will be in a future lesson. The camera then automatically sets the best shutter speed to match the conditions. It is very suitable when shooting a stationary subject and when you want to control your depth of field and are not concerned about shutter speed.
Manual Mode (M)
In this camera mode, anything goes. You can set the shutter speed and aperture, with options to change white balance, ISO, flash and even focus on some cameras. Choose this mode if you are experienced and want maximum flexibility for pre-visualized images or just experimenting with your photographs.
Landscape Mode 
As the name implies, the Landscape mode allows you to shoot pictures of landscapes, like mountains or lakes. The camera will select the smallest aperture possible under the conditions to maximize depth of field in the image.
The camera is assuming you want to take a picture where everything will be in focus with a large depth of field.
Note that the Landscape Mode may not always work, although using the widest possible focal length of the zoom lens helps the camera use the smallest possible aperture for maximum depth of field.A very wide DSLR lens (18mm and below) on larger sensor cameras can yield spectacular near-to-far sharpness in landscape photography.
Portrait Mode
If you want to shoot close-ups of people or faces, the Portrait Mode is the mode to choose. When you choose Portrait Mode, the camera will select a wide aperture setting, with a smaller depth of field for a soft background effect (known as 'bokeh'), and also may adjust your zoom. In addition, the flash setting will try to switch to red-eye reduction.
Macro Mode
If you take pictures of flowers, this mode is invaluable. The Macro Mode allows you to focus on objects at amazingly small distances - sometimes a centimeter or less from the lens. Use the Macro mode when you need to capture the smallest details of your subject. When activating this mode, the camera will choose small apertures to obtain a depth of field enough to keep details in focus, at the expense of fast shutter speeds. Macro-photography needs a ton of light! A tripod, Gorillapod or beanbag to steady the camera is recommended for best results.
Sports Mode 
If you want to capture fast action, then you'll need the fast shutter speed setting offered by the Sports Mode. When you switch to this mode, the camera will automatically choose the fastest shutter speed possible given the situation. Some cameras will also activate Continuous Shooting (instead of single frame), enable the Evaluative Metering Mode (if any) and also disable the flash.
Night Portrait
This mode is perfect for taking photographs in low light situations. It uses long exposures to capture the entire scene, often combined with built in flash. Use a tripod!
No Flash
This simply turns the flash off, so that it won't come on if you are in a situation where you may not be allowed to use the flash, like a church or art gallery, or the harsh light of direct flash would be undesirable.
Custom Settings Mode
On high-end cameras, this feature lets you store personal settings. If you use the same settings over and over again it may be worthwhile saving them for future use. Some cameras let you save one or more setting groups and then instantly access them at any time just by turning a mode dial. Storing your own settings is as simple as setting the camera the way you want it and then selecting the menu's command that assigns them to the custom setting.
In The Viewfinder
Digital camera LCD screens or viewfinders provide important information about the images being captured. Shown below is a typical DSLR viewfinder but you should consult your manual to become familiar with your particular camera.
This concludes the Camera Modes section. Please proceed to Assignment 1: Parts of a Camera.