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Digital Camera Controls

Aperture - A large aperture makes only the subject appear in focus. A small aperture brings more objects into focus.

Automatic - Exposure, focus and flash are set by the camera. This is adequate for most photography.

Flash - Used at night or when light levels are low. Flash will usually illuminate subjects up to a distance of about ten feet (three meters).

Landscape - Used to photograph distant scenes, such as skylines. Often uses slow shutter speeds and requires a tripod.

Portrait - Used to photograph subjects that are kept in focus, while the background goes out of focus.

Shutter Speed - Fast speeds are used to capture sporting and action events. Slow speeds are used for subjects requiring long exposures.

Zoom - Optical zoom uses the lens of a camera to magnify a subject. Digital zoom makes a subject only appear to be closer.