Digital camera modes

Most digital cameras support the ability to choose among a number of configurations, or modes for use in various situations.

In general: Aside from the main modes which control exposure, there are usually other, secondary settings common to digital cameras.

"Continuous" or "burst" mode will take multiple photographs in quick succession as long as the shutter button is held down, and is typically used to capture fast-moving subjects such as in sports photography.

Other drive modes commonly available include self-timer, which takes a picture several seconds after the shutter button is pressed; automatic exposure bracketing, used to take multiple photos each with different exposure settings; and remote shutter mode for use with a remote control accessory to trigger the camera at a distance.

Some cameras also have an intervalometer mode for time-lapse photography, possibly with the option to automatically create a video from the pictures taken.

Some AF systems also include anticipation of the position of moving subjects – Canon calls this AI servo (for artificial intelligence) – or can automatically switch between single and continuous depending on whether the subject is moving – Canon calls this "AI focus".

In most digital cameras, by default autofocus is only activated (AF-on) when the shutter button is pressed halfway down, which helps to preserve battery life.

When photographing at golden hour and fighting off sun flare, the back button focus can become an essential tool to use.