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ArticleAperture preselection – how does this mode work in practice?
The aperture preselect mode is available on SLR and mirrorless cameras, but many amateurs have trouble using it properly. What is aperture preselection? How does this setting work? When is it worth using it?
What is aperture in a camera?
The aperture is the part of the camera lens that controls the size of the opening through which light enters. It consists of several, overlapping leaves. Each aperture has a specific value, indicating the amount of light allowed into the camera. The higher the f-number, the smaller the lens opening.
Aperture preselection mode
Using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, the aperture preselect mode can be found on the top dial as A or Av. Sometimes it is found in the main menu, but its designation remains the same. After setting the dial to the right position, select the appropriate aperture and the camera will automatically adjust the shutter speed and ISO, i.e. shutter sensitivity.
In the case of high light sensitivity, the exposure time of the frame is short. Sometimes this leads to noise, or changes in brightness and pixel colors, in the photos. In Auto ISO mode, the camera sets the maximum sensitivity at the minimum shutter speed, so the photo is not blurred. This is very convenient, but many advanced photographers determine the shutter sensitivity themselves.
In the camera shown in the photo, the aperture preselection mode is marked with the letter A. It is located on the dial on the left side of the
Aperture preselection mode – why use it?
The aperture preselect mode allows you to achieve the effect of bokeh, i.e. blurring the background. Thanks to it, it is possible to expose the most important subject of the photo by using a difference in focus. If you want to achieve a beautiful bokeh effect, you need to ensure a smooth transition between the expressive part of the photo and the blurred background. How to use aperture preselection mode for this? Be sure to set the smallest f value available. This is because it is assumed that a large number of leaves allows you to shape the lens aperture close to a circle.
In the photograph you can clearly see one of the branches of the tree. This is the main element of the photo, the rest is blurred – this is the bokeh effect
Aperture preselection mode – tips
When photographing open spaces, it’s worth remembering to choose a large depth of field, allowing each subject to be clearly reflected. For portrait sessions, preselection can be used along with natural light. Dynamic photography, on the other hand, requires a wide lens opening. Manual setting of shutter sensitivity may also be necessary.
When it comes to street portraits, the aperture value should be from f/3 to f/4. Wanting to capture the general scenery of the city, values from f/5.5 to f/8.5 will work best. What else is worth remembering? In some cameras, the preselect mode allows you to set the aperture value up to f/30. However, the upper limit should be f/22, as a smaller lens opening seems to make no sense.
The photograph is a portrait of a running man. You can see the dynamics of the movement, the main element sharpened, but the background behind remains blurred. This work required a proper sense of the photographer.
Nikon aperture preselection – how to use it?
To use aperture preselection mode on Nikon cameras, follow these steps:
- select “A” or “Av” mode on the mode selector dial on the camera,
- rotating the aperture ring on the lens, set the desired aperture value,
- the camera will automatically select the appropriate exposure time to get the right exposure.
In aperture preselection mode, the Nikon camera will retain control over other parameters such as ISO and white balance. This allows the photographer to focus on creating interesting compositions and using the right depth of field in their images.
The aperture preselect mode is extremely useful for those who want to highlight the most important elements of their photo by using differences in focus. It makes photography more interesting, dynamic and original at the same time.
