Dial layout varies by model
Canon cameras share a common set of mode names, but the exact dial differs between models, and between DSLR and mirrorless bodies. Some have a full dial with many positions, others offer fewer letters and put some features in menus or on a switch. Newer bodies may include extra modes such as a flexible priority mode (Fv) or a dedicated switch for photo and video. Always check your camera’s manual for the exact list. The explanations below apply to the most common modes.
Fully automatic modes
- A+ or Auto (green rectangle on older cameras): The camera chooses nearly everything, including aperture, shutter speed, ISO and often flash and focus. Good for quick, hands-off shots, but you have limited control.
- Creative Auto (CA): On models that have it, it keeps automatic exposure but lets you adjust things like background blur or brightness through simple sliders.
- Scene modes (SCN) and picture-style icons: Portrait, landscape, sports, macro, night portrait and similar. Each tells the camera to favour settings that suit that subject, for example a wide aperture for portraits. Available options depend on the model.
P: Program
The camera chooses both aperture and shutter speed, but you can usually set ISO, white balance, exposure compensation and flash behaviour. You can often turn the main dial to shift to other combinations that give the same exposure, which is called program shift. It is a gentle step up from Auto.
Av: Aperture priority
You choose the aperture, and the camera selects a matching shutter speed. Use it when depth of field matters most: a wide aperture for a soft background in portraits, or a narrow aperture for landscapes. It is a popular everyday mode, and exposure compensation works well with it. The idea behind aperture is explained in photography settings explained.
Tv: Shutter priority
You choose the shutter speed, and the camera selects the aperture. Use it when motion matters: fast speeds to freeze action (see the action photography settings), slow speeds for blur. The shutter speed chart lists typical values. Note that if the lens cannot open wide enough, the camera cannot reach the exposure you want, and the aperture value will blink to warn you.
M: Manual
You choose aperture, shutter speed and ISO. It gives full control and consistent results in steady light. Learn the technique in our manual mode guide.
B, custom modes and video
- B (Bulb): On some models, it keeps the shutter open while you hold the button. It is used for long exposures such as night scenes or fireworks.
- C1, C2, C3 (custom): Store your preferred groups of settings so you can recall them quickly with the dial.
- Video: Switches to movie recording. On some bodies, there is a separate photo or video switch instead.
Which mode do most photographers use?
There is no single answer. Many enthusiasts use aperture priority for everyday shooting, plus manual for studio or controlled light, and shutter priority for action. Some professionals use manual almost all the time, often with auto ISO, while others rely on semi-automatic modes. Choose the mode that lets you control what matters most for the shot while the camera handles the rest.
Which mode for which situation
| Situation | Mode to try | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Quick snapshots, handing camera to someone | Auto | Simplest |
| Learning, general shooting | P or Av | Camera helps, you keep control |
| Portraits, background blur | Av | Direct aperture control |
| Sports, moving subjects | Tv | Direct shutter control |
| Studio, steady light | M | Fixed, repeatable settings |
| Long exposures | M or B | Exposure longer than standard times |
| Repeated scenario you shoot often | C1 to C3 | One-turn recall |
Autofocus modes
Autofocus mode is separate from the mode dial, and the autofocus modes guide covers it in depth. Canon commonly offers One-Shot AF, which locks focus once for still subjects, and AI Servo AF, which keeps tracking moving subjects. Some bodies also have AI Focus, which switches between them automatically, and mirrorless bodies have face and eye tracking. There is no single best option: One-Shot suits still subjects, Servo suits movement, and many people simply leave Servo on for action.
The five basic settings
If you want a short list of what to learn first, most guides point to aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance and focus mode. Understanding how aperture, shutter speed and ISO combine is covered in what exposure means, and the sensitivity setting is covered further in ISO vs gain.