Mode a (aperture-priority auto) – Nikon D80 User Manual

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Reference: P, S, A, and M Modes / Mode A (Aperture-Priority Auto)

In aperture-priority auto, you choose the aperture from values between the minimum and
maximum for the lens while the camera automatically selects the shutter speed that will
produce the optimal exposure. Small apertures (high f/-numbers) increase depth of fi eld,
bringing both the main subject and background into focus. Large apertures (low f/-num-
bers) soften background details.

To take photographs in aperture-priority auto:

1

Rotate the mode dial to A.

2

Rotate the sub-command dial to choose the desired aperture.

3

Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot.

Mode A (Aperture-Priority Auto)

Depth of Field

“Depth of fi eld” is the distance to which objects behind and in front of the focus point appear to be in
focus. Large apertures (low f/-numbers) reduce depth of fi eld, blurring objects behind and in front of
the main subject. Small apertures (high f/-numbers) increase depth of fi eld, bringing out details in the
background and foreground (note that depth of fi eld is also infl uenced by other factors, such as focal
length and focus distance). Short fi eld depths are generally used in portraits to blur background de-
tails, long fi eld depths in landscape photographs to bring the foreground and background into focus.

To preview depth of fi eld, press and hold the depth-of-fi eld preview but-
ton. The lens will be stopped down to the current aperture value, allowing
depth of fi eld to be previewed in the viewfi nder.

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