Starting settings for every kind of shot

These are starting points, not rules. Take a test shot, check the histogram, and adjust.

Landscape

• Aperture: f/8 to f/11 for sharp detail from front to back.
• Shutter: whatever the light gives you. Use a tripod below 1/60 s.
• ISO: 100, the lowest your camera allows.
• Tip: focus about a third of the way into the scene.

Street

• Aperture: f/5.6 to f/8, so more of the scene is in focus.
• Shutter: 1/250 s or faster to freeze people walking.
• ISO: auto ISO, capped at 3200.

Action and sport

• Shutter: 1/1000 s or faster. Fast cyclists need 1/2000 s.
• Aperture: wide open (f/2.8 to f/4) to let in light.
• Focus: continuous autofocus and burst mode.

Portrait

• Aperture: f/1.8 to f/2.8 for a soft background.
• Focus: on the nearest eye.
• Light: open shade or window light beats direct sun.

Night

• Tripod: essential.
• Shutter: 10 to 30 s for city lights; 15 to 20 s for stars with a wide lens.
• ISO: 100 to 400 for cities; 1600 to 3200 for stars.
• Tip: use the 2-second timer so pressing the button doesn't shake the camera.