This setting gives you some control of the motion of your kids and pets, which won't necessarily stand still for photos. A faster shutter speed is selected, and some cameras will pre-focus to overcome shutter lag.

This setting works the opposite of portrait mode. Your camera selects a larger f-stop number for a smaller aperture, or lens opening, which results in a large depth of field, so the entire contents of your digital photo to appear in focus.

This setting allows you to take close-ups, even extreme close-ups, of small objects, such as flowers, insects, etc. Your camera will select an aperture to create a very shallow depth of field, from three-quarters of an inch to approximately four inches (two to 10 centimeters).

If you have a newer model of digital camera, then it may have a movie mode that allows you to shoot video and record sound. Typically, the video quality is in the middle range.

This setting will help you shoot digital photos when there is less light. Also known as 'slow shutter sync,' night mode combines a slower shutter speed (1/60, 1/30, etc.) with your flash.

This setting allows you to take multiple shots of a wide panorama, as in a landscape photo, and then combine those images into one, using photo-editing software.

Your digital camera may have a program mode, which can be the equivalent of full auto mode, or slightly different. Read your manual to learn how your camera is configured. Typically, program mode provides you with some control of the exposure components

This setting is able to compensate for the light that reflects from snow.