Quick answer: Simple camera settings for beginners: modes, file format, autofocus, metering and ISO, plus starting settings for portraits, landscapes and low light.
Modern cameras have hundreds of settings, but you only need a few to take great photos. Here's a simple setup that works for most situations, plus starting points for common subjects.
One-time setup
- File format: RAW (or RAW + JPEG) for maximum editing flexibility
- Image stabilisation: on for handheld shooting
- Autofocus: continuous AF with face or eye detection for people; single AF for still subjects
- AF area: a small movable point or zone, so you choose what's sharp
- Metering: evaluative (matrix) for most scenes
- Back-button focus (optional): separates focusing from the shutter button
- Histogram display: on
Which shooting mode?
- Aperture priority (A/Av): you choose the aperture, the camera sets the shutter speed. The best everyday mode for beginners.
- Shutter priority (S/Tv): you choose the shutter speed, for freezing or blurring motion.
- Manual (M): you control everything. Essential for studio, flash and consistent light.
Start in aperture priority with auto ISO, then move to manual as you gain confidence.
Starting settings by subject
| Subject | Aperture | Shutter speed | ISO |
| Portrait (blurred background) | f/1.8–f/2.8 | 1/200s or faster | As low as possible |
| Group photo | f/5.6–f/8 | 1/200s | Auto |
| Landscape | f/8–f/11 | Any (tripod) | 100–200 |
| Street | f/5.6–f/8 | 1/250s+ | Auto |
| Sport / action | f/2.8–f/4 | 1/1000s+ | Auto |
| Low light, handheld | Widest | 1/(focal length) or faster | Raise as needed |
| Night with tripod | f/8 | Several seconds | 100 |
White balance
Auto white balance works well in most situations. In mixed or tungsten light, choose a preset or a custom setting. Shooting RAW lets you fix it later.
The shutter speed rule
To avoid blur from shaking hands, use a shutter speed of at least 1 / focal length (for example, 1/50s at 50mm). Stabilisation helps, but moving subjects still need faster speeds.
Check your exposure
Use the histogram, not just the screen. Avoid a graph crushed against either edge, which means lost highlights or shadows.
Practice exercise
Shoot the same scene at f/1.8, f/5.6 and f/11, then at 1/30s, 1/250s and 1/1000s. Compare the results. You'll learn more from this hour than from any settings list.
Learn your camera properly
RAP Education's 3-month foundation course teaches every setting hands-on with professional Sony cameras, until manual control feels natural.
Frequently asked questions
What camera mode should beginners use?
Aperture priority with auto ISO is the best everyday mode for beginners. Move to manual as you gain confidence.
Should I shoot in RAW or JPEG?
RAW gives far more editing flexibility. Many photographers shoot RAW + JPEG while learning.
What are good settings for portraits?
A wide aperture around f/1.8–f/2.8, a shutter speed of 1/200s or faster and the lowest practical ISO.
What are good settings for landscape photography?
Around f/8–f/11, ISO 100–200 and a tripod for slower shutter speeds.
How do I avoid blurry photos?
Use a shutter speed of at least 1/focal length, turn on stabilisation, use continuous AF for moving subjects and hold the camera steadily.
Should I use auto ISO?
Yes, while learning. Set a maximum ISO limit so noise stays acceptable.
What autofocus mode is best?
Continuous AF with eye detection for people and moving subjects; single AF for still subjects.
Where can I learn camera settings hands-on?
RAP Education's 3-month foundation course teaches every camera setting with professional Sony cameras.
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