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Your DSLR Camera Dial, Explained! — iPhotography Short Course

Your DSLR Camera Dial, Explained!

Every mode on your camera dial has a specific purpose — and knowing which to use and when is one of the fastest ways to take better photographs.

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What You'll Learn

What's Covered in This Short Course

The camera dial is packed with options — and most photographers only ever use a fraction of them. In this course, Stephen Walton walks through every mode, explains what it actually does, and tells you precisely which one to reach for depending on what you're shooting.

Auto mode and intelligent auto plus — does full auto really give the camera complete control, or is there more to it? Stephen explains what's actually happening when you leave the camera to decide everything

Portrait, macro and landscape modes — you might think these are just shortcuts, but each one makes specific changes to your settings that matter. Find out exactly what the camera is adjusting and why — and when these modes can actually work against you

Sports and action mode — there's a hidden trade-off in how this mode handles exposure that most people don't know about. Discover what the camera is doing behind the scenes and whether it's actually the right choice for moving subjects

Aperture priority — this is the mode that unlocks real creative control over your images. Stephen explains exactly what you control, what the camera still does for you, and how to use it to get the depth of field you want every time

Shutter priority — for motion, timing and long exposure, this mode is powerful. But there are shutter speed decisions that can seriously degrade your shot. Find out what to watch for and how to use it correctly

Program mode — this is a step up from aperture and shutter priority, and it gives you control over settings most beginners have never touched. Is it the right mode for where you are in your photography journey?

Scene modes, night mode and advanced dial settings — some cameras have extra modes that aren't on every dial. Stephen covers what they do and — crucially — which mode is actually the best match for your type of photography

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Who It's For

Is This Short Course for You?

You've been shooting on auto and want to understand what the other modes actually do — without feeling overwhelmed by technical jargon

You use aperture priority or shutter priority but aren't fully sure what the camera is doing with the settings you're not controlling

You look at your camera dial and see symbols you don't recognise — and want a clear, no-nonsense explanation of what each one does

You want to know which mode to use for landscapes, portraits, sports or any other type of photography — rather than guessing or defaulting to auto

Your Instructor

Meet Your Instructor

Stephen Walton

Head Tutor · iPhotography

Stephen Walton is one of the UK's leading online photography educators and the Head Tutor of iPhotography. With a passion that spans every genre — from landscapes and portraits to macro, street and beyond — Stephen brings broad, hands-on expertise to every subject he teaches. His clear, practical style cuts through the jargon and focuses on what actually makes a difference behind the lens, helping photographers of all levels get real results, fast.

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£49

One-time payment · Instant access

Full short course video — watch at your own pace
Lifetime access — revisit whenever you like
Instant access on purchase — watch via your iPhotography account

Enrol Now — £49

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this course cover mirrorless cameras as well as DSLRs? +

The modes covered — auto, aperture priority, shutter priority, program, landscape, portrait and so on — exist across both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. The principles Stephen explains apply to both, though exact dial layouts vary by brand and model.

Should I just be shooting in manual mode? +

Stephen addresses this directly. Manual mode isn't always the best option, and the right mode depends entirely on what you're shooting and what you're trying to control. This course helps you understand which mode actually works best in each situation.

My camera dial looks different from what's shown — will this still apply to me? +

Stephen acknowledges that dial layouts vary between brands and models, and covers both common and brand-specific modes. The underlying principles are the same regardless of which camera you shoot with.

What is aperture priority and when should I use it? +

Aperture priority is one of the most versatile and useful semi-automated modes on your camera — and Stephen covers exactly what it does, what it gives you control over, and which types of photography it suits best. It's one of the key topics in this course.

How do I access the course after purchase? +

You'll be directed straight to your short course as soon as your payment is confirmed. It's stored securely in your iPhotography account — just log in to watch whenever you like. You'll also receive a confirmation email with a link to get started.

What if I have a question after watching? +

You're welcome to reach out to the iPhotography team and we'll do our best to help. You can also explore our full-length courses — our members get access to in-depth programmes, a thriving community, and ongoing tutor support.