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Re-activateMost point-and-shoot digital cameras feature scene modes, which let you indicate what type of subject you're shooting, such as a beach shot or fireworks, so the camera can automatically set the optimal shutter speed and aperture. Recently, many camera manufacturers have been taking this a step further with a feature called auto scene mode, which automatically selects the scene mode itself.
Using the feature is pretty easy. You select it from a menu or a dial, after which the camera will automatically change the scene mode according to the subject. For example, if you're outside on a bright, sunny day, it would choose a landscape scene mode. Or, if you're photographing a person, it would select a portrait mode, presumably because it detected a face.
How does auto scene mode differ from a camera's regular auto (or program auto) mode, which can adjust shutter speed, aperture or ISO depending on the subject and light? Auto scene mode does more. For example, it may activate or deactivate the flash. In a night portrait scene mode, it might not just turn on the strobe, but also use a special type of flash, called slow-sync, which will fire a flash and then keep the shutter open in order to expose for ambient light. And if the subject is a portrait, the camera may also "decide" to open up the aperture very wide, to produce a shallow depth of field, which is helpful for this type of photo.
One caveat: Before using auto scene mode to shoot an important subject, experiment with it to see how well it works. Let me know what you find out. I'd be very interested in hearing about your experiences, both good and bad, using this new feature. —Terry Sullivan
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