How to Use the Settings on a Sony Cybershot Camera

Select your shooting mode. Sony Cybershot cameras come with several preprogrammed, automatic shooting modes you can change using the dial on the top of the camera body or the touch screen, if available. Preset modes will vary depending upon the model of Cybershot camera, but they can include portrait, beach, panorama, sport, snow and twilight options. Choose the mode closest to your shooting situation.

Select aperture priority mode if you wish to control the depth of field, or the amount of the photo which will be clear. Certain Cybershot cameras allow you to select this semi-manual mode using the dial or touch screen. Use the arrow keys or touch screen arrows to choose the aperture setting. The camera will choose a shutter speed and light sensitivity setting to compensate for the light the aperture allows.

Choose shutter priority mode if you require a longer or shorter shutter speed to blur or capture movement. A long shutter speed will cause moving objects to blur; a shorter speed will cause motion to be frozen clearly. This mode functions in a similar fashion to aperture priority when it is available; select the mode on the dial or touch screen, then use the arrow keys or touch arrows to select your desired shutter speed.

Select Manual mode to control both shutter speed and aperture. This feature is available on high end Cybershot cameras and is similar to the fully manual settings of a digital SLR camera. Choose this mode, then select the aperture and shutter speed using the arrow keys or touch screen.