# Camera Settings

> Camera Settings (camerasettings.com) is the photographer's field guide — a comprehensive reference for camera settings across every photography scenario. The site covers DSLR, mirrorless, and iPhone photography with recommended settings, interactive planning tools, and in-depth guides.

## Best Camera Settings by Scenario

Recommended camera settings for 36 photography scenarios, each with detailed breakdowns and pro tips.

### Portraits
- [Outdoor Portrait Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/outdoor-portrait/): Aperture Priority, f/1.8–2.8, ISO 100–400, Eye AF
- [Indoor Portrait Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/indoor-portrait/): Aperture Priority, f/1.4–2.8, ISO 400–1600, Eye AF, window light techniques
- [Studio Portrait Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/studio-portrait/): Manual, f/5.6–8, ISO 100, flash/strobe lighting
- [Group Portrait Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/group-portrait/): Aperture Priority, f/5.6–8, ISO 200–800, Wide Area AF
- [Newborn / Baby Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/newborn/): Aperture Priority / Manual, f/2.8–4, ISO 200–800, soft window light, silent shutter

### Landscape & Nature
- [Landscape Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/landscape/): Aperture Priority, f/8–11, ISO 100, tripod, CPL + GND filters
- [Golden Hour Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/golden-hour/): Aperture Priority, f/8–16, ISO 100–400, -1 to -2 EV compensation
- [Blue Hour Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/blue-hour/): Manual, f/8–11, ISO 100–400, 2–30s exposure, tripod
- [Long Exposure Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/long-exposure/): Manual, f/8–16, ISO 100, ND 6–10 stop filter, tripod
- [Architecture Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/architecture/): Aperture Priority, f/8–11, ISO 100–400, 16–35mm lens
- [Waterfalls Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/waterfalls/): Shutter Priority, 0.5–2s, ISO 100, ND 3–6 stop filter
- [Fog / Mist Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/fog/): Manual, f/8–11, ISO 100–400, +1 to +1.5 EV compensation, manual focus
- [Rain / Wet Weather Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/rain/): Aperture Priority / Manual, f/5.6–8, Auto ISO, 1/60–1/500s for rain effects

### Action & Motion
- [Sports / Action Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/sports/): Shutter Priority, 1/1000s+, Auto ISO, AI Servo / AF-C, continuous drive
- [Birds in Flight Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/birds-in-flight/): Manual, 1/2000s+, Auto ISO, Bird/Animal Eye AF, 400–600mm
- [Panning Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/panning/): Shutter Priority, 1/30–1/125s, ISO 100, IS Mode 2 (panning)
- [Street Photography Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/street/): Aperture Priority / Program, f/5.6–8, Auto ISO, Zone AF, 28–50mm

### Low Light & Night Sky
- [Night / Low Light Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/night/): Manual, f/1.4–2.8, ISO 1600–6400, tripod or stabilization
- [Aurora / Northern Lights Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/aurora/): Manual, f/2.8, ISO 1600–6400, 5–15s, 14–24mm, manual focus infinity
- [Milky Way Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/milky-way/): Manual, f/1.4–2.8, ISO 3200–6400, 500 Rule for shutter, 14–24mm
- [Concert / Live Music Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/concerts/): Manual, f/2.8, ISO 1600–6400, 1/250s+, AF-C, spot metering
- [Fireworks Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/fireworks/): Bulb mode, f/8–11, ISO 100, 2–10s, manual focus infinity, tripod
- [Star Trails Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/star-trails/): Manual, f/2.8–4, ISO 400–800, 30s × 60–120 stacked, intervalometer
- [Lightning Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/lightning/): Bulb / Manual, f/8–11, ISO 100–200, 10–30s exposure, manual focus infinity
- [Light Painting Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/light-painting/): Bulb / Manual, f/8–11, ISO 100, 10s–5min, manual focus, tripod

### Specialty
- [Product / Still Life Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/product/): Manual, f/8–11, ISO 100, custom WB, tripod, controlled lighting
- [Food Photography Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/food/): Aperture Priority, f/2.8–5.6, ISO 100–400, natural side/back light
- [Real Estate / Interior Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/real-estate/): Manual, f/8–11, ISO 100–400, HDR bracketing, 14–24mm, tripod
- [Macro / Close-Up Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/macro/): Manual, f/8–16, ISO 100–400, manual focus, flash, focus stacking
- [Event / Wedding Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/event/): Aperture Priority / Manual, f/2.8–4, Auto ISO, AF-C Eye, bounce flash
- [Snow / Winter Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/snow/): Manual, +1 to +2 EV compensation, ISO 100–400, Shade/Cloudy WB
- [Drone / Aerial Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/drone/): Auto / Manual, f/2.8–5.6, ISO 100–400, 180° shutter rule, ND filter
- [Pet / Animal Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/pet/): Aperture Priority, f/2.8–4, Auto ISO, Animal Eye AF, 1/500s+, continuous drive
- [Silhouette Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/silhouette/): Manual, f/8–16, ISO 100, spot meter on sky, -2 to -3 EV
- [Automotive / Car Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/automotive/): Manual, f/8–11, ISO 100, CPL filter, 24–70mm lens
- [Underwater Settings](https://camerasettings.com/settings/underwater/): Manual, f/8–11, ISO 200–800, external strobes, custom white balance

## In-Depth Guides

- [Photography Basics — The Exposure Triangle and Beyond](https://camerasettings.com/guides/photography/basics/): Complete guide to aperture, shutter speed, ISO, focus modes, metering, and white balance
- [The Exposure Triangle Explained](https://camerasettings.com/guides/photography/exposure-triangle/): Interactive exposure simulator, stop scales, equivalent exposure grid, and how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO trade off
- [Aperture Explained](https://camerasettings.com/guides/photography/aperture/): Interactive iris simulator, f-stop scale, depth-of-field preview, and exact settings for blur, sharpness, and low light
- [Shutter Speed Explained](https://camerasettings.com/guides/photography/shutter-speed/): Motion-blur simulator, speed lookup table, reciprocal-rule calculator, and exact settings for handheld, sports, and long exposure
- [ISO Explained](https://camerasettings.com/guides/photography/iso/): Interactive noise visualizer, ISO lookup table, raise-ISO-last workflow, and exact values for daylight, events, and low light
- [White Balance Explained](https://camerasettings.com/guides/photography/white-balance/): Kelvin color temperature scale, preset reference cards, field workflow, and exact values for daylight, tungsten, and shade
- [Focus Modes Explained](https://camerasettings.com/guides/photography/focus-modes/): Mode lookup table, AF mode reference cards, focus area guide, back-button focus workflow, and field cheat sheet
- [Metering Modes Explained](https://camerasettings.com/guides/photography/metering-modes/): Pattern reference cards, exposure compensation guide, scenario lookup table, and exact EV values for snow, backlit portraits, and stage lighting
- [Camera Modes Explained](https://camerasettings.com/guides/photography/camera-modes/): PASM reference cards, decision flowchart, scenario lookup table, and exact settings for Av, Tv, and Manual
- [Drive Mode Explained](https://camerasettings.com/guides/photography/drive-mode/): Interactive burst visualizer, drive mode reference cards, scenario lookup table, and field cheat sheet for single, burst, timer, and bracketing
- [Composition Explained](https://camerasettings.com/guides/photography/composition/): Interactive overlay guide for rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing, technique reference cards, scenario lookup table, and field cheat sheet
- [Blur the Background](https://camerasettings.com/guides/photography/blur-the-background/): Interactive bokeh simulator with aperture, focal length, and distance sliders, three depth-of-field levers, scenario lookup, and portrait settings cheat sheet
- [Freeze Motion](https://camerasettings.com/guides/photography/freeze-motion/): Action guide with viewfinder blur comparison strip, minimum shutter lookup by subject, field workflow, and cheat sheet for sports, kids, and wildlife
- [Shoot in Low Light](https://camerasettings.com/guides/photography/shoot-in-low-light/): Scene-based exposure recipe guide with brightness and noise comparison, ISO lookup, field workflow, and cheat sheet for indoor, events, and night street
- [Fix Blurry Photos](https://camerasettings.com/guides/photography/fix-blurry-photos/): Interactive blur diagnosis with before/after comparisons for motion blur, missed focus, and camera shake
- [Use Manual Mode](https://camerasettings.com/guides/photography/use-manual-mode/): Interactive exposure simulator, meter reading scale, step-by-step M mode workflow, and field cheat sheet with starting settings
- [Best Phone Camera Settings](https://camerasettings.com/guides/phone/basics/): ProRAW, HEIF, ProRes, Apple Log, Night Mode, Portrait Mode, lens selection, 180° shutter rule

## Phone Camera Settings Guides

Model-specific camera settings guides for popular smartphones, covering hardware specs, recommended photo/video settings, unique features, and pro tips.

### iPhone
- [iPhone 17 Pro Max Camera Settings](https://camerasettings.com/guides/phone/iphone-17-pro-max/): A19 Pro, 48MP Fusion, 5× telephoto, 4K120, Camera Control 2nd gen, 24MP front camera
- [iPhone 17 Pro Camera Settings](https://camerasettings.com/guides/phone/iphone-17-pro/): A19 Pro, 48MP Fusion, 3× telephoto, 4K120, Camera Control 2nd gen, 24MP front camera
- [iPhone 16 Pro Max Camera Settings](https://camerasettings.com/guides/phone/iphone-16-pro-max/): A18 Pro, 48MP Fusion, 5× telephoto, 4K120 Dolby Vision, ProRes, Apple Log, Camera Control
- [iPhone 16 Pro Camera Settings](https://camerasettings.com/guides/phone/iphone-16-pro/): A18 Pro, 48MP Fusion, 3× telephoto, 4K120, Camera Control, 48MP ultra wide
- [iPhone 15 Pro Max Camera Settings](https://camerasettings.com/guides/phone/iphone-15-pro-max/): A17 Pro, 48MP Fusion, 5× tetraprism telephoto, ProRes, Apple Log, Spatial Video, first USB-C
- [iPhone 15 Pro Camera Settings](https://camerasettings.com/guides/phone/iphone-15-pro/): A17 Pro, 48MP Fusion, 3× telephoto, ProRes, Apple Log, first USB-C iPhone

### Samsung Galaxy S Ultra
- [Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Camera Settings](https://camerasettings.com/guides/phone/samsung-galaxy-s25-ultra/): Snapdragon 8 Elite, 200MP main, 50MP ultra wide, 50MP 5× tele, 8K30, Galaxy AI
- [Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Camera Settings](https://camerasettings.com/guides/phone/samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra/): Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 200MP main, 50MP 5× tele, first Galaxy AI, titanium frame
- [Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Camera Settings](https://camerasettings.com/guides/phone/samsung-galaxy-s23-ultra/): Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, first 200MP phone, 10× optical telephoto, Expert RAW

### Google Pixel Pro
- [Google Pixel 9 Pro Camera Settings](https://camerasettings.com/guides/phone/google-pixel-9-pro/): Tensor G4, 50MP main, 48MP ultra wide, 48MP 5× tele, Add Me, Gemini AI, Video Boost
- [Google Pixel 8 Pro Camera Settings](https://camerasettings.com/guides/phone/google-pixel-8-pro/): Tensor G3, 50MP main, 48MP 5× tele, Pro Controls, Video Boost, Night Sight
- [Google Pixel 7 Pro Camera Settings](https://camerasettings.com/guides/phone/google-pixel-7-pro/): Tensor G2, 50MP main, 10.8MP 5× tele, Photo Unblur, Astrophotography mode

## Interactive Photography Tools

- [Aurora Tracker](https://camerasettings.com/tools/aurora-tracker/): Live NOAA Kp index, solar wind data, IMF Bz, 3-day forecast, OVATION aurora imagery
- [Golden Hour Calculator](https://camerasettings.com/tools/golden-hour/): Sunrise, sunset, blue hour, and golden hour times with interactive sun path diagram
- [Night Sky Planner](https://camerasettings.com/tools/night-sky-photography/): Star trail planning, moon phases, moon visibility
- [Deep Sky Objects Finder](https://camerasettings.com/tools/deep-sky-objects/): DSO catalog with field-of-view calculator for astrophotography
- [Sun & Moon Direction](https://camerasettings.com/tools/sun-moon-direction/): Sun and moon position, azimuth compass for light planning
- [Long Exposure Calculator](https://camerasettings.com/tools/long-exposure/): ND filter strength and shutter speed calculator
- [Time-lapse Calculator](https://camerasettings.com/tools/timelapse-calculator/): Interval and duration planner for time-lapse sequences
- [Depth of Field Calculator](https://camerasettings.com/tools/depth-of-field/): Hyperfocal distance, near/far focus limits by aperture and focal length
- [Panorama Planner](https://camerasettings.com/tools/panorama/): Overlap percentage and field of view calculator

## Free Resources & Downloads

Free downloadable photography resources, delivered by email.

- [Resources Hub](https://camerasettings.com/resources/): Overview of all free downloads — Lightroom presets and printable camera settings cheat sheets
- [Free Lightroom Presets](https://camerasettings.com/resources/lightroom-presets/): Free Night Sky and Nature Lightroom presets for astrophotography and landscape editing (.lrtemplate, Lightroom Classic & CC)
- [Free Cheat Sheets](https://camerasettings.com/resources/cheat-sheets/): Printable PDF cheat sheets — a Field Cheat Sheet (aperture, shutter speed, ISO), a Scenario Cheat Sheet (scene-by-scene settings plus white balance Kelvin guide), and a Milky Way Cheat Sheet (astrophotography settings, the 500 rule, and night planning)

## Optional

- [Full settings reference with detailed explanations](https://camerasettings.com/llms-full.txt)