Smartphone camera settings explained: try it yourself
This is the practical for the lesson. Work through it in order. Nothing here is a test of memory. Keep the lesson open if you need it and check the instructions as often as you like.
Aim
You should know which controls on your own phone actually change the photograph and which are simply convenient automatic modes.
What you need
Your own camera or phone, enough battery power to complete the exercise, and a memory card or free storage space where your equipment requires it. You do not need to buy anything specially for this practical.
Do this step by step
- Open the normal camera app and identify every visible lens/zoom button.
- Photograph the same subject using the main lens and each genuine camera option.
- Tap a bright area, then a dark area, and watch how focus/exposure responds.
- Use the exposure slider to make one deliberately darker and one deliberately brighter version.
- Try Portrait or Night mode only if your phone offers it, and compare with the normal mode.
What should happen
You should know which controls on your own phone actually change the photograph and which are simply convenient automatic modes.
If it does not work
Stop rather than changing lots of things at once. Check that the camera is switched on, the battery has charge and the card or storage is available. Then return to the last step that definitely worked. If a named control is missing, your camera may use a different name or menu location. Check the manual for your exact model. Never force a card, battery, lens, door or control.
Before you finish
Explain out loud, or in one sentence on paper, what you changed and what happened. If you can explain the result in your own words, you have understood the exercise. If you cannot, repeat the part that was unclear.