The M (on the Mode Dial) stands for...

• A. Mode
• B. Manual
• C. Metering
• D. Matrix

Answer: (B)

The M on the mode dial indicates Manual exposure mode, which gives you full control over exposure by letting you set both shutter speed and aperture yourself. In this mode the camera won’t automatically choose those settings, so you decide how bright or dark the image should be, using the light meter as a guide rather than as a command. You can still adjust ISO and use the meter reading to judge the result, but the final exposure is determined by you. The other terms refer to how light is measured or to automatic shooting options, not to the dial setting for manual control.