2005.03.01

Composition Priority [TM]

Composition Priority[TM] is a Trademark of Alan Browne, Lorraine, Quebec Canada.

Composition Priority [TM] is a mode for Digital SLR Cameras and all cameras where shutter speed, aperture and ISO are controllable by the photographer individually or in combination with limited degrees of freedom according to the selected exposure mode.

The classic priority modes in most modern SLR and DSLR cameras are Aperture priority (photographer sets aperture, speed is computed for the meter reading) and Shutter Priority (photographer sets shutter speed, aperture is computed for the meter reading.

Now, with the advent and success of digital SLR cameras, a third degree of exposure reciprocity is conveniently provided to the photographer. Now, the photographer can also vary the sensitivity of the sensor (commonly: "the ISO") as conditions and desired results may warrant.

So, a new mode for cameras can be programmed. I call this "Composition Priority" where Aperture and Shutter speed are both optimized for the desire depth of field and motion freeze (or movement) as the photographer may desire.

As an example, the photographer wants a shallow depth of field, and a low shutter speed. He selects a wide aperture and a low speed. For the light available, the camera selects a low ISO number.

In another case, in low light, the photographer wants the best depth of field and a good motion freeze. He selects a middle or even tighter aperture, and the camera selects a high ISO number.

The camera shall of course alert the photographer when any settings results in out of range ISO numbers or will fall back to relieving either shutter speed or aperture per custom settings.

Composition Priority[TM] is a Trademark of Alan Browne, Lorraine, Quebec Canada.

This webpage and its contents © 2005, 2006Alan Browne

2005.03.01 / REV 2006.03.12