A Beginner’s Guide to Camera Buttons, Dials, and Functions

For anyone stepping into the world of photography, a modern DSLR or mirrorless camera can look like the cockpit of an airplane. With buttons, switches, dials, and cryptic abbreviations scattered across the body, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But once you get to know what each control does, the camera becomes a powerful extension of your creative eye.

In this post, we’ll walk through the most commonly found controls on a DSLR or mirrorless camera, explaining their functions in simple terms. Whether you’re using a Nikon, Canon, Sony, or any other brand, most of these features are universal in purpose if not in naming.

📸 The Basics: Buttons You’ll Use Every Time

1. Power Switch (ON/OFF)

Let’s start with the most obvious one — the power switch. Usually found around the shutter button or on the top of the camera, this switch turns your camera on or off.

2. Shutter Release Button

This is the main button you’ll use to take photos. Press it halfway to focus, and press it fully to capture the image.

3. Lens Release Button

When you need to change lenses, press this button and twist the lens off. Always make sure the camera is off before switching lenses to avoid sensor damage.

⚙️ Camera Modes and Dials

4. Mode Dial

This dial lets you choose how much control you want over your settings. The most common modes include:

AUTO: Fully automatic. Great for beginners.

P (Program Mode): The camera chooses the shutter speed and aperture, but you can control ISO and white balance.

S (Shutter Priority): You set the shutter speed, the camera adjusts the aperture.

A (Aperture Priority): You choose the aperture, and the camera adjusts the shutter speed.

M (Manual Mode): Full control of both aperture and shutter speed.

SCENE: Preset modes for specific situations like portraits, landscapes, or night photography.


5. Mode Dial Lock Release

Some cameras have a lock to prevent accidentally switching modes. Press the button in the center of the mode dial to rotate it.


🔧 Key Functional Buttons

6. ISO Button

ISO controls your camera’s sensitivity to light. Lower ISO (e.g., 100) is ideal for bright conditions, while higher ISO (e.g., 800 or 1600) helps in low-light situations but may add noise.

7. Exposure Compensation Button

This button lets you make your image brighter or darker without changing the core settings. For example, +1 will make the photo brighter, while -1 darkens it.

8. Flash Mode Button

This allows you to toggle between different flash modes like auto flash, red-eye reduction, slow sync, or turning the flash off completely.

9. Movie Record Button

Usually a red button near the viewfinder or top panel, it starts and stops video recording.

📐 Advanced Settings

10. Bracketing Increment Button

Used when you want to take multiple shots at different exposures — known as exposure bracketing. Handy for HDR photography.

11. AF-A (Auto-Focus Automatic)

In AF-A mode, the camera automatically switches between AF-S (single) and AF-C (continuous) depending on the movement of your subject.

12. M/A Switch on Lens

This switch lets you toggle between Manual (M) and Auto (A) focus on the lens itself. M/A or A/M designs allow manual override while autofocus is active.


🎛 Displays and Adjustment Tools

13. Control Panel

This is usually a small LCD screen on the top of the camera that shows your current settings: ISO, aperture (F14), shutter speed, and more.

14. Diopter Adjustment Control

Located near the viewfinder, this tiny dial adjusts the sharpness of the viewfinder to match your eyesight — especially helpful if you wear glasses.

15. Multi Selector

A joystick or directional pad used to navigate menus, scroll through images, or move your focus point in the frame.

🔊 Audio and Video Features

16. STEREO

If your camera has a built-in microphone, it may record in stereo for higher quality sound in videos.

📷 Physical Features and Add-ons

17. Built-in Pop-up Flash

A small flash that springs open when needed — useful in low-light or as a fill flash.

18. Accessory Shoe (Hot Shoe)

Located on top of the camera, it’s used to attach external devices like flashguns, microphones, or wireless triggers.

19. Eyelet for Camera Strap

These are small metal loops on either side of the camera body where you attach your camera strap for safe handling.


🧾 Bonus Terms and Numbers

20. 800 F14

You might see this combination on your display. It means:

800: ISO value

F14: Aperture (size of the lens opening). A higher number means a smaller opening, allowing less light in but offering more depth of field.


21. (998)

Typically indicates the number of photos remaining that can be stored on your memory card.

22. 中 (Zhong)

Sometimes seen on cameras sold in Asia, this Chinese character means “middle” or “medium.” It could refer to a medium battery level or image size setting.

🧩 What’s @beforv?

You may have noticed something unusual like @beforv in your camera menu or documentation. This appears to be either a placeholder, a file name, or a possible typo. If you spot such unusual tags, it’s best to consult your camera’s user manual or reset to factory settings.


Final Thoughts

Getting to know your camera’s buttons and functions is like learning a new language — intimidating at first, but rewarding as you begin to understand and communicate with your device more fluently. Instead of being overwhelmed by options, think of each button as a tool for creative control. The AUTO mode may be your starting point, but exploring modes like A, S, and M can elevate your photography significantly.

Start small: try adjusting ISO, changing focus modes, or using aperture priority. Familiarity will come with use, and soon you’ll be flipping through your settings without thinking twice. So pick up your camera, experiment, and most importantly, enjoy the process.