AUTOMATIC EXPOSURE

Definition: A system that automatically sets correct exposure by linking a camera’s exposure meter with the shutter or aperture or both. There are three main types: aperture priority, when the photographer sets the aperture and the camera selects the appropriate speed; shutter priority, when the photographer chooses the speed and the camera sets the correct aperture; and programmed, when the camera sets both aperture and shutter speed. Aperture priority is advantageous when you want to control depth of field; shutter priority comes into its own particularly in action photography; and programmed exposure can be useful when the photographer has to react quickly. Abbreviated AE.