Many of these parts are self explanatory, but for those that are not, this guide is helpful. (By the way, this camera can shoot 14-bit RAW in all drive modes. 14-bit RAW is more helpful when you try to pull out detail from underexposed shadows.)
Drive mode is for the number of shots taken, from single to burst.
Focus mode sets various focus parameters, from x-fine spot to wide full sensor focus.
Front and rear control dials can do different things depending on what shooting mode you’re in. AUTO is the easiest mode to work with until you want something AUTO cannot do.
(TLA = Three Letter Acronym)
AF-S = Auto Focus, Single shot
AF-C = Auto Focus, Continuous
DMF = Direct Manual Focus. Camera will start out in AF-S mode, focus on the subject, then stop trying to focus, and then it will go into manual mode, allowing you to tweak the focus if you choose. It will stay in manual focus mode for as long as you hold the shutter release button down halfway.
MF = Manual Focus. The camera will magnify the center of the viewfinder when this is activated. If Peaking Display is on, then you’ll see the colors that were assigned, in this case yellow. Every area that is highlighted in yellow is IN FOCUS.
The squares on the dial are:
H+ = 30 frames
Hi = 20 frames
Mid = 15 frames
Lo = 5 frames
Self timer is the little pointer in the wheel. 10, 5, and 2 seconds are available.
The asterisk ( * ) provides additional things you can with modes, accessilbe internally in the MENU. These are Single Shooting, Continuous Shooting, Self Timer Single and Continuous, Continuous Bracketing, Single Bracket, Focus Bracket, White Balance Bracket, and DRO Bracket. (DRO = Dynamic Range Optimization)
Silent Shutter
MENU > Camera > Shutter/Silent > Shutter Type set to AUTO and it will switch to electronic shutter when shooting continuously.