APERTURE PRIORITY

Aperture priority mode. This is where you could shoot if you want to control you depth of field. You choose the aperture (f-stop) and the camera gives you the correct corresponding shutter speed. You will notice that when you set a smaller aperture (larger number) you get a slower shutter speed. Conversly, when you set a larger aperture (smaller number) you get a faster shutter speed. Even though I am setting the aperture, I very closely watch that the shutter speed is fast enough to hand hold the camera. If not, I need a tripod. Also I need to make sure the shutter speed is fast enough to stop the action I am trying to shoot.
As far as depth of field is concerned, the easiest way I find to remember it is FAST shutter speed equals FUZZY background. SLOW shutter speed equals SHARP background. Fast is FUZZY, SLOW is SHARP.