# Suggested Camera Settings (Stills)

The following guide provides a <span class="s1">**recommended starting configuration**</span> for your camera when using the Camtraptions PIR Sensor v4. These settings are designed to produce reliable, well-exposed results in a wide range of conditions, both <span class="s1">**day and night**</span>.

This configuration is just one example — feel free to experiment with different settings to achieve specific creative effects or adapt to particular lighting conditions.

- <span class="s1">**Focus Mode:**</span> Set the camera to <span class="s1">**Manual Focus**</span> and pre-focus on the point where you expect the animal to trigger the sensor.
- **Drive Mode:** Set the camera to **Single Shot** mode rather than continuous drive. The sensor will automatically control the number of images and frame rate during each trigger sequence.
- <span class="s1">**ISO Setting:**</span> Use <span class="s1">**Auto ISO**</span> so the camera can automatically adjust to changing light levels. 
    - Optional: Limit the <span class="s1">**maximum ISO**</span> to around <span class="s1">**1600 or 3200**</span> to prevent excessive noise at night.
- **Exposure Mode:**<span class="s1"> Set the camera to </span>**Manual Exposure**<span class="s1"> mode.</span>
    - Use a <span class="s1">**shutter speed of 1/200 s**</span> to avoid motion blur or ghosting.
    - Choose an <span class="s1">**aperture of around f/8**</span> to provide sufficient depth of field and ensure the image is not overexposed in bright daylight at base ISO.
- <span class="s1">**Image Stabilisation:**</span> If your lens includes <span class="s1">**image stabilisation (IS)**</span> or <span class="s1">**vibration reduction (VR)**</span>, <span class="s1">**disable it**</span>. (These systems are unnecessary in a stationary setup.)
- <span class="s1">**Power Saving:**</span> Enable the camera’s <span class="s1">**auto power-off**</span> function so it powers down automatically after about <span class="s1">**30 seconds**</span> of inactivity.
- <span class="s1">**Image Review:**</span> Turn <span class="s1">**off automatic image review**</span> after each shot to conserve battery power.
- **Flash Power:**
    - Set each flash to <span class="s1">**manual power mode**</span> and adjust output to correctly expose the subject <span class="s1">**in complete darkness**</span>, based on your chosen manual exposure settings at the <span class="s1">**maximum ISO**</span> expected from Auto ISO.
    - As ambient light increases, the ISO will decrease, and the contribution from the flashes will naturally become less significant.
- <span class="s1">**Image Format:**</span> Shoot in <span class="s1">**RAW**</span> to retain maximum flexibility for adjusting exposure and brightness during post-processing.

This setup offers a dependable baseline that balances <span class="s1">**exposure, responsiveness, and image quality**</span>. Once you have verified that your sensor and flashes are triggering reliably, you can fine-tune exposure settings, flash ratios, or ISO limits to suit your specific environment and creative goals.