Abstract: “Programmed manual modes” mimic the processes a digital camera user goes through manually, but at the speed of the processor built in the camera. Each program preferably includes an exposure condition and a set of shooting parameters, with each parameter having a range and a priority. The processor automatically applies the parameters in sequential fashion within their ranges based upon their priorities, causing the camera to take a picture if and when the exposure condition is met. The shooting parameters may include one or more of ISO, aperture and shutter speed, and the ranges generally include upper or lower limits. The program may be created in the camera or downloaded into the camera from an external device, and the program may be written in a format that can be shared with other camera users. The program preferably includes one or more pre-compose settings to establish a set of initial shooting conditions.