As the name defines itself “Command Dial”, it applies commands of settings which photographer desires. It holds multiple attributes to adjust accordingly. Command dial can be said as a key instrument in performing photographic sessions. In Nikon cameras, it is located right on the position of your right hand thumb if you hold the camera with your right hand. In Canon cameras, it is located near shutter release button. The position of Command Dial in Canon cameras is vertical while in Nikon, it’s horizontal. This multi functional part by default performs increment and reduction in shutter speed without any combination with any other button/key. In details below, you’ll learn how this dial works solely and in combination with other buttons/functions.

Functions of Command Dial – A key instrument of DSLR



Exclusive Use
1- This instrument has a key role like shutter release button in camera. User can increase and reduce the shutter speed through this dial by default without any combination. Moving this dial to left reduces shutter speed and dialing this to right side increases shutter speed.

Manual Mode: Manual Mode is located on Mode Dial Button where all modes are available to choose for better condition/situation. User can set the dial mode by rotating it to “M” which means “Manual Mode” then rotating the Command Dial to adjust the shutter speed.
Shutter Priority Mode: Shutter Priority Mode can also be seen on Mode Dial near Manual Mode. It is symbolized as “S” on Mode Dial which means Shutter Priority Mode. User can increase or decrease shutter speed by first adjusting Mode Dial to “S” then rotating the Command Dial left or right to adjust by your desired figure. While in Shutter Priority Mode, you can only change shutter speed while F-Number changes depends on how you change shutter speed.
Aperture Priority Mode: It’s near the Shutter Priority Mode, and it’s function is to control aperture/bokeh while shooting images. After selecting this mode, Command Dial can perform for user to change aperture according to user’s need. Changing aperture on Aperture mode can cause shutter speed to change as well to maintain the image quality.
Viewing Images: Clicking on the Play button on camera gets you on images previews what you’ve captured. Right there, if you scroll Command Dial to the right or left, you can view your images next and previous.
Menus: Press on the Menu button then scroll the Command Dial, the camera will select options listed within the menu. You can go up and down in a menu by rotating Command Dial.

In Combination With
FN Button: If you face the camera by front side, you can see the FN button is located right side of the lens on camera, printed “Fn” on button. Talking about combination of command dial with other buttons, I would assist you that it works with Function Button (FN) to adjust the ISO high or low by simply press and hold FN button, then scrolling the command dial right or left to adjust it at your desired position.
Aperture Button: Aperture button is located on top side of the camera near shutter release button. Through Command Dial, user can adjust Aperture by press and hold Aperture Button, then rotating the Command Dial for your desired F-Number.