A control method for a digital photographing apparatus is provided in which one of operating modes associated with a button is set according to the length of time the button is pressed and a digital photographing apparatus using the method. The method includes setting a next operating mode in a forward direction if a first setting signal is generated by pressing the button and setting a next operating mode in a reverse direction if a second setting signal including the first setting signal is generated by pressing the button. Also, a system for controlling the operation of a digital photographing apparatus is provided. The system includes means for a digital photographing apparatus to operate in at least two selectable operating modes, means for showing the available operating modes in both a forward and reverse direction and means for selecting one of the operating modes.