General Settings (Page 2): I would suggest initially use AUTO (GASP), it would be the same as what you probably shot with your point and shoot. After you gain more experience and...

LarryFB Loc: Depends where our RV is parked

mr spock wrote:

Thank you.
In reality I guess there is no one correct answer to my question. I realize there every shot is unique but thought there were
settings for that might cover most situations if I were simply walking down the street and didn't have time (or knowledge) to specially set the camera.
As for shooting RAW I just got a camera with that capability so its a bit new to me. Have been using a NIKON Coolpix point and shoot up to now.

I would suggest initially use AUTO (GASP), it would be the same as what you probably shot with your point and shoot. After you gain more experience and knowledge (read books like "Understanding Exposure" and many others), then you can set whatever exposure mode you think is appropriate.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

It's more important to assure that any unusual settings are removed. For example, if you'd manually set the ISO for indoor low-light shooting at ISO-5000, don't leave the camera set that way and walk out the door into summer afternoon sun ...

Jim Bob

mr spock wrote:

I'm sure this has been asked before but what are the recommended "standard" settings for your camera when leaving the house with no specific photographic purpose in mind.
Aperture or Shutter priority? Or simply set the camera on Auto?
Aperture setting/Shutter speed?
ISO setting?
Focusing mode?

Any info will be appreciated
Mr Spock

Don't know about "recommended". But I have settings that are routinely used.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

The answer to all questions in life: "It depends". For example: if using a telephoto you do not want the shutter speed to be too low, so you either want to use shutter priority mode or manual mode with the shutter speed set appropriately.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

Whatever my settings were when I last returned home.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Gene51 wrote:

The question you ask - it is not logical.

Which is unusual for Mr. Spock. :D

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

mr spock wrote:

I'm sure this has been asked before but what are the recommended "standard" settings for your camera when leaving the house with no specific photographic purpose in mind.
Aperture or Shutter priority? Or simply set the camera on Auto?
Aperture setting/Shutter speed?
ISO setting?
Focusing mode?

Any info will be appreciated
Mr Spock

You can't go wrong with Auto. In one of his videos, Joel Sartore (Nat Geo) said he leaves his cameras on Auto in the house. He knows he can pick one up and get a good shot on the spur of the moment. Thinking about aperture, shutter, and ISO will give that special moment time to get away.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

sb wrote:

The answer to all questions in life: "It depends". For example: if using a telephoto you do not want the shutter speed to be too low, so you either want to use shutter priority mode or manual mode with the shutter speed set appropriately.

I thought 42 was the ultimate answer.

nison777 Loc: illinois u.s.a.

First of all before you
go make sure no previous settings that you
may not want
are not set
i.e.. ISO, white balance are two that will trip you up every time,
Then if you are not sure of what you first encounter may be set the camera to flexible program auto, or the equivalent to your brand of camera.
Once you are on your way shooting, Set the camera to the need settings for the images you want to make specific to the scene you encounter.
As always have fun and be creative.

Desert Gecko Loc: desert southwest, USA

mr spock wrote:

I'm sure this has been asked before but what are the recommended "standard" settings for your camera when leaving the house with no specific photographic purpose in mind.
Aperture or Shutter priority? Or simply set the camera on Auto?
Aperture setting/Shutter speed?
ISO setting?
Focusing mode?

Any info will be appreciated
Mr Spock

Whatever you decide on as your camera defaults (shooting mode, ISO limits, etc.), use one of your camera's programmable memories to set them. Then after you adjust settings while shooting at dusk, or shooting a rainbow, or whatever, you won't have to try to remember all of your defaults or spend time checking them and changing them back. You simply change to any other shooting mode then back to your memory mode with all your defaults to instantly restore them.

Honestly, I don't know why all cameras don't come with a "user-defined defaults" mode int the first place.

Festus Loc: North Dakota

mr spock wrote:

I'm sure this has been asked before but what are the recommended "standard" settings for your camera when leaving the house with no specific photographic purpose in mind.
Aperture or Shutter priority? Or simply set the camera on Auto?
Aperture setting/Shutter speed?
ISO setting?
Focusing mode?

Any info will be appreciated
Mr Spock

Set everything on "Auto"!

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

mr spock wrote:

I'm sure this has been asked before but what are the recommended "standard" settings for your camera when leaving the house with no specific photographic purpose in mind.
Aperture or Shutter priority? Or simply set the camera on Auto?
Aperture setting/Shutter speed?
ISO setting?
Focusing mode?

Any info will be appreciated
Mr Spock

MY default settings for T1i or T4i: ISO 800, AV @f8,
if it's dark out I open up and maybe raise the ISO

Default on G15 is similar but at ISO 400

hope that helps, Bob.

leftj Loc: Texas

Gene51 wrote:

The question you ask - it is not logical.

Maybe not logical to you but seems perfectly logical to me.

leftj Loc: Texas

bobmcculloch wrote:

MY default settings for T1i or T4i: ISO 800, AV @f8,
if it's dark out I open up and maybe raise the ISO

Default on G15 is similar but at ISO 400

hope that helps, Bob.

I like your answer Bob. I may try it. Any particular reason on AV why you wouldn't use AUTO IOS? John

jeryh Loc: Oxfordshire UK

Set the exposure on P and relax !