SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

My first digital camera was a point and shoot, so I spent a lot of time with "auto". My next digital camera was a DSLR (Nikon D7000), and I tried the A and S modes, but eventually decided it was important to learn to use M. While M is what I now prefer, the other modes can be useful depending on what you are seeking to accomplish.

I have saved quotes from others that struck me as worth remembering, but unfortunately did not note down who said them. Apologies if someone here recognizes their words! Here are two from UHH that are particularly appropriate to this discussion:

"In order to to grow as a photographer, I recommend learning to use Manual Mode when capturing images. If it overwhelms you, start with Aperture Priority or Shutter Priority and build on top of that. But as we all know - ultimately exposure modes don't matter - the image captured does. Most of all - have fun as a photographer!"

"When shooting Birds in Flight, sports, graduation ceremonies, I generally use shutter preferred because I am using a telephoto lens. If I'm shooting a panorama, I'll use manual because I want all exposures to be the same. If I'm shooting something that requires a specific depth of field, I'll use aperture preferred. If I'm only shooting snapshots I'll use auto."

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

Manual mode, second to manual would be aperture for portraits and shutter speed for sports.

Bugfan Loc: Toronto, Canada

The modes are for different situations. When I'm shooting macro I often opt for "A" since depth of field is my biggest issue at that moment. When I'm chasing a moving subject "S" is the answer since the shutter speed becomes the issue. And when I don't want to be bothered "P" is a nice compromise though the best images do not come from that setting.

However, if you really want to learn photography and become creative in your craft you must learn how to use "M", manual. The processor in your camera tries to give you "nice" pictures but it cannot give you outstanding images because it has no way of knowing exactly what it is you want to create. It always tries to average everthing regardless and "average" can often be equated to "mediocre". Manual allows you to push the camera and create effects that you can never achieve with the other modes. This mode also helps you to better understand what's possible.

As to scene modes, the camera, not knowing what you want to do, needs help sometimes and the scene modes are that help. Each one programs the camera for a certain effect to give you better pictures for each scene. But as usual you will get an average image from the scene mode, it will simply look better than a normal one. You should be able to create the same effect using your menus and this is something you need to learn too. If you know how to configure the camera you are able to get even more impressive images after a bit of practice. Good luck!

MtnMan Loc: ID

I think you are confusing P with Auto.

You can get the same range of exposures with P, S, and A. I use them all depending on what I wish to emphasize. P is best for walkaround where you want to change aperture and shutter speed from shot to shot. A for landscape. S for subjects that move especially water.

I use M with auto ISO for wildlife.

My D800 doesn't have Auto or Scene modes. My D5300 does but I don't use them.

bkellyusa Loc: Nashville, TN

I'd'd like to second these comments. I start in Manual but I often move to other modes depending what I want. I even use the "Scene" modes. I have a friend who is an incredible, professional photographer and he uses whatever mode he thinks suits his needs at the time. He knows his camera so well he knows in advance whether or not he should try to adjust all of the parameters in Manual or just switch to a "Scene" mode. With this approach he's done sunset photos that could go on the wall.

Ttaylor

When I Travel I use mostly shutter preferred mode. I set the shutter speed to 1/10th the max focal length of my lens or 1/125 if the lens is a wide angle.
This maximizes my dof while avoiding camera shake. It works for me.

I use the sports mode for fast action shots. I've tried every combination you can think of and when editing the best are always shot in sports mode

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

I use Manual mode the most -- I guess I'm a control freak. I will use shutter priority when photographing moving water while using a variable NDF. I will use aperture priority when depth of field is an issue. I will use programmed mode to give me a starting point for finding my "numbers" under unusual lighting conditions and then will switch to manual mode to fine tune my settings.

bkellyusa Loc: Nashville, TN

I wish I had also said that I use the Scene modes as a fall back to Manual. Especially on sunsets scenes. The Scene mode is often better and often doesn't require any additional PP.

NikonCharlie Loc: Kansas USA

I do the aperture some, usually use M mode. Newer Nikon cameras allow me to set the iso limits and shutter speed limits. Quick and simple to set up for any shoot using M mode.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

I use M the most, just because it is easier to control everything myself and know exactly what the camera is doing. But I use the other modes for certain things - S for grandkid soccer games, A for tripod-mounted landscapes, Auto for casual shots on guided indoor tours. I don't use P, so have that one re-programmed to do something else. I don't often use auto ISO though, and if I do, I give it very little latitude.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

What she said.

catchlight.. Loc: Wisconsin USA- Halden Norway

A twist on this for you can be to put the camera in manual mode/ AUTO- ISO and control shutter and aperture as needed. If you need a controlled shutter speed of 200 to avoid camera shake with a 200mm lens and any range of DOF, shallow or deep for effect... the difference is compensated with ISO. If there is adequate light and you want to avoid action blur this works perfectly and if the camera handles high ISO in low light its even better. I use this over mode priorities most of the time.

gsmith051 Loc: Fairfield Glade, TN

Shoot mostly raw in Manuel mode.

jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

When not on a tripod, I mostly use what I call a "semi" manual mode by selecting shutter speed and aperture, then letting the camera select the ISO. When on a tripod, it's usually full manual.

robiversen

I use aperture mode most of the time, once in awhile shutter