What Mode (Page 4): I mostly shoot in Manual but will choose the other modes when it suits my purpose: Aperture to control depth of field, Shutter especially in water shots, Program...

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

I mostly shoot in Manual but will choose the other modes when it suits my purpose: Aperture to control depth of field, Shutter especially in water shots, Program when I'm hiking and don't want to miss the wildlife shot. A good photographer knows and will use all of the tools on his camera by choice, not by default.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Depending on subject I use very often Aperture Priority. Manual mode is also a favorite especially with my mirrorless cameras using Live View.
When using Aperture Priority I am always ready to use exposure compensation when needed.

jack30000

I honestly don't know! I was used to manual with a 35mm SLR and then automatic with point and shoot, now that I have a DSLR, I'm still experimenting. M on the DSLR is not quite as convenient as it was on the 35mm, otherwise I'd probably use it all the time.

I think the answer is it depends. On may things. How much time to I have to set up the shot? Do I need to stop action? In low light I may set the shutter to 1/60. Or do I need to control, depth of field? I've learned to shoot automatic, aim at whatever needs to be most properly exposed like a face, press the shutter halfway, and then compose and shoot. Works in some modes, not others and I can never remember which.

Sammizer

As a photo Journalist I shoot only Manual, that gives me control of the image I want. I grew up with the old manual 35 mm film cameras so for me it is second nature. The more you shoot in manual the better you will become, it will be second nature for you

jwkruger

I use A for metering, M for bracketing, P when I'm shooting quick multiples with light changes.

RickL Loc: Vail, Az

My history was with 21/4 or 35mms film. That was all manual. I am new to digital, so far I have used aperture or shutter speed. Depends on what my subject is. I usually set the isolated. Haven't tried manual yet.

RickL Loc: Vail, Az

I love auto correct, that should be I.S.O. not isolated

RickL Loc: Vail, Az

My history was with 21/4 or 35mms film. That was all manual. I am new to digital, so far I have used aperture or shutter speed. Depends on what my subject is. I usually set the isolated. Haven't tried manual yet.

twinhearts Loc: Southwestern Michigan

Rongnongno wrote:

You have hundreds of folks capable of giving you as many different answers. Which one do you want/expect to make you happy?

This question probably seems redundant to you. However, as someone who is relatively new to shooting in manual, I actually learn from questions like this. We do not all have the expertise that you have.

To answer the question, I usually shoot in Aperture because it is what I feel most comfortable using. After a while, I will use the other modes until I feel comfortable with them also.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

I shoot in Program mode since most of my shots are snapshots.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I use most all of the modes, including Program (P) on occasion. Depends entirely on what I am shooting, the results I want, and the existing and expected lighting. Throughout all this, I do tend to want to control my aperture more than anything else and I do like Nikon's Auto ISO choices. Best of luck.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

RickL wrote:

My history was with 21/4 or 35mms film. That was all manual. I am new to digital, so far I have used aperture or shutter speed. Depends on what my subject is. I usually set the isolated. Haven't tried manual yet.

I used 35mm film for nearly forty years. My first camera, which cost me $35 in 1969, provided bare automation just barely beyond manual, but by the time I purchased my Super Program in 1984 I was enjoying all the modes I have today {I don't use automated ISO selection} and the camera I purchased in 1995 provided auto focus and motor drive. Thus, I don't have much more capability now than I had then.

Bullfrog Bill Loc: CT

Who is keeping score?

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Bullfrog Bill wrote:

Who is keeping score?

Who Cares

IreneAC Loc: San Diego

twinhearts wrote:

This question probably seems redundant to you. However, as someone who is relatively new to shooting in manual, I actually learn from questions like this. We do not all have the expertise that you have.

As do I (learn from questions like these).

In fact, I bookmark many of these types of seemingly basic questions/answers so that I may go back and review the somewhat diverse answers and then experiment on my own.
I can't tell you how much I have learned on this forum and this is after taking a digital photography class on-line. I realize now how much that class didn't teach me even though it seemed thorough at the time (no fault of the instructor).
There really is so much to learn...