Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
Main Photography Discussion
"P" vs manual
Page <<first <prev 6 of 9 next> last>>
Jun 12, 2018 12:59:08   #
ecurb1105
 
Bison Bud wrote:
I like "Program" mode as an auto mode because I can still manually adjust my ISO and also generally leave the camera set in this mode for a quick shot when needed. I also frequently use shutter and aperture priority modes when I want to control depth of field and motion capture. However, I do use manual mode when I'm trying to get creative and/or have time to make adjustments to get things just right. Unfortunately, many on this site see manual as some sort of badge or ego booster. I think they're just jealous that many of us can and do use the auto modes with great results. Frankly, there's a place and time for each mode and I think knowing how and when to use one mode over another is a key to successful photography and I shot for years with a fully manual Pentax K-1000, so it's not like I can't make good use of manual mode when needed. Good luck and good shooting to all.
I like "Program" mode as an auto mode be... (show quote)


I agree. I use P for about 80 percent of my DSLR shooting. One spin of the control wheel will vary shutter speed and aperture while the camera keeps the exposure value constant. If I want a different effect, I will switch to manual with a fixed ISO. Also manual when using external strobes.

Reply
Jun 12, 2018 13:03:14   #
selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA
 
drklrd wrote:
I use auto focus because there is no split image focus screen or anything but a little white dot to confirm focus. When shooting sports watching that dot makes me miss shots.

I would use autofocus if I photographed sports or other moving subjects, but I don't do either. It's a crap-shoot and I would not expect a lot of keepers. My subjects are usually relatively stationary.

Reply
Jun 12, 2018 13:19:58   #
BME Loc: Roswell, New Mexico
 
drkird, I have a great friend who lives in Utah who tells me that I carry way too much gear with me to my photo shoots. It seems that we are of the same mindset. Try to be prepared for whatever nature may throw at you. I even keep zip lock baggies handy for batteries, lenses, cameras, etc... One can never tell.

Reply
 
 
Jun 12, 2018 13:32:48   #
wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado
 
Bill_de wrote:
If you are shooting Nikon (or other brand) where P is the flexible program mode it can be very useful. But it's not like a rotisserie, you can't "Set it and forget". You need to be aware of your shutter speed and aperture even after assuring the exposure is correct.

An advantage over manual is at times you only need to make one adjustment instead of two. If you are at f/11 @ 1/250 and decide you need to stop action, a turn of one dial instead of two can have you at F/8 at 1/500. It's a minor point, but knowing the advantages and disadvantages of every mode can be helpful.

--
If you are shooting Nikon (or other brand) where P... (show quote)


You are quite accurate. And it depends on the shooting situation. Even though I use "P" 90% / 95% of the time, since I can control two functions at the same time using "P", the "A", "S", and "M" modes are not strangers to me. One must become knowledgeable enough to know when "P" will not do the job. Most pros are very, very, good at that since that is what puts food on the table.

Reply
Jun 12, 2018 14:11:07   #
Wmetcalf Loc: Rogersville, Mo
 
canadaboy wrote:
Having fiddled around for some time and missing out on way too many photo opportunities fiddling with manual settings, these days I simply set my camera on "P", ISO on Auto with a maximum value set to control the shutter speed, and rely on the number of focus points that I choose to set the depth of field by virtue of the camera selected aperture.

Who else actually trusts their camera and their ability to operate it similarly?

Av, manual ISO, works for me. But I use all the modes sometimes.

Reply
Jun 12, 2018 14:12:06   #
ballsafire Loc: Lafayette, Louisiana
 
wdross wrote:
You are quite accurate. And it depends on the shooting situation. Even though I use "P" 90% / 95% of the time, since I can control two functions at the same time using "P", the "A", "S", and "M" modes are not strangers to me. One must become knowledgeable enough to know when "P" will not do the job. Most pros are very, very, good at that since that is what puts food on the table.


I have settled on using the Tv/A mode for a long time - now I have read this thread I'm ready to try P mode! Very interesting reading - thanks all!

Reply
Jun 12, 2018 14:34:05   #
jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska
 
canadaboy wrote:
Having fiddled around for some time and missing out on way too many photo opportunities fiddling with manual settings, these days I simply set my camera on "P", ISO on Auto with a maximum value set to control the shutter speed, and rely on the number of focus points that I choose to set the depth of field by virtue of the camera selected aperture.

Who else actually trusts their camera and their ability to operate it similarly?


I think in those situations you would be better prepared using manual shutter and aperture with auto ISO.

Reply
 
 
Jun 12, 2018 14:34:17   #
trinhqthuan Loc: gaithersburg
 
I don't depend on P, trust? yes!. But 60% or more on A mode, around 30% M mode, 10% or less S mode. P mode : none, unless I hand the cameras to someone helping me take my pic (no more with today selfie). 95% in Auto ISO.

Reply
Jun 12, 2018 15:02:23   #
MissSue
 
NEVER... and when my husband puts his camera on auto ISO I nag him that that is the same as P... If you have a decent camera learn how to use it!! I do use A or Tv and jpg when shooting a kids soccer game, but other than that it's Manual and RAW

Reply
Jun 12, 2018 15:46:15   #
IDguy Loc: Idaho
 
mgoldfield wrote:
"P" is really just a step up from full "Auto."

Why spend lots of cash on a fine dSLR and high quality lenses and then let a
computer become the photographer?

Choosing "Auto" or "P" is probably a good choice when one is unschooled
in exposure. Admittedly, these modes will provide acceptable results about
95% of the time. Unless time is of the essence why "shoot crap?"

Real photography is about composition, exposure and focus choices.
"P" is really just a step up from full &... (show quote)


Here is just one example of the many people here who do not understand P mode...at least for Nikons. P mode is nothing like auto. It let’s you control everything and use the thumbwheel to choose the aperature and shutter speed combo you want for the shot.

P is really just a step up in flexibility from A or S mode by giving you control over the combination of shutter speed and aperture in one step.

Auto ISO is a seperate issue. I only use it with M mode.

Reply
Jun 12, 2018 15:47:06   #
Bill_de Loc: US
 
muphoto wrote:
That's a very insulting remark. I have worked as a professional photographer for over 40 years. I use a combination of manual and the various auto modes on my D4and D5 cameras, mostly using one or the other of the auto modes because I have taken the time to learn to use them. I have taken the time to learn about exposure and white balance and getting the image right in the camera, not the lazy route thinking it doesn't matter cause I can always fix it later on the computer. I get great joy and satisfaction in the work I do. I know many professionals that work very hard, often long hours in all kinds of conditions and they take great pride in the images they produce. If I wanted a job where i "get it done and get paid" it would not be in photography. To make the remarks you made shows you know little about the profession of photography.
That's a very insulting remark. I have worked as ... (show quote)


"... because I have taken the time to learn to use them."

I think in many cases that is the crux of it. If you learn to use the various modes you are not giving up control, but taking control of a more complex system. For some it is easier to defend their ignorance by claiming they won't give up control. But some folks are so proficient with manual that is all they need.

--

---

Reply
 
 
Jun 12, 2018 16:09:10   #
photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA
 
I'm a control freak and shoot in manual the vast majority of the time. I also underexpose for the sky and will combine multiple photos to achieve correct exposures with a balance between highlights and shadows.

That being said, when out hiking I will use one of the "auto" modes so that I will get a decently exposed photo "on the fly".

Reply
Jun 12, 2018 16:13:05   #
carl hervol Loc: jacksonville florida
 
I use manual 75%of the time.

Reply
Jun 12, 2018 16:17:42   #
IDguy Loc: Idaho
 
muphoto wrote:
That's a very insulting remark. I have worked as a professional photographer for over 40 years. I use a combination of manual and the various auto modes on my D4and D5 cameras, mostly using one or the other of the auto modes because I have taken the time to learn to use them. I have taken the time to learn about exposure and white balance and getting the image right in the camera, not the lazy route thinking it doesn't matter cause I can always fix it later on the computer. I get great joy and satisfaction in the work I do. I know many professionals that work very hard, often long hours in all kinds of conditions and they take great pride in the images they produce. If I wanted a job where i "get it done and get paid" it would not be in photography. To make the remarks you made shows you know little about the profession of photography.
That's a very insulting remark. I have worked as ... (show quote)


If you would invest the time to learn the post processing tools you’d know they give you much more control than the limited functions of even your top line cameras. You’d learn not to criticize it as “lazy” and understand it is actually more intense than claiming to “get it right in the camera”.

Reply
Jun 12, 2018 16:25:34   #
pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY
 
Gene51 wrote:
Rarely does P serve my purposes. But there are many who swear by it.


Agree. P seldom sets the shutter I need nor gives me the DOF I want. While I can use manual I prefer either shutter or Aperture priority. Call it a compromise but I get exactly what I want.

Reply
Page <<first <prev 6 of 9 next> last>>
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Main Photography Discussion
UglyHedgehog.com - Forum
Copyright 2011-2024 Ugly Hedgehog, Inc.