swartfort Loc: Evansville, IN

Lots of it has centered on learning how to shoot manual, or what are the benefits of all the different "shooting modes".

Well to day I found what I think is a great use for the P "program mode" on my Nikon.

My wife and I are going to a big family birthday bash over labor day weekend. She asked if we could use my camera and the cheapo kit lens (18-55) as a sort of community camera, so anyone could feel free to pick it up and take a shot or three.

It will be an outdoor event in a semi-closed area, and also some time on a big pontoon boat. I am not a fan of AUTO simply because I don't like the way the camera uses the "area" focus mode. I don't think this would be the best way to capture images if a true novice picked up the camera and simply pointed and shot. So I got to thinking.

I am going to set this up in a P mode. I am setting the focus to single point, I am setting the ISO to a range between 400 and 3200, and I set the range of shutter speed to between 125 and 1600. I cannot set the aperture, so the only variable that I am leaving to the camera is DOF. For point and shoot that is a small sacrifice if the images are focused, exposed, and composed as the photographer wishes.

The other thing I did was take the BBF off and went back to the standard shutter. The lens is fast enough so I don't think that even telling the true novices about the half press will be that important. I plan on starting the day leaving the camera in continuous mode to take bursts of shots to try to help the novices get some quality among the quantity.

Does anyone have any experience like this or have any thoughts?

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

I thought "P" was for professional.
Definitely disable the BBF.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Absolutely not. I'd never let anyone, other than a very small and select few people, handle my photographic equipment.

Besides, everyone has a cellphone with which they are more comfortable. Let 'em take their own snapshots with their phones.
--Bob

tiphareth51 Loc: Somewhere near North Pole, Alaska

Leaving my camera out for others to use would not be something I would do.
Photography equipment is very expensive and I would leave nothing to chance. My recommendation would be to purchase several disposable cameras. Just my 2 cents worth.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

P is for Professional, all the other modes are provided for use by the general public.

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

Bob hit it. Cellphones rule. - Dave

swartfort Loc: Evansville, IN

LMAO.... I so knew this was going to be the response.... Truth be told, full disclosure, and the honest truth....

I would like nothing better than to have an excuse to upgrade to a D7xxx series camera. The "trauma" of seeing my D3400 being sacrificed for a spiffy new D7500 would be in show only. Hence the cheapo kit lens (replaceable used for $50) only.

I have had GAS for awhile now but have promised my wife to refrain... so we shall see. Nothing ventured nothing gained!!!!

I am all smiles here.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

No experience whatsoever, BUT, I think the second you take the camera off of AUTO, the keeper rate will go DOWN because you’ve put parameters on the shots.
Just leave you phone out for them, with the “find me” app enabled!!! LoL
SS

swartfort Loc: Evansville, IN

I continue to have issues with AUTO mode not allowing for the user to chose focal points or metering parameters. Full frame focus and wide metering on a lake is not going to give crisp images. I get those who are AUTO fans.... as I get those that are FULL MANUAL fans (fans=you know fanatics???) But the P mode (contrary to "P is for PROFESSIONAL") is designed specifically to allow some modifications. I have NEVER seen any post here espousing the benefits of the P. I wonder if any hoggers actually ever use that function.

I am a firm believer that each of the functions on the camera CAN have a use, and I am not afraid to explore them. I am not tied to any program or lack thereof, just enjoying the ability to see, learn, and grow. I'll try anything once as you can see LOL.

BTW... nothing says that at some point I cannot grab the camera back, check results, and slip it into AUTO....

I'll post any images of value when/if I get them

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Leaving the camera in Program and removing BBF is like putting training wheels on your bike. d

swartfort Loc: Evansville, IN

And you saw my OP as to why right?

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

You don't disable BBF - but you do enable focus on shutter half press. BBF is always available by default, unless one has reassigned the button to a different function

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Jerry G Loc: Waterford, Michigan and Florida

Not a good idea. If you are going to do this do not set it on single point focus, the focus point could fall on the background and the subject would be out of focus. The D3400 does not have a focus point lock, my biggest complaint about this camera, no telling where the focus point might end up. Maybe your wife actually wants an excuse for you to upgrade, what a loving wife you have.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I've read articles that said that. Kinda makes you wonder about the qualifications of the writer.