swartfort Loc: Evansville, IN

I learned quickly why my photos taken on M had less color saturation/IQ by comparing how I would shoot on M, then shooting the same thing on P. What I found was that I was under exposing the vast majority of my images and then having to add color saturation in post. I also found out that P was not the best shooting mode for the style of shooting/subject I enjoy. If I was to use a programmed mode, I think S (shutter priority) would be my best bet for birds, BIF, sports.

So, applying what I learned, I am back to using M with auto ISO (notice I did not say manual because I don't want to be lectured that I am not shooting manual....so I will just call it what it is M with auto ISO) AND I have set my exposure compensation to +.3 or +7. I think it was a great, methodical, focused learning experience that I can see concrete results from.

Here are a couple of images I captured today:

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from my truck window with a 70-300

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camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Program mode is a simple point and shoot mode. The camera does the work the photographer in control is supposed to do. If the image does not satisfy the photographer then the camera should be blamed.
Many images will come out pretty nice using Program but there are many cases where overriding the controls of the camera can yield a better image. I am not a big fan of auto ISO but if it is working for you so be it.
In the Manual Mode, as you perfectly well know, the operator is in full control. If something fails it is the operator's fault, not the camera. Manual requires observation of the light, the subject and the visual design. It takes time and it is not the best shooting mode for everything. For landscape photography I use Manual Mode and most often manual focus confirming focus in the finder. If I fail to come up with a good image it is my fault, not the camera.
Other auto modes are useful also, like Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority where there is more control on the part of the operator than using Program. Flexible Program helps and offers some control.
Whatever method of photographing offers the photographer what he wants and needs that should be what he or she should use. To repeat myself again, the Manual Mode offers complete control of the camera.

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

At least in my Sony cameras, "P" mode lets me change things like f stop or shutter speed. In "p" mode, I most often use the exposure compensation (-/+) button to tweak the exposure. Just remember that any setting you change in P, Tv, S, A, or M mode will still be there the next shot or the next time you turn your camera on unless you "0" everything back out. Those will come up to bit you, especially if you changed something subtle like white balance. So always remember to "0" out after the shot. That is where "green" Auto mode comes into play. The camera will ignore all changes you have made and take the shot. Green Auto is good. It always works. It may not be the best but it always works.

danniepolley

Nice set

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Very nice series!

Daryl New Loc: Wellington,New Zealand

Nice shots,well done.

ab7rn Loc: Portland, Oregon

In my opinion m with auto ISO is manual. You are just changing film with each shot. In the past, that would have been very expensive.