Anti-Pontification Post #3
Sep 5, 2019 15:06:29 #
Retina
Loc: Near Charleston,SC
Brucej67 wrote:
Why not just get a point and shoot, sounds like you have to learn photography.
The idea of being ready with a camera sounds good, but how often are we in reach of a camera and not have time to set the exposure in some way? I agree a point and shoot can be handy for the glove box, though these days a cell phone is just as useful for those rare scenes worth documenting on the spur of the moment. Occasionally when driving or walking I will encounter an unexpected scene that forces me to stop. But if I have that much time, I certainly have a few seconds to adjust the basic settings. In other words, the idea makes some sense but sounds more like a solution in search of a need.
Some of the responses make me wonder. Is using auto focus also considered unprofessional? Not that I am at risk for gaining that title, but some readers like to know the latest rules. I don't see this electronic feature dismissed as quickly as some of the others.
Sep 5, 2019 15:10:45 #
Angmo wrote:
P does stand for “P”rofessional mode... 
I shoot full manual or aperture priority most all the time. My Camera just can’t read my mind nor see my vision.
The pic here was shot full manual at around 5:30am. Not sure how auto anything camera settings would do better... or even understood what I wanted.
& BTS... was breaking the set down and almost forgot to take a shot.
I shoot full manual or aperture priority most all the time. My Camera just can’t read my mind nor see my vision.
The pic here was shot full manual at around 5:30am. Not sure how auto anything camera settings would do better... or even understood what I wanted.
& BTS... was breaking the set down and almost forgot to take a shot.
This is a perfect example of "unless you have a good reason to change something", not for a quick unexpected grab shot.
Sep 5, 2019 15:15:31 #
jackm1943 wrote:
This is a perfect example of "unless you have a good reason to change something", not for a quick unexpected grab shot.
I never have a good reason to change something. I prefer to control the camera. Others prefer auto controls and enjoy their results.
It’s all good. The camera is a tool to make images.
Sep 5, 2019 15:30:29 #
I've almost always used Aperture mode, ISO as low as light should tolerate, and just make sure shutter speed is acceptable. Exception was kids sports, when I used S mode. But my history is mostly film, in which ISO (ASA) can't be changed shot to shot. And higher speeds sacrificed so much image quality. Last week at San Diego Zoo and Safari Park I started using M mode with Auto ISO. Two wheels to change aperture and/or shutter speed on the fly. I don't think I'm going back, it was so good.
Sep 5, 2019 15:42:02 #
PGHphoto
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
SuperflyTNT wrote:
This time the asterisks are mine.
Keep your camera on Auto-Everything as its standard stand-by configuration so you can get the grab shot.
Leave it that way, *unless you have a good reason to change something.*
I guess it comes down to what you think is a good reason to change something. Personally I don’t use auto-everything. I tend to leave it in aperture priority at around f8 with auto ISO. *Unless I have a good reason to change something*
Keep your camera on Auto-Everything as its standard stand-by configuration so you can get the grab shot.
Leave it that way, *unless you have a good reason to change something.*
I guess it comes down to what you think is a good reason to change something. Personally I don’t use auto-everything. I tend to leave it in aperture priority at around f8 with auto ISO. *Unless I have a good reason to change something*
I think we agree - auto-everything can be usable but for the most part we want to control the result rather than deferring to the camera.
Sep 5, 2019 15:43:52 #
[quote=Retina]The idea of being ready with a camera sounds good, but how often are we in reach of a camera and not have time to set the exposure in some way?
For some of us that do street photography, often a lot of times. The so called decisive moment is only a moment, after all.
For some of us that do street photography, often a lot of times. The so called decisive moment is only a moment, after all.
Sep 5, 2019 16:33:45 #
For me, focus is more challenging than exposure in most street photo circumstances. So, WIDE angle, and focus at hyperfocal distance (switch to manual focus or with BBF, don't touch your button). Then "point and shoot;" M with autoISO works.
Sep 5, 2019 16:46:37 #
catchlight..
Loc: Wisconsin USA- Halden Norway
Retina wrote:
The idea of being ready with a camera sounds good,... (show quote)
I have caught so many shots within milliseconds with a Fuji X100F, and it is always is around my neck just for that reason... especially at an event or photo shoot.
In fact, I'm editing several dozen shots at the moment for two magazines that are gun and shoot style from the Fuji. Some of my best shot can be produced from this stealth camera at a moments notice.
I wanted to take a few minutes while editing to comment on that. The right camera for the right task is most important, Don't expect a big DLSR with a 6 pound 24-70 lens to be effective, especially out in the public.
I own several 1DX MKii's and a 5D Mk4, but rely on the Fuji X100f to be ready at a moments notice. That could be why so many Pro's own the X100f.
My recommendation is to go out and purchase a capable camera, and not argue the virtues of automatic settings on something that is out of it's element.
Sep 5, 2019 16:55:32 #
JimBart
Loc: Western Michigan
More than one way to skin a cat... I say. Were not all professionals so whatever works for you to get a good picture.... do it.
Seems like PP is the in thing and good photography techniques straight out of the camera have gone the way of the dinosaurs
Seems like PP is the in thing and good photography techniques straight out of the camera have gone the way of the dinosaurs
Sep 5, 2019 18:41:49 #
Retina
Loc: Near Charleston,SC
catchlight.. wrote:
I have caught so many shots within milliseconds wi... (show quote)
I wasn't arguing the virtue or lack of it regarding automatic settings. In fact, I picked auto focus as back handed way of pointing out that the refusal (to admit) to ever use an auto setting is a silly basis to make class distinctions among lovers of photography.
Sep 5, 2019 19:42:06 #
Najataagihe wrote:
I have never in my life had any camera set on auto-everything, nor would I ever do such a stupid thing!Keep your camera on Auto-Everything as its standard stand-by configuration so you can get the grab shot.
Leave it that way, unless you have a good reason to change something.
Leave it that way, unless you have a good reason to change something.
Sep 5, 2019 20:56:22 #
I am pretty new to photography (about 5 years) and I also shoot full manual with only back button focusing
Sep 5, 2019 21:52:24 #
If full auto mode works for you and you are happy with the results,,,great ! I have missed too many shots by not having a fast enough shutter speed so I shoot in shutter priority the most, then about the same amount in aperture priority and manual mode when I have time to adjust settings to get what I want,,,I shoot the Fuji XT3 so it is easy to adjust shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and exposure compensation right on the camera body itself and since it is mirrorless the exposure is in real time right in the viewfinder...I mess with white balance rarely depending on the lighting, and as I walk around outside even if I am not going to take a picture at that moment I use the viewfinder to adjust exposure against the different backgrounds I might be shooting against...all that and I still have fun but am still not happy with my pictures....
Sep 5, 2019 23:38:05 #
JimBart wrote:
More than one way to skin a cat... I say. Were not all professionals so whatever works for you to get a good picture.... do it.
Seems like PP is the in thing and good photography techniques straight out of the camera have gone the way of the dinosaurs
Seems like PP is the in thing and good photography techniques straight out of the camera have gone the way of the dinosaurs
PP has always been a thing, going back to the early days of photography. That doesn’t change the importance of good photographic techniques.
Sep 5, 2019 23:39:33 #
SuperflyTNT wrote:
PP has always been a thing, going back to the early days of photography. That doesn’t change the importance of good photographic techniques.
Yup. In the film days, the lab did the PP. Now, you have to do it yourself.
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