For beginners, M or AUTO?
Sep 23, 2022 18:24:07 #
smf85 wrote:
My first camera was a fixed lens rangefinder 35mm camera with shutter preferred auto exposure. Focusing was easy with the rangefinder and there was a viewfinder display showing the f-stop. After using it a while, I started to do exposure compensation by adjusting the ISO value. I went on from there.
Sounds like Canonette G3, Konica C35, Minolta Himatic, etc. I always loved that genre. I had to constantly swipe my own C35 back from my sister. We sold tons of Canonette G3 17s when I was in retail. Not one single problem, all happy users. Sold everybody Kodacolor 400 and set their ASA to 250. All very happy users.
Sep 23, 2022 18:37:25 #
User ID wrote:
Uh huh. At least your right hand didnt reflexively find reverse where 2nd gear ought to be !
I reached for the stick. Luckily I grabbed air because the shifter was on the steering column
Sep 23, 2022 18:43:15 #
BebuLamar wrote:
To use auto effectively you should know how it works and it's more difficult to understand how auto modes work than manual mode. However, many people may not need to know anything to be successful. But if they ever need to know it would be a lot harder to learn later.
If you started out using a calculator then years later you want to learn how to do muliplication with pencil and paper it would be very difficult.
If you started out using a calculator then years later you want to learn how to do muliplication with pencil and paper it would be very difficult.
Yeah, I don’t think so. I fail to see how somebody that shoots in auto would have any more trouble learning to shoot in manual than somebody that never shot auto. It has no bearing. If anything it could be easier because they would already be comfortable with the other aspects of the camera and be able to focus on exposure rather than things like, well, “focus”.
Sep 23, 2022 18:49:07 #
SuperflyTNT wrote:
Yeah, I don’t think so. I fail to see how somebody that shoots in auto would have any more trouble learning to shoot in manual than somebody that never shot auto. It has no bearing. If anything it could be easier because they would already be comfortable with the other aspects of the camera and be able to focus on exposure rather than things like, well, “focus”.
That's my observation.
Sep 23, 2022 21:30:20 #
It is always useful to understand the relationship between aperture/shutter/ISO so at least you know what your camera is doing automatically.
You also better understand the camera limitations.
Then you won't sound foolish by complaining that some indoors picture is "blurry" when the lighting and maximum aperture made a reasonable photo impossible.
You also better understand the camera limitations.
Then you won't sound foolish by complaining that some indoors picture is "blurry" when the lighting and maximum aperture made a reasonable photo impossible.
Sep 23, 2022 22:34:08 #
radiojohn wrote:
It is always useful to understand the relationship between aperture/shutter/ISO so at least you know what your camera is doing automatically.
You also better understand the camera limitations.
Then you won't sound foolish by complaining that some indoors picture is "blurry" when the lighting and maximum aperture made a reasonable photo impossible.
You also better understand the camera limitations.
Then you won't sound foolish by complaining that some indoors picture is "blurry" when the lighting and maximum aperture made a reasonable photo impossible.
And I agree with that. I just don’t think there’s any benefit to starting a beginner out in manual. Start talking aperture, shutter speed and ISO in a vacuum and it’s word salad. Once they’re shooting and want to know why a photo is blurry or how to freeze that bird’s wings or how to get that creamy out of focus background they’ll be ready. Those words will click.
Sep 23, 2022 22:55:59 #
delder
Loc: Maryland
Sorry I ment 10,000 like some were suggesting for beginning shots. I did push Tri-X to 1200 in my own Darkroom but could only get 800 @ the drugstore service.
Sep 24, 2022 00:24:43 #
OldSchool-WI
Loc: Brandon, Wisconsin 53919
gvarner wrote:
I taught my daughters to drive with a stick shift. They had no problem transitioning to an automatic and they can easily drive both. My granddaughter learned how to drive with an automatic. She never got the hang of it when I tried to teach her how to drive a stick shift. I see a lesson here for those who want to teach a newbie.
______________________(reply)
Clever example. I appreciate the comparison since I have never owned a car or truck with automatic anything.-----------ew
Sep 24, 2022 00:56:43 #
OldSchool-WI wrote:
______________________(reply)
Clever example. I appreciate the comparison since I have never owned a car or truck with automatic anything.-----------ew
Clever example. I appreciate the comparison since I have never owned a car or truck with automatic anything.-----------ew
Disagree. It’s a weak analogy and the wrong approach.
Sep 24, 2022 01:07:25 #
OldSchool-WI
Loc: Brandon, Wisconsin 53919
SuperflyTNT wrote:
Disagree. It’s a weak analogy and the wrong approach.
____________________(reply)
Just how did I know there would be a disagreement and wrong-headed reply??? I thought maybe this topic might be free of snarky remarks---but no. I posted another remark on the IR topic----maybe you should critique that one?-----ew (Maybe you didn't get the nuance of the automobile topic? Should I explain it to you?---i.e.----those who start their photo interest in manual can easily shift to auto for quick shooting, but those who are the "point and shooters"---have more trouble learning manual shooting.---got it now?----------------ew-----Are you the snarky in Figi Islands?---from early this year?
Sep 24, 2022 03:48:36 #
tgreenhaw wrote:
I recommend you begin photography using automatic ... (show quote)
Good advice. The best way to learn is to concentrate on one thing at a time as far as possible.
AUTO is ideal for learning about content-oriented subjects like composition, visual interest, storytelling, attention manipulation etc.
A mode (Aperture priority) is ideal for learning about depth of field.
S mode (Shutter priority) is ideal for learning about avoiding motion blur and camera shake, and for freezing action.
M mode (Manual) is ideal for consolidating what has been learned so far and for learning about ISO to complete their understanding of the exposure triangle.
The order given here would be the best order for learning these basics. Throwing somebody in at the deep end can work but that doesn't mean it's the best approach. Having a good, solid grasp of the basics is the best possible start for learning just about anything, and people need to be given the time to absorb the basics, preferably one thing at a time. Once that has been achieved, then things can start to become more complicated.
Content will always be a prime consideration, technical minutiae not so much....
Sep 24, 2022 04:45:58 #
OldSchool-WI wrote:
____________________(reply) br br Just how did I ... (show quote)
I didn’t miss any nuance. I just disagree and if you read the thread you’ll know why.
Sep 24, 2022 08:38:19 #
Sep 24, 2022 08:45:09 #
petrochemist
Loc: UK
SuperflyTNT wrote:
Yeah, I don’t think so. I fail to see how somebody that shoots in auto would have any more trouble learning to shoot in manual than somebody that never shot auto. It has no bearing. If anything it could be easier because they would already be comfortable with the other aspects of the camera and be able to focus on exposure rather than things like, well, “focus”.
My view exactly. It's true that we learn quicker when young, but learning the features in controlled stages is certainly no harder than having to deal with everything at once. I'd expect it to be considerably easier unless you remain on auto for long enough for age to become relevant.
Sep 24, 2022 08:54:56 #
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