PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

For serious shooting I take my R7 and 18-300 zoom. For grab shots I use "P" mode, otherwise T or A depending on whether I want stop action or controlled DOF. If using flash, I use "M", 1/320 sec, lens at f/5.6 and flash set to ETTL. Out and about I use the DCSZ80 in "P" for convenience.

clickety

You have so much knowledge and are such a respected resource with I suspect a sense of humor, but for the newer people I suggest you label a post like this as ‘sarcastic humor’.

clickety

Nothing works ‘best’ in all situations, all the replies you get will be for someone else’s situation you have to find what works for you.

brentrh Loc: Deltona, FL

I agree. Think some people refuse to use modern turn signals and stick their arm out the window.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Of course, sticking your arm out the window is a tool that may seem very antiquated, but there are times when it may be appropriate and even necessary. As an example if you are on a crowded highway going at a snail's pace and are attempting to change lanes, the person behind you and the person in the lane you want to get into may be so close they can't see your turn signals, but they will see your arm. The tools on a modern camera are there for a reason. They allow each of use the tools that we're most comfortable with using to achieve our goals.

You shoot in S mode because you're a birder and your hands shake. That works for you. I am not a birder and my hands don't shake. In the last 15 years of using digital cameras, I probably have taken less than 50 pictures using shutter priority. Furthermore,, even using full manual I can quickly increase the shutter speed If needed.. Isn't it great that modern cameras givs us the tools that work best for our personal requirements?

Those of us who prefer using manual mode are not stuck in the past. It is just a preference that the camera allows. You use S mode as a necessity which limits your ability to change the aperture. From my point of view you're really stuck. Most of my stills photography requires choosing the right aperture. The shutter speed is mostly irrelevant.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Everyone perceives thing differently, don't they.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

And some don't use any signalling...

Miker999

I've been shooting since 1981. At some point, I switched from M to Aperture priority. I set my A and SS. I keep my ISO in an Auto range. It's one less thing to have to think about. I switched to a Mirrorless body back in 2018 and when I travel, I limit myself to one lens. a 16-80 f/4, (close to 24-122 on FF) I find that I enjoy the vacation and family time more with less gear.The sensor in today's cameras are great.When I switched to Mirrorless, I also went from FF to APS-C.
Most important: Enjoy the trip!

pj81156 Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

Just returned from Rome. Most of what I shot was wide angle. However I was at the Vatican on a Sunday, saw the Pope from his balcony window. That was about the only time I used a long lens.

Imagemine Loc: St. Louis USA

I would suggest shoot whatever is comfortable to you, but you should know how to shoot it in manual mode to know how things work & nothing wrong with heavy cameras , the Nikon z9 is mirrorless & one of the best cameras going but it's heavy too!

dwmoar Loc: Oregon, Willamette Valley

That would be "P" for Professional right ........

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

I like to control my dof and shutter speed for blur, freeze, hence I find floating iso to be fantastic invention. If displeased with the suggested iso it’s no big deal to tweak it a bit. I often use full manual though, as like many here I grew up that way.

All that architecture you’re going to see isn’t gonna blow away while you’re contemplating your methodoly. It’ll still be there when you make your choice. Hope you have a great experience there.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Only the unknown frightens men. But once a man has faced the unknown, they begin to understand how P mode truly operates.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Haha. I also grew up with snow shovels, manual typewriters, hand saws, percolators, copper land lines, ...
but...

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States