aflundi Loc: Albuquerque, NM

As pointed out earlier, 'auto' mode on your d7200 was using auto2 WB, so it shouldn't be surprising that when you used auto1 WB with Program exposure mode, there'd be a color difference. When you used auto2 WB with 'P' mode, you got something very close to what auto mode gave you -- but since you framed the shots differently, it shouldn't surprise you here either that they were close but not exactly the same colors since the WB algorithms were evaluating different scenes.

fredtoo Loc: Houston

and my very simplistic experiment would lend credence to that. I don't typically use Auto either, but it gets my attention when something I think should be the same...is not.

thanks for your input. You may have the simple key to it.
fred t.

fredtoo Loc: Houston

If I said I did that, I apologize for further confusing the issue. I checked the WB to see what it was in Auto, and then duplicated that in P-mode. I won't label them to avoid confusion. That is why I was surprised at the results of the first two. If I had selected a diff. WB, then I would not have been surprised at a diff.

thanks for your input,
fred t.

However, in looking back at my post, this is what I said:
"First shot in Auto mode, which sets WB in Auto1 and cannot be changed. The colors were true to my
liking on this shot (with warm accentuated).

The second shot was in P-mode, but I set WB to the same Auto1. "

Not sure where "Auto2" crept in ?

Grahame Loc: Fiji

We are fortunate that we have superb diagnostic tools at our disposal these days and they cost nothing. Both an external Exif reader as well as Nikons own software easily confirm 'exactly' what you have presented, and that is 2 images with one WB and one image with another.

Top Image

(Download)

Middle Image

(Download)

Bottom Image

(Download)

Jack 13088 Loc: Central NY

I definitely agree with this response. Aside from the obvious “all” in a claim is clearly BS I sincerely doubt professionals that always shoot Manual are confined to shooting in situations where lighting is always consent such studios and venues with artificial lighting. I note that Steve Perry is as professional wildlife photographer as you can get yet he wrote a substantial book on all aspects of using Nikon (And other brands by extension) auto exposure systems.

I secretly suspect that most who advocate Manual don’t actually set exposure manually. Not that I know what that means. When I was a preteen I took the little sheet out of the Kodachrome box and set exposure on my father’s Argus C-2 manually. I suppose that is actually manual! Now I always look at the numbers in the viewfinder and if the aperture, shutter speed and ISO are all where I want them I don’t care how they got there.

I also suspect there are post insisting on Manual just think it’s cool.

bikinkawboy Loc: north central Missouri

Go to the shooting menu in P under optimize image and I bet things like sharpness, hue, contrast is set differently than what the camera uses when in A. You can set it in the other modes but not in auto.

Grahame Loc: Fiji

Take a look at the Nikon image shooting parameters' evidence in the three screen grabs above and you will get the answer for the Ops three images posted.

Grahame Loc: Fiji

Diagnostic evaluation of the images posted raises yet another question. All evidence shows that of the three images posted, two had one WB and one had a different WB. The two almost exactly similar colored images having the same WB designation.

What the evidence also 'shows' is that the three images all have the same designation description for the shooting mode, and that is, 'Programed Auto'. Both in Nikon software and an external Exif viewer.

Whilst I do not have a D7200 to test I've just tested a Z6 that also has an 'Auto' shooting mode. Taking test shots in Manual, P (Program) and Auto modes they are each designated differently within the Exif (ViewNx);

a) The 'Auto' mode is designated - 'Scene mode: Auto'.
b) The 'Program' mode is designated 'Exposure mode: Programmed Auto' .

So unless clarified by the Op there's a possibility that all images posted were shot in the same shooting mode.

fredtoo Loc: Houston

If I understand what you are implying, your diagnostic tools say that I didn't turn the little dial on the top left of the camera from Auto on one shot to P on the others?

If so, you allow me to choose between being a total numb scull, or a liar who likes to stir up make-believe issues.

Sorry, but I choose "none of the above".

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Another one of “them”. If you’re using raw because you think it’s to “rescue” your photos you need a different hobby.

I see that trains is really your hobby and photography just seems to be taking snapshots of trains.

Grahame Loc: Fiji

All I can go by is the three images you posted that displayed your findings, simply loading them each into Nikons software (and other).

It may very well be that for the D7200 Nikon labels the 'Auto' and 'Program' shooting modes exactly the same within their Exif. Hence my reference that I can not test a D7200.

Have you loaded the three images into ViewNx (or other Nikon software) to confirm what the different shooting mode descriptions are designated?

But whatever, everything indicates you posted two images that appear literally identical (disregarding framing) with respect to colour with the same WB setting.

Dan' de Bourgogne

Hello Fred Too!
You set here an interesting subject!
I'm using a Nikon D7200.
Till today, I never used the green marked "Auto" mode...and never came to compare photos shot in "Auto" mode with photos shot in "P" mode.
I thought also the results should be about the same...
So I tried to see by myself what happens.
I just (5 min ago) made the test: shoot the same scene, same framing, same evrything, just swapped from "P" mode to Auto" mode...
Here are the main EXIF info I could get...they are very different...see:
"P" mode: 1/25 sec, f/3.5, ISO 100,
WB= Auto 1; A5;0;
Metering= matrice 3D...Picture control= VIVID sharpening=6;clarity=+1;contrast=-3;brightness=0;saturation=+2; hue=0
"Auto" green mode: 1/60 sec, f/3.5, flash (in built!) = on! TTL BL 0;0;
WB= Auto1; 0;0
Metering = matrice 3 D...Picture control=STANDARD
sharpening=Auto;clarity=Auto; contrast= Auto; brightness=0; saturation=Auto; hue=0

The picture shot in "Auto" mode came out quite "bluish/cold" due to the flash burst.
The picture shot in "P" mode came out more flattering...quite too warm for my taste, but much more pleasing to the eye than the one "blueish"...

It was an interesting test which demonstrates the Auto mode could be nice for beginners but only under ideal light conditions: bright sunny day, subject grey 18 etc...You know what is required to get nice colors, nice WB, etc

FYI, the scene I shot twice is simply our Christmas tree (of course dark green!) with about 300 little "fairy" LEDs+ lots of decorum (snow balls, Santas, Bears, Tiny houses, etc); this tree stands in a wide white room, 6 m x 6m with 2 "door windows" on balcony, exposed full east...today the sky is heavy covered by clouds...so natural light is quite "cold".
If needed, I can post the 2 pictures. But I get also 2 really different photos of the same subject...stra

I discover today the "P" mode activates the picture control called Vivid while "Auto" activates "Standard"...
Don't ask why...no idea!!!

Dan' de Bourgogne

Hello Fred Too!
You set here an interesting subject!
I'm using a Nikon D7200.
Till today, I never used the green marked "Auto" mode...and never came to compare photos shot in "Auto" mode with photos shot in "P" mode.
I thought also the results should be about the same...
So I tried to see by myself what happens.
I just (5 min ago) made the test: shoot the same scene, same framing, same evrything, just swapped from "P" mode to Auto" mode...
Here are the main EXIF info I could get...they are very different...see:
"P" mode: 1/25 sec, f/3.5, ISO 100,
WB= Auto 1; A5;0;
Metering= matrice 3D...Picture control= VIVID sharpening=6;clarity=+1;contrast=-3;brightness=0;saturation=+2; hue=0
"Auto" green mode: 1/60 sec, f/3.5, flash (in built!) = on! TTL BL 0;0;
WB= Auto1; 0;0
Metering = matrice 3 D...Picture control=STANDARD
sharpening=Auto;clarity=Auto; contrast= Auto; brightness=0; saturation=Auto; hue=0

The picture shot in "Auto" mode came out quite "bluish/cold" due to the flash burst.
The picture shot in "P" mode came out more flattering...quite too warm for my taste, but much more pleasing to the eye than the one "blueish"...

It was an interesting test which demonstrates the Auto mode could be nice for beginners but only under ideal light conditions: bright sunny day, subject grey 18 etc...You know what is required to get nice colors, nice WB, etc

FYI, the scene I shot twice is simply our Christmas tree (of course dark green!) with about 300 little "fairy" LEDs+ lots of decorum (snow balls, Santas, Bears, Tiny houses, etc); this tree stands in a wide white room, 6 m x 6m with 2 "door windows" on balcony, exposed full east...today the sky is heavy covered by clouds...so natural light is quite "cold".
If needed, I can post the 2 pictures.
I get also 2 really different photos of the same subject...strange!

I discover today the "P" mode activates the picture control called Vivid while "Auto" activates "Standard"...
Don't ask why...no idea!!!
I will try next time with different light condition to check if the choosen "picture control" are the same as today.
Anyway, I wonder why "Auto" calls for a flash burst????
In my opinion, the photo made in p mode is much more pleasant to observe than the one made in "Auto" mode with flash.

Dan' de Bourgogne

Hello Fred Too!
You set here an interesting subject!
I'm using a Nikon D7200.
Till today, I never used the green marked "Auto" mode...and never came to compare photos shot in "Auto" mode with photos shot in "P" mode.
I thought also the results should be about the same...
So I tried to see by myself what happens.
I just (5 min ago) made the test: shoot the same scene, same framing, same evrything, just swapped from "P" mode to Auto" mode...
Here are the main EXIF info I could get...they are very different...see:
"P" mode: 1/25 sec, f/3.5, ISO 100,
WB= Auto 1; A5;0;
Metering= matrice 3D...Picture control= VIVID sharpening=6;clarity=+1;contrast=-3;brightness=0;saturation=+2; hue=0
"Auto" green mode: 1/60 sec, f/3.5, flash (in built!) = on! TTL BL 0;0;
WB= Auto1; 0;0
Metering = matrice 3 D...Picture control=STANDARD
sharpening=Auto;clarity=Auto; contrast= Auto; brightness=0; saturation=Auto; hue=0

The picture shot in "Auto" mode came out quite "bluish/cold" due to the flash burst.
The picture shot in "P" mode came out more flattering...quite too warm for my taste, but much more pleasing to the eye than the one "blueish"...

It was an interesting test which demonstrates the Auto mode could be nice for beginners but only under ideal light conditions: bright sunny day, subject grey 18 etc...You know what is required to get nice colors, nice WB, etc

FYI, the scene I shot twice is simply our Christmas tree (of course dark green!) with about 300 little "fairy" LEDs+ lots of decorum (snow balls, Santas, Bears, Tiny houses, etc); this tree stands in a wide white room, 6 m x 6m with 2 "door windows" on balcony, exposed full east...today the sky is heavy covered by clouds...so natural light is quite "cold".
If needed, I can post the 2 pictures.
I get also 2 really different photos of the same subject...strange!

I discover today the "P" mode activates the picture control called Vivid while "Auto" activates "Standard"...
Don't ask why...no idea!!!
I will try next time with different light condition to check if the choosen "picture control" are the same as today.
Anyway, I wonder why "Auto" calls for a flash burst????
In my opinion, the photo made in p mode is much more pleasant to observe than the one made in "Auto" mode with flash.

jcboy3

Nikon Auto mode selects the Picture Control, which sets contrast, saturation, sharpening, and other settings. In PASM modes, you select the Picture Control, and modify it as you wish. In addition, the D7200 has Scene Modes, which actually manipulate the colors to achieve desired results.

Don't think of the color results from Auto mode as color accuracy; it is manipulated by the camera. But, if you want to achieve the results of Auto mode, then shoot in Auto mode. If you want to achieve some other results, then learn post processing and shoot in a PASM mode.