APB Loc: UK

And driven carefully at the same time!

efleck Loc: Vancouver, WA State

I don't see mentioned the one reason I use P mode on occasion. When I am traveling with a group of friends I almost never get into the images for the trip--this irritates my wife. So, I try, from time to time, to get into a photo by handing the camera to a friend. Unless I have taken the time to set up the shot, I will quickly switch to P or Auto mode and hand the camera to the friend. They do not have to worry about any settings and can usually get an OK shot (with me in it).

Other than the above I never use P (or Auto) mode. Mostly M and A or S when I am shooting some moving wildlife.

Earl

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

I confess. I use auto, when I have done something to seriously mess up my settings, can't figure it out and have an immediate shot that won't repeat. The auto over rides all the wrong settings that I may have made and usually gets something.

I just did this a week or so ago. Don't know how, but I seriously got some settings wrong. Finally decided to reset the camera. But not before shooting my grand daughter's playing with a new ball.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

I generally do the same. P is safe for noobies most of the time.

When I use P, I also save raw files, or raw + JPEG.

When I work in Manual mode, I'm most often controlling the light precisely, and I often save only JPEG images, because they're going straight to print. (Think: 500 yearbook panel page (or ID Card) portraits, or 1000 parts for a "nuts and bolts" industrial catalog, where both scenes are under precisely controlled lighting, with fixed distance, exposure, and custom white balance).

bv Loc: MN

I too like P mode as it appears better and I can click faster without bothering about camera settings or lens that is used.

One of my friends told me depending on lens and occasion I should use AV mode. Specially with my canon 24-105L he advised to set F at 4.0 and then take pictures as camera has to make only 1 choice for me.

jaycoffman Loc: San Diego

I agree--so many of my shots happen quickly and without sufficient time to set up the exposure settings so P is a good place for me to leave my camera when I'm moving and don't know what to expect next. It's easy to switch to one of the manual modes in any situation where you have time.

Grandpa Pete Loc: Western Finger Lakes (NY)

I have used the program mode with my Nikons since the advent of the D lenses. If the camera can tell the focal length and focus point of the lens it can seamlessly set the proper combination of shutter speed and aperture for the shot. If you don't like the settings (which show up in the viewfinder) you can change either and the camera will make the appropriate adjustment of the other. You're. still in control and it's more efficient

studavis

Thanks, Mr.burkphoto for telling that P is programed I us it and tell all it P is "professional". All kidding aside use what is comfortable and keep getting better. after over 60 years I am still trying to improve.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Still looks to me like most posters are confusing P mode with Auto. They are very different...at least on Nikons and Sony.

Please read the fine manuals (RTFM) that came with your camera.

You'll see P is the same as A or S and also should yield the same results as properly exposed M. No difference in control. NADA.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Ah, one who understands!

Yes, indeed.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

I'm a Canon shooter but the concept is universal. I normally shoot in program because it allows me to use the dead center focus point instead of the full amount of points.
All that because I discovered some years ago that if you use all the points you're allowing the camera to decide where to focus. With the single point you're forcing the camera to focus on what you want.

It's much like full auto with that one exception.

mr. u. n. owen

Why is it not possible to adjust DOF or SHUTTER SPEED using P mode I do it all the time. Dont you remember EV on some film cameras. Fast moving adjust shutter, dof adjust f stop.Simple.

Impressionist

Answer to the question for most participants on this forum is you don't have any reall need for them. Though sometimes it is fun to play and see what decisions the camera comes up with on its own. There is little value for the few interested in learning the art. Those who want to be assured of decent photos with the added bonus pride in owning a Nikon can bring it works out well. Protects Nikon and other manufactures from those whose ego is in owning a brand name.

tjphxaz Loc: Phoenix, AZ

When I wind up planned shooting for the day I reattach the 28-300mm lens if I was using another lens, make sure switches are set to A/M, VR on/normal. On camera I do a quick check/reset of: AF switched on, Bkt set to 0 and 3 frames, Flash off, EC at 0, Matrix metering, Aperture Priority, Continuos Low shooting at 3 fps, Aperture set f/8, WB at Auto1, Image Quality to Raw+Fine, ISO auto off and set at 200. Fresh battery. I use 32GB SD cards so most days not much chance those are full and can be dealt with when I get to computer. Last step is use blower and lens cloth to clean.
Once the lens is attached these checks just take a few seconds. It's a habit.
Then, I switch to Program Mode and leave the camera switched on knowing if I need to point and shoot a scene or subject I can get a shot that will be useable. If it is a shot where I have just enough time I can go to A Priority and with a little more time to Manual.
Take advantage of all the features the camera offers. If you buy a car with GPS guidance you can give up carrying all those hard to fold up maps although if you are supremely confident in your directional skills, stubborn, or have a 'helpful' spouse to boss you, then by all means stick with the paper maps.


:thumbup:

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

This is a popular misconception. Of course it is possible adjust aperture and shutter speed in P mode! All you have to do rotate the dial, and select the aperture/shutter speed combination you find most appropiate for your shot.

Program mode is simply not the same thing as full auto mode, although it can be used that way if one wishes.