RuthP Loc: Montana

Back in the 70's I shot with a film 35 mm camera and my pictures were so good. Now shooting with a digital, I couldn't figure out why my photos just were not as "good". Then I began shooting in manual. It really is a huge difference and so much fun! Glad I finally figured it out.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

At some point, we realize that raw and JPEG CAPTURE represent two completely different workflows. They each have an appeal in certain situations. I use both, in completely different circumstances. For me, there is no "difference of opinion," just a different use.

bettis1 Loc: Texas

Lauryne,

One of the best solutions to seeing your screen in bright light is the Hoodman Loupe (Google it). Any time I am out where the sun may be a factor their collapsible model is hanging around my neck. You may not need it often but when you do, there is nothing better. They have different models sized to fit different cameras.

Bob

PhotonHog Loc: Annapolis

Who can argue?? Digital cameras are MUCH easier, better and MUCH faster than film. Instant results. But the concept is identical - get the image. The 'old days' with film will never be gone. I remember it well. And you only had 24 or say 36 frames. That was it unless you wanted to load a new roll at a not so good time. Messy. Most of the time I use shutter priority as a blurry image is worthless UNLESS that is your goal. Photography is really an art form. But a technical art form. Good equipment ALWAYS helps but it is not always a must. Having 4/3 camera I must be careful not to saturate the exposure so I use the histogram a lot. A new, wide dynamic range FULL FRAME DSLR is in the near future but I really do not NEED it. I just want it. So shoot and shoot. More is better now. Then we have lots of really good PP programs out there to do the dark room work. And NO MESSY chemicals, timers, trays and safe lights!!! We are just spoiled.

Carusoswi

For you, Architect1776, shooting in manual mode may represent saddling yourself, but to someone who has not (or feels he/she has not) mastered that skill, it represents yet one more area of photographic interest with which he/she may want to become familiar. You are correct that the auto modes (complimented by such additional niceties as exposure compensation and shooting modes (poo-pooed by some, yet they are nothing more than additional pre-programmed memory settings which can be useful if one takes the time to understand what they do - no different than the memory settings one sets in the memory slots afforded by the camera) are simply a faster way to arrive at the same exposure we would choose ourselves if we chose to (or could only) shoot in manual.

I took many a fine photo with my manual cameras. I also missed more than a few shots because I was not fast enough, and most of those were missed due to my inability to focus quickly enough. In most fast fire situations, one can generally choose exposure settings ahead of time that will work for most shots, but focusing pretty much has to be done shot by shot (and, even then, if you don't need to blur elements in front of/behind your subject, you can stop down your lens to turn your SLR/DSLR into a basic point and shoot.

None of this is rocket science, but, to someone unfamiliar with photography, it can be quite confusing.

The OP seems curious and eager to understand the basics of photo exposure, and I can only compliment him/her.

For you and I, this stuff seems second nature, because, when we started shooting, ones choices were to learn it or stick with single setting point and shoots.

I detect no deliberate attempt on your part to put down the OP, but wanted to point out that, IMHO, it's great that he/she wants to learn manual. It can only benefit his/her photo efforts.

Respectfully,
Caruso

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

You are right. For some, though, there is that argument about which is "better". That is to what I was referring!

As an amateur photographer, I work exclusively on RAW images and then create .jpg when needed for different purposes. But when a photographer has clients, and needs a quick way to send samples, it is much more effective to have .jpg images immediately available. This may be an oversimplification...

Sometimes I forget to remember that there are as many different workflows [and a lot of other things] as there are photographers! Thanks for adding clarification to the discussion.

Susan

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

You sound like the bitter old codger typically found on this site. You have a completely uninformed reading of my post. I responded to the OP problem of missing photo opportunities due to rapid changing conditions. I never said do not learn manual exposure. You are a complete liar if you think for a second all the practice in the world can overcome the archaic slowness of manual. This is why you do not find everyone using the wonderful and in codgers minds superior Speed Graphics to cover the NFL games. This is why Canon crushed Nikon in sports cameras because they made a superior automatic camera for fast changing situations that was pro level. The OP was unable to keep up manually with rapidly changing situations. This is where the superior automation of today blows away manual. We all use manual at times but know when it is best applied. I read your praises of the D500 and all the automatic features. If manual is so great then toss all your bells and whistles for BIF and grab that wonderful manual Speed Graphic and get those great BIF photos with all your incredible manual talent

PhotoKurtz Loc: Carterville, IL

I bought the PERFECT brand 3.0x viewfinder. Pretty amazing.

SS319

I am truly amazed!

We have a young lady that has asked our help because she wants to learn to shoot manual. I,naturally assumed that her decision was so she could learn the technology of photography. Learn exactly in a given scenario whether she should adjust the shutter speed, the aperture, or the threshold and gain of the sensor (ISO to most of you). 75% of the responses from her photographic friends was to dismiss her and tell her to shoot in any other mode than manual - why? Because you haven't the time or the inclination to shoot in manual therefore no one else should either. Another 10% have told this lady that they have already shot in manual so she should not bother.

Shooting in Manual is not romance, it is the only best way to learn photography - it is the only way to create your image of the scene in camera. When scene lighting changes, what do you change? There is three answers to that question - you can change the shutter speed - what is the effect of that? You can change the Aperture - what does that do to your picture? You can change the threshold and gain of the sensor - what does that do to your picture? If your scene is a head and shoulders of a bride in natural light which would you change; If your shooting children would it make a difference? When do you change the ISO?

The question she asked was not "Should I shoot in manual?", but "when I shoot in manual...?" We, as a group did her a disservice by not answering her questions - we can do better.

advocate1982

Horse Puckey. There is a whole culture out there - kinda like the hipsters of the photography world - that have convinced people they are not real photographers unless they shoot in manual. That is just as much bull as there is nothing that manual will teach you that you cannot learn in any of the other modes that are built into the camera. And I'm one of those Old Codgers that actually did start with shooting sports with a speed graphic, then I moved on to medium format, then to 35mm and finally to digital. I shot manual for 20-25 years before Canon brought out the AE-1, and I've taught 100's of photographers how to come back from their assignments with printable photos. When you shoot in manual, you are handicapping yourself. Pure and simple. Like tying your shoe laces together to run a 100 yard dash.

advocate1982

I am one of those old codgers that shot sports with a 4x5 speed graphic, and I agree with you 100 percent.

SS319

She did not ask if she should shoot in Manual!

She ask how?

I believe we should accept her capabilities to make a decision and not tell her she is a fool for making that decision!

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Read the question it relates to fast changing conditions. Learning the basics with manual is fine. But for the matter asked about is not good for learning the basics and get good shots.

advocate1982

So if she would have asked how to leap off a tall building without a parachute. We should just tell her how to do that, instead of explaining that it is probably not a great idea, and there are better ways to achieve being able to get down from a tall building rather than just jumping off the top. Because that is what you are saying.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

I notice there are some people here who are against using manual mode. Don't let them bother you. That discussion is kind of like Nikon vs. Canon, or RAW vs. .JPG - there are many opinions.

I am in agreement with SS319 who speaks of the usefulness of learning to use manual.




I went from a digital point-and-shoot to a DSLR, which was a rather steep learning curve. But I read, studied, and experimented. Tried all the different modes and got to understand what each can do. Settled in with aperture-priority for a while, but then got frustrated when the camera did not make the right decisions. So I went to manual. It does take more time to set up and make changes than letting the camera decide, but when you get it right, it is YOUR accomplishment.

Just understand the exposure triad: ISO, Aperture, and Shutter Speed. They each affect the other and greatly affect the results. Manual is a good way to gain that understanding.

When the light is changing rapidly, it probably would be better to use another of the modes so you control one aspect - such as depth of field [Aperture-priority], and let the camera do the rest. Especially if the subject is in motion. There is, however, another way to handle that situation. You have chosen the scene/subject you want to photograph, but the changing light makes it difficult to get it right every time. Observe the light, usually changing because of clouds passing overhead, and decide if the darker or the brighter light gives the effect you want. Set your camera for that, then wait! Wait for that second when the light is as close to perfect as possible, then take the photo. I prefer to do it that way, with my camera on a tripod. Then I use a corded remote, which allows me to observe directly instead of through the viewfinder [more comfortable...] and just have to depress the trigger! Reaction time is better for me when I am relaxed and paying close attention.