After selecting Program mode (P), what should you do next?
Dec 18, 2017 14:34:09 #
Even on full auto a DSLR will give better results than a P&S because of the sensor size and better optics. So I disagree that someone who uses AUTO with a DSLR may as well use a P&S. I know several people who started out using manual with their DSLR but soon discovered that the results were often no better than an automated mode and they lost too many good opportunities while fussing around. Try both then decide.
Dec 18, 2017 14:41:32 #
CamB wrote:
I use a Canon as does the poster. My camera says Av for aperture priority not A. A is for Auto (actually it says A-Dep on one camera and on my other two it just shows the different auto modes). None of them say Auto.I think in this discussion some people are saying A when they mean Auto. A is aperture priority. Auto is Auto. Mixing them up makes some of the comments here not make sense.
Dec 18, 2017 14:47:25 #
The purists will cry, "Blasphemy!" and make snarky comments unless you shoot in M, but there is NOTHING wrong with using P or A. Camera manufacturers spend huge amounts of money on their P and A algorithms; so why not use them when shooting snapshot-type images?
But to try and answer your question: Once you have the exposure you like, you can adjust A to change your depth of field or, S to change the perceived speed of your subject and the exposure will stay the same.
All the fastuous regulars are probably foaming at the mouth now...
But to try and answer your question: Once you have the exposure you like, you can adjust A to change your depth of field or, S to change the perceived speed of your subject and the exposure will stay the same.
All the fastuous regulars are probably foaming at the mouth now...
Dec 18, 2017 15:05:27 #
rplain1 wrote:
I use a Canon as does the poster. My camera says Av for aperture priority not A. A is for Auto (actually it says A-Dep on one camera and on my other two it just shows the different auto modes). None of them say Auto.
Most Canon camers I am familiar euth use Av for aperture and Tv for shutter speed. I speculate that Av represents “aperture value” and Tv for “time value.”
Dec 18, 2017 15:49:44 #
wdross
Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado
Rick Fox wrote:
The purists will cry, "Blasphemy!" and m... (show quote)
Although I do not remember going to Auto mode in the last 15 years, I still recognize its abilities like you do. I usually run program mode. I prefer exposure compensation since, depending on the highlights or the shadows, one may want to change from the amount of light the camera sees. I then can set the depth of field for narrow or wide and keep track of the shutter speed in the viewfinder. With my Olympus, the ISO runs as auto except the camera stops ISO at 6400 and changes the shutter speed before going to higher ISOs. Since the shutter speed is in the viewfinder, one can see if that is acceptable. If things are such that that ISO, aperture, shutter, or all three need to be controled, there ISO setting, aperture mode, shutter mode, and manual mode to go to that will get the job done. It always comes down to personal preferences and what gets the job done.
Dec 18, 2017 15:54:52 #
IDguy
Loc: Idaho
GalaxyCat wrote:
If you select P, what is the next step? Adjust ISO?
Decide which end of the aperture range you want to adjust to. Highest f-stop for landscape, lowest when you want foreground and background fuzzy, e.g. portraits.
If doing that doesn’t get you where you want to be on f-stop or shutter speed then adjust ISO and readjust P setting.
Dec 18, 2017 16:00:18 #
IDguy
Loc: Idaho
Acountry330 wrote:
My understanding of program mode, is all you have to do is push the shutter button. Happy Shooting.
Nope. Many like you confuse Program mode with Auto. In Program mode you can choose many options such as the f-stop and aperture pair that satisfy the meter, ISO, and many other menu items.
On the other hand you can accept its initial recommendation and most likely will be happy with the result.
Dec 18, 2017 16:09:35 #
flashgordonbrown
Loc: Silverdale, WA
BebuLamar wrote:
I think you did it backward. It should be M first then A or S and then P and finally the green A.
on all of my Sony cameras there is a P setting which controls both shutter speed and lens opening, and requires that you choose your ISO. There is another setting which gives the camera control of all three settings-it is labeled Auto (as opposed to Simply A for aperture priority). My personal preference, given my age(72) and my experience is to use the program setting and choose the ISO (to have some control over noise).
Dec 18, 2017 16:09:54 #
IDguy
Loc: Idaho
Designdweeb wrote:
Simply, P mode chooses your lens opening and shutter speed for you. Those settings in P mode may or may not share your priorities for the image you finally want.
Nope. It selects a range of both you can choose from to meet your priority with a good exposure.
Dec 18, 2017 16:16:58 #
IDguy
Loc: Idaho
ejones0310 wrote:
What he said. Don't use P or A unless you are prepared to let the camera make all the decisions. Learn to shoot in Manual before you let the camera do the heaving lifting.
The book that Dan recommended is a good way to learn manual mode. I downloaded an electronic version for $16.
Good luck and happy shooting.
The book that Dan recommended is a good way to learn manual mode. I downloaded an electronic version for $16.
Good luck and happy shooting.
Another person who doesn’t understand P mode and wants you to use your thumb in place of the faster and smoother camera doing it for you.
M is not more flexible than P. Just slower and more cumbersome. I’d relate M mode to more like hooking a horse to your car than using a manual transmission. Using A, S, or P mode ( Nikonspeak) is the better analogy for a manual transmission. You have full control.
Dec 18, 2017 16:18:25 #
GalaxyCat wrote:
If you select P, what is the next step? Adjust ISO?
Scott Kelby is a pro photographer and Photoshop guru. Here is his take on a novice using P mode:
"Q. I’ve long been interested in photography yet I’ve never taken up the hobby. However, I’m thinking that the time is right to dip my toes in the pool. What advice do you have for a novice?
A. Set your camera to Program mode (the letter “P” on the camera dial) and don’t worry about any of the technical stuff. Focus on creating images that make people say “wow,” or think, or tell a story—that’s the power of photography. All the other buttons and bells and whistles you can unlock later. For now, show us how you see the world and let the camera do all the technical work for you. I wish you the very best on your photographic journey."
Good luck, and don't let the technical stuff overwhelm you!
Marshall
Dec 18, 2017 16:24:58 #
Dec 18, 2017 16:29:59 #
GalaxyCat wrote:
If you select P, what is the next step? Adjust ISO?
Set auto ISO.
Point at subject and take the photo.
Dec 18, 2017 16:47:06 #
Dragonfly wrote:
I decided what I wanted to take pictures of....took them.....they looked crappy....then broke out the manual and figured out what settings I should have used....then went back and took better pictures....rinse and repeat for every situation..... I keep trying, one of these days I'm going to actually understand what to do without having to always look it up....someday....maybe....
For beginners, I would do this: Select "S" and set the shutter speed to 1/250 and start from there. Yes, you "pro" UHH'ers---I did say shutter speed and not aperture!!!!!! For beginners, it is most important to get a sharp image and that's easiest with a high shutter speed. I always get my students to do this and after they have mastered the differences in shutter speeds, I move them on to aperture. They can worry about depth of field after they learn to hold the camera steady and what various shutter speeds are necessary for their application. I try to keep this simple and then move to ISO later.
Dec 18, 2017 16:57:06 #
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