When taking images with my camera, is it OK to use Program mode as a starting point?

Question

i've seen tons of gorgeous pictures on flickr and wonder how the pros determine starting exposure settings. Do they just know what to put the aperture and shutter speed at? Because in an instant, a photographic moment might disappear, so how do they get it right? Thanks

Answer 1

I disagree with Karen. For reasonable snapshots, sure, let the camera do the work. But if you want something that stands out, something skillfull, something special, something artistic, the camera isnt going to do it for you. You have to figure out how to manhandle the camera in manual and get it to do what you want.

But you *can* start in program mode just to learn basic composition skills. Then as you get better and realize what you wanted is not what you got, you'll figure out how manual mode will get you there.

Answer 2

i use program mode as a starting point and get some great shots alot of the time...but going to manual is best if you can take the time....
today i went up in a plane to take some pictures for a mural project i am doing, and shot program and raw the whole time as there was no time to fiddle with settings AND get the shots i needed and wanted...and i must say i only got a couple of usable shots...but a couple is all i need...
next time i'll take some dramamine and more than one camera and be ready to really take some time and do it up right. and perhaps i'll insist on removing a door or window so i don't have to shoot through Plexiglas (that really is a major issue, even with a polarizing filter.)

Answer 3

yes for what you are saying use the Auto mode to take a fast shot before it goes away. Practice between the setting for action, macro and any other setting your camera has. Sometimes people move fast and shutter lag will cause you to miss a picture so Action is a good setting at times.

Learn to use the manual mode and set f stop and speed for the times you have proper "set up time" to compose a picture. You will get a better picture this way. However no point missing the moment shots either.

Answer 4

It depends on what you want to do. If you're just trying to get the image, use P and don't let anyone else's opinion bother you.

If you're looking to improve your skill, and the shot is secondary to the learning experience, set the camera on either aperture priority or shutter priority. Play around with whichever setting you choose until you feel comfortable with manipulating it. Then do the same to the other. Eventually, you'll start to get a good feel for what combos work for the situations you shoot. (IMO, it's easier to grasp them separately than try to learn two variables at once.)

Some pros just work in P and couldn't work their camera on manual if you paid them twice as much, just as some boy band members can't play an instrument. Whether that effects your enjoyment of the end product is a matter of personal taste.

Answer 5

I'd agree with those who say get either a Nikon or a Canon. True enough, most professionals use those brand. I think there's a very good reason for that. I am very much satisfied with my Olympus C-770UZ and was planning to buy an E-520. I was waiting for its release since May 2008 and read the reviews and checked out it features thoroughly. I didn't want anything else at that time. A few weeks before I was about to buy my first DSLR, I posted a similar question here @ Yahoo! Answers. Most (thanks again guys) suggested a Nikon D40 or a D60 so I did a little "research" and read the reviews. Olympus has a smaller sensor than a Nikon or a Canon. Needless to say, I got myself a Nikon D60 ... and I'm very happy with it.

Answer 6

As an old film guy I could never never allow the camera to set aperture and shutter. Yes, I usually shoot in Aperture Preferred Mode because I like lots of DOF. However, I can just as easily pick up one of my totally manual cameras and get the images I want.*

As to how the "pros" you refer to determine starting exposure settings they rely on experience and the meter in the camera.

Using Program Mode will be okay as you learn how to actually use your camera. The only downside, IMO, is that in Program the camera is going to choose higher shutter speeds (to avoid blur caused by camera shake) which means bigger apertures (f2.8, f4) and less DOF.

Good luck in learning to use your camera in Manual Mode. Its always better when you are in control and determine what's important in your image.

* I learned long ago to use a totally manual camera. I also learned that it could be used as an aperture preferred camera (a term not known then) by leaving the shutter speed at one setting and controlling exposure with the aperture.

Answer 7

i read the reflected light off my palm and add one stop,

the easy way is use a grey card - and manual (M)

http://www.digitalartsphotography.com/instructions.htm

EDIT: karen must be lost, who wants the camera to decide the depth in images - apeture - answer those dont care or know about image making

saying the camera will get exposure right 99% is a silly statement, the 1% and i think its more like 5% or more are the shots that matter - they are the ones where the lighting is unusual hence the camera messes it up


P mode is fine for starting on, when you want to select your own apeture and shutter speeds take control and manually set them as per the correct exposure

a

Answer 8

You would be surprised how many well paid photographers use their camera in "Program" mode. My only suggestion would be for you to take note (mentally or with pad & pen) of the settings the camera is taking and experiment with Manual when there is more time at hand.

Answer 9

You have my permission to use "P" as a starting point.

If it means getting the shot or missing it, of course you can so whatever works for you.

After a while, you will advance into the skill level required to do what the answerers above me are suggesting mere mortals can do every day.

Answer 10

Paul says "don't use your camera on manual settings" These are his comments
"Using program mode is strictly for amateurs we're told. Well I beg to differ and respected photography tutor John Wade shares my viewpoint.
Camera design these days has advanced tremendously and automatic metering has become reliable and accurate 99% of the time. If you used your modern Digital SLR on manual and took the same shot on program mode you wouldn't see any difference. John, in a recent article suggests looking at magazine pictures and asking yourself how many of the images would have required a setting different to the one the camera would have given the photographer if the camera was set to automatic program mode? Very few.
Letting the camera do the technical work frees you up to be creative and concentrate on the important part, taking pictures. I can just see the die-hards shaking their heads at this blasphemy. Camera on program mode indeed.
So when do you use the camera on manual. Well in my case virtually never. The most important element for me to control is depth of field, so I work in AV (aperture priority). I keep a close eye on my shutter speed to see that it is not going too low, risking camera shake. If I see that there is a risk of camera shake, I up the ISO. I'm continually riding the ISO and changing apertures. The low noise handling of the 5D means I can shoot in very low light. When I do want maximum depth of field and a silky smooth images at 50 or 100 ISO, and the shutter speed would be too slow to hand hold I use a tripod or flash. On the other hand when I want to control the creative effects I get by using the appropriate shutter speed, for example to blur water in a waterfall or stop sports action, I switch the camera to shutter priority. But what about situations where traditionally the light meter would be fooled for example a very dark or very bright background? Here I rely on checking the histogram and then using the exposure compensation settings. This solves everything 99% of the time. Our modern Digital SLRs are fantastic pieces of technology. They're designed to make taking pictures easier and to deliver reliable, high quality results. So my advice is: don't handicap yourself by using your camera on fully manual. Choose program mode for fast convenient results, aperture priority to control depth of field creatively and shutter priority to stop action or allow motion to be visible in your image."

By the way you can catch up with some of his other new work on his Flickr account.

Paul Indigo is a professional photographer and writer. His experience spans photojournalism, corporate communications and fine art.
www.indigo2photography.co.uk