What Shooting Mode do you Shoot in Most?
Reader Question Time….
What mode do you shoot in most?
Grab your digital camera and check something for me. Look at the dial/switch/menu that shows you which shooting mode you’re currently in and let us know what it is.
I’m fascinated by watching how others use their cameras and am particularly interested to see what modes they use by default.
Are you an ‘Auto’ photographer? Do you use Aperture or Shutter Speed Priority Modes? Are you one of the few photographers who actually shoot in full Manual mode? Or are you the type of photographer who uses the preset shooting modes like ‘Landscape’, ‘Portrait’ or ‘Sports’?
There’s no right or wrong answer - but I’d love to hear what your camera is set to right now and whether that’s a ‘normal’ mode for you? Answer in comments below.
Let me share my own preference:
What mode do I shoot in?
I’m an ‘Aperture Priority Mode’ kind of guy.
I personally like it because I find it gives me the type of creative control that I want on how my images look - specifically over depth of field.
The only time that I really switch over to another mode is when I’m shooting moving objects and need a faster (or slower) shutter speed (to capture some motion blur or freeze the motion completely).
Not familiar with Shooting Modes? Check out these posts:
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May 13th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
Almost always aperture priority. That’s one of the few things that really makes those fotos look different.
May 13th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
Me to :) I like those blurry backgrounds behind my main subjects ;)
May 13th, 2007 at 8:45 pm
manual 90% of the time use programme to get rough idea then start to shoot and adjust
May 13th, 2007 at 8:48 pm
Mainly AP.
Word.
May 13th, 2007 at 8:50 pm
almost all the time, from the time I open my camera until I switch it off, it is in a shutter-priority mode. I still have to learn when and how to use effectively the other modes, especially the full manual.
May 13th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
Manual, i want to have the full control of my camera.
May 13th, 2007 at 9:13 pm
Manual most of the time.
Av sometimes.
May 13th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
Mostly Aperture priority mode all the time.
On occasion, when necassary, I’ll switch to Shutter speed priority mode.
On very special circonstances I’ll use the full Manual mode, but that’s very rare.
And finally, my camera is in full automatic mode only when my wife have it in her hands! ;)
May 13th, 2007 at 9:20 pm
Manual mostly. I’m new and thought it’s the best way to learn what my camera can do.
May 13th, 2007 at 9:21 pm
Almost always in Aperture Priority mode. But would love to spend more time in full manual mode, just not that comfortable with it (yet).
May 13th, 2007 at 9:29 pm
I used to be a “fully automatic” kind of guy, but I grew tired of it.
But I found that a light meter’s wrong about 80% of the time, so now I mostly shoot in fully manual mode. Of course, I do use my camera’s meter in the form of a gauge in my viewfinder, but just to help me expose just the way I want depending on the scene.
I takes a little getting used to, but it really helped me take better pictures.
May 13th, 2007 at 9:32 pm
Gotta add another vote for Aperture Priority. ;) Manual has its time and place, but I find that AP gives the best balance of control and speed. Sometimes there just isn’t time to be fiddling about with the settings for ten seconds before each shot.
May 13th, 2007 at 9:46 pm
Av mostly.
Tv with flash.
Manual some.
May 13th, 2007 at 9:47 pm
Just about always manual… but it took me a while to go to it. It was a slow march to it!
May 13th, 2007 at 9:50 pm
Aperture priority
May 13th, 2007 at 9:55 pm
Aperture priority when I shoot flowers/still life.
Shutter priority when I shoot sports.
Manual for portraits/everything else.
May 13th, 2007 at 10:17 pm
Im a full Manual kind of guy, I like to control the exposure of my shots by playing around, it takes me a little longer, but Im getting the hang of it
May 13th, 2007 at 10:25 pm
Program AE. I am on a steep learning curve!!
May 13th, 2007 at 10:26 pm
Almost always manual, since it allows maximum flexibility in selecting the best blend of f-stop and shutter speed. However, if I’m trying to “grab” a shot it’s back to Auto. Without time to think, Auto gives me the best chance of getting an acceptable image.
May 13th, 2007 at 10:29 pm
I keep my D40 set to the no-flash auto setting. However, I use Aperture Priority and the Sport settings quite a lot.
The AP helps me get the look I like.
The Sport helps me capture my wild kids.
May 13th, 2007 at 10:30 pm
I just got my Rebel XT, and I have to admit that I’m using full Auto more than I’d like. But I’m doing it to see how the camera sets itself up because my thinking is that I can learn from that.
But the majority of the time I’m in full Manual. I like control.
May 13th, 2007 at 10:32 pm
When I shoot my point and shoot camera, it’s mostly on Program or the Portrait preset. When I am shooting my SLR I shoot a lot on manual. But I also shoot quite a bit with AV and TV. I guess I am all over the place.
May 13th, 2007 at 10:39 pm
really depends on the shoot … and what it requires … sports - shutter priority, nighttime - full manual … the list goes on …
but for general walk around, aperture priority …
May 13th, 2007 at 10:40 pm
At first with my 350D I used AV mode all the time, the occasional M mode for panos or shutter priority for those special shots. But now I’ve started to use P mode (think its called ‘program’). Give it a go, it’s not that bad.
May 13th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
Aperture Priority for me but I’m new to this and hoping to work my way up to Manual in the future.
May 13th, 2007 at 10:52 pm
I currently have 1503 photos on my website and the counts are:
M: 553 photos
S: 472 photos
P: 348 photos
A: 130 photos
I’ve NEVER used anything below “P” (:
May 13th, 2007 at 10:55 pm
Usually P while wandering around, swap to AP or SP based on circumstance (AP - depth of field control, SP - blur or stop motion).
I’ve been playing with lots of off camera flash (strobist.com), and that is done in M (basically studio work, so want full control).
May 13th, 2007 at 11:03 pm
I shoot in manual mode almost exclusively. I like the control over the exposure that is given in this mode. This gives me the ability to tweak the exposure for different scenes.
When shooting action sports, I use the Sports mode.
May 13th, 2007 at 11:07 pm
If I’m out trying to snap a lot of pictures, I always use something like Program Shift mode. I like it better than Auto because at least I can peek at the histogram and make adjustments, and I almost always need to adjust the ISO or white balance manually on my camera.
If I’m taking macro shots, I leave it on Av, and if I’m doing long shutter speeds, I use M or Tv.
I’m betting when I get a DSLR, I’ll probably use more manual stuff. Adjusting the settings on my camera is a lot of button pushing. I don’t know how often I’d love to manually focus but it’s just not feasible.
May 13th, 2007 at 11:11 pm
Manual or aperture…mostly manual.
May 13th, 2007 at 11:12 pm
Manual mode with auto focus…for the most part anyway. Still getting use to my new equipment, so there is a lot of experimentation going on ;)
May 13th, 2007 at 11:17 pm
I shoot mostly Av but i am learning how to use Manual and hope i soon will use that more since it gives more control over the picture…
May 13th, 2007 at 11:18 pm
I like to shoot in Manual but I don’t know enough about the settings to always get it right so I will often take one in Manual and one in Auto just to make sure I don’t miss a shot entirely.
May 13th, 2007 at 11:32 pm
I use M alot.
May 13th, 2007 at 11:34 pm
I’ve been using the Macro and Portrait scene settings lately, and liking the results.
May 13th, 2007 at 11:35 pm
Aperture/Exposure priority modes 50/50. Now i’m starting complete manual mode from time to time.
May 13th, 2007 at 11:36 pm
Aperture Priority followed by Full Manual.
May 13th, 2007 at 11:36 pm
I shoot most of my work in Aperture priority. All weddings in full Manual.
The “Boca” effect (background blur), is what makes professional photographers work really pop. Add color saturation control and you get great pictures.
Sports are really the only time I would switch to Shutter priority.
Kenneth Robert
http://www.kennethrobertimages.com
May 13th, 2007 at 11:38 pm
Aperture priority mostly. And when it doesn’t work for me (tricky lighting or for long shots or when I require bulb mode), I shift to Manual.
May 13th, 2007 at 11:42 pm
i have shot in aperture priority for most of my career but after encouragement from a friend i have begun shooting in manual. i have been doing this for a few months now and am in love.
May 13th, 2007 at 11:43 pm
Aperture priority, with rare exceptions.
May 13th, 2007 at 11:45 pm
Well i’m still using “auto” but trying to learn step-by-step how to make photos with manual mode.
May 13th, 2007 at 11:47 pm
Full manual mode. I like to have control of the entire camera. I grew up on a Manual only mode 35mm camera, so I’m not used to all the bells and whistles on the digital cameras, but I’m learning!
May 13th, 2007 at 11:59 pm
I’m usually in Av mode, except for when I’ve got the external flash attached. Then I’ll go full manual. Generally still learning it, but the Av and S modes don’t seem to work too well with the XT and an external flash. Manual mode set to 5.5 and 1/50 or 1/100 shifting the ISO seems to work pretty well.
May 14th, 2007 at 12:00 am
Aperture priority mode 80% of the time, shutter priority 20% of the time
May 14th, 2007 at 12:02 am
Aperture Priority almost always. I do have good results with the ‘Sports’ mode when at the kids soccer games.
May 14th, 2007 at 12:03 am
When I am shooting events with flash, I often use shutter priority so the ambient light is enhanced.
May 14th, 2007 at 12:03 am
Aperture priority almost all the time, unless I’m shooting a panorama, then it’s full manual.
May 14th, 2007 at 12:14 am
I find I am using Aperture priority and “P” mode the most. Occasionally the Shutter priority mode comes in handy to decrease camera shake! My Rebel TXi takes photos that are way way to dark on Auto mode,so I seldom ever use it.I am hoping there will soon be a fix from the maker.
May 14th, 2007 at 12:19 am
Almost always aperature priority.
May 14th, 2007 at 12:23 am
Aperture Priority most of the time. Shutter priority sometimes when I’m shooting water. Manual even more rarely for night exposures.
May 14th, 2007 at 12:26 am
I use P - which is mostly automatic - about 60% of the time, then AV (20%) and M (20%). I sometimes use TV for night photography though - but most of that is done in manual mode.
May 14th, 2007 at 12:30 am
I slowly going from Program mode to Aperture Priority Mode, Shutter speed priority… I’m starting to learn the possibilities in the other settings..
May 14th, 2007 at 12:32 am
I’m mainly an A-mode guy but quite often find myself using P-mode ‘Vari Programs(?)’ to jump between controlling the aperture or shutter.
Rarely use Manual. If needed to, I just turn the dial to -/+ EV for compensation.
May 14th, 2007 at 12:33 am
Av most of the time for normal photo’s, and manual for the tricks - I don’t think there is a point owning a DSLR if you can’t use manual to, say, take a cool night shot. That said, I didn’t blow all that cash to take 5 minutes to set up for every shot either, so it’s a balance and for the most part Av is a neat compromise.
May 14th, 2007 at 12:39 am
Aperture here!
May 14th, 2007 at 12:42 am
AP now…
Usually I shift between between Manual, Shutter priority and Aperture priority. Very rarely I go into full auto. Sometimes what the camera sees is different from what the eye sees and I like to be able to adjust to what I want the photo to look like and not how the camera wants it.
May 14th, 2007 at 12:43 am
I use Aperture Priority most of the time.
I have no need for full manual mode as I can tweak the parameters in AP mode also :)
May 14th, 2007 at 12:43 am
AP to get in the ballbark, then M to fine tune…
May 14th, 2007 at 12:47 am
I go back & forth between Shutter and Aperture. A couple weeks ago, I was taking pictures of my cousins’ kids and played with the shutter speed to get some neat “action blurs” as they ran around and threw the ball around.
May 14th, 2007 at 12:50 am
Since I take a lot of pictures of concerts and night events, most of the time I’m on Tv. But then again, Av is always the most useful when going for the artistic mood of portraits or macro (in a well lit situation). I find full manual to be useful only for planned sessions or things like that, but for the most point-and-shot Av and Tv is the common mode for me. Oh, and I go P all the way when totally fooling around, sometimes you just don’t need to get artsy.
May 14th, 2007 at 12:51 am
I used to be an ‘Auto’ photographer but now I’m mainly a ‘Program’ mode photographer.
I occasionally use ‘Shutter Priority’ but I still have to get used to it.
May 14th, 2007 at 1:02 am
Full manual most the time
But sometimes the full auto mode - It’s quicker then me :)
May 14th, 2007 at 1:08 am
I’m about 50% a ‘Program’ mode photographer,the other 50% is Aperture priority.
May 14th, 2007 at 1:16 am
Almost always Aperture Priority. DOF is what I like to control the most. Shutter Priority is too much dialing, Manual is too slow.
Sometimes I’m messing around with the settings and something really cool happens near me, I panic and switch to full Auto just not to miss the moment.
I think the typical presets should be forgotten by the manufacturers, they should be replaced by Custom Mode 1, 2, 3, 4 etc. At least on dSLRs..
May 14th, 2007 at 1:29 am
Program mode followed closely by aperture mode. I never use the full Auto modes anymore.
May 14th, 2007 at 1:31 am
I’m always in the manual. Love the complete control it gives me with the light meter. However i do change over when shooting fast moving objects
May 14th, 2007 at 1:37 am
I usually shot in “P” (not portrait) mode the first photo, then I switch to Manual and tweak the aperture or the shutter speed for all subsequent shoots of the same scene.
Now, the better I get in gaining “the eye”, I shoot in full manual mode.
Obvoiusly RAW+JPEG is my favourite format so I can have both on my 2GB SD Card.
May 14th, 2007 at 1:42 am
It’s in Manual right now, with manual focus.
I’d say I shoot probably 60% Manual with manual focus, 10% Manual with autofocus, 20% Aperture priority, 10% Shutter priority, and 5% Program. It’s taken me a while to build the confidence to shoot manual, but I really enjoy tinkering with the setting to get the exposure just where I want it. That’s not to say I don’t shoot tons of test shots, though. ;)
May 14th, 2007 at 1:49 am
Manual usually, AP otherwise.
May 14th, 2007 at 1:49 am
I’m really trying to learn more about photography and use all 4 settings to see what I can do with it.
May 14th, 2007 at 1:52 am
mostly Av
May 14th, 2007 at 1:52 am
I’m usually in Aperture because I want to control depth of field, but rarely I will use full auto when I’m either in a hurry or am in snapshot mode. The only time I use manual is in studio. Otherwise I find that my cameras do a good job with metering.
May 14th, 2007 at 1:55 am
Mostly ‘P’rogram mode on my 18-200mm VR but mostly ‘A’perture priority with my 50mm 1.8 depends what I’m doing.
May 14th, 2007 at 2:01 am
As I’m still learning, I usually use the sport setting (no flash, and it captures a lot of movement.) I can set it on sport and have my husband take photos of my community band on stage and we’ll get acceptable shots. I know that with my Olympus dslr I could do so much better, so I’m I’m scrambling to learn more about photography.
May 14th, 2007 at 2:05 am
Aperture Priority mode is my preference. Allows for better control of Dof, and also allows me to control how sharp the final picture is sometimes. Occasionally I’ll use shutter priority mode for effect (ie panning). Manual Mode is very useful for those times the camera can’t figure out what I’m trying to do - starlit night landscapes for example.
May 14th, 2007 at 2:05 am
I’m aperture priority type of photographer but working towards becoming a manual settings type to improve my technique.
May 14th, 2007 at 2:06 am
90% of the time, it’s in full manual. I only touch the other modes when I’m in a hurry (i.e. shooting sports, events, etc.), in which case I end up using Tv a little more than Av. I’ve never even used the presets or full auto, and probably never will. I’m a fan of precise control when I can afford the time, and at least a little control when I can’t.
May 14th, 2007 at 2:14 am
75% of the time it’s P mode. 15% in A mode and the rest in one of the custom modes like macro, portrait, kids, or sports. I use green when not I’m really not sure, and when handing the camera to others.
Like others, controlling the depth of field is the effect I like the most.
May 14th, 2007 at 2:23 am
I shoot in the mode that makes most sense for the situation. :) Shutter priority if I’m moving around a lot (don’t need to worry about too much blur) or if the subject is moving. Aperture generally gets a lot of use when I’m shooting landscapes so I can keep good DOF. And then for those tricky shots or if both the subject and I are stationary, manual to the rescue! I honestly don’t think I’ve ever used any of the auto modes on any of my cameras except by accident…
May 14th, 2007 at 2:26 am
I usually leave it in aperture priority mode (as I mostly like to do close up photography with a shallow depth of field).
However, recently I’ve been playing a lot more with shutter priority - light hasn’t been that good and it’s been the kids birthdays. Set to 1/125s to guarantee capturing the action and then adjusted ISO accordingly.
May 14th, 2007 at 2:34 am
most of the occasions its on aperture priority
but when i have time to shoot the image like portraits, macro and landscaping i set it to fully manual :)
for the shutter speed priority i use it on sport events :)
May 14th, 2007 at 2:40 am
Almost always AP unless I want to blur something. I like creating a separation from subject to background.
May 14th, 2007 at 2:49 am
Manual. I’m still learning what the closest to perfect settings are for the different shots I take all the time. I do nightlife photography, and for some reason, the same settings look different, depending on the Venue or Club I go to..Wierd.
May 14th, 2007 at 3:01 am
I’m an Aperture priority fan. If I get the calculations right, I go for manual.
May 14th, 2007 at 3:05 am
Mostly in Aperture priority mode, and if I can’t get it to what I want I switch it to its neighbor Manual. I find Shutter Priority usage very limited, and P is something I use when I’m traveling and trying to take snapshots.
May 14th, 2007 at 3:14 am
Almost exclusively in Aperture priority (which for some reason is Av on my camera)
I do use Tv (shutter priority) a fair bit too.
Keep planning on learning to shoot full-manual but never sure if it is worth the extra effort.
May 14th, 2007 at 3:18 am
I was actually in manual mode today. I’ve been trying to shoot more and more in manual mode to get a better feeling of the effects of shutter speed and aperture settings. But normally I’m an aperture priority mode dude.
May 14th, 2007 at 3:21 am
I use Manual Mode. I like to have control over the camea. Although there are time I do use preset modes depending on the situation.
May 14th, 2007 at 3:23 am
All Manual all…er…most of the time! Control rocks!
Cory
May 14th, 2007 at 3:23 am
Mine is on Av which is Aperture Priority, I do swap around with Shutter and full Manual, but I’ve got a lot to learn about which mode for which shot
May 14th, 2007 at 3:33 am
Manual all of the time. I don’t like to let my camera decide how my pictures should look.
May 14th, 2007 at 3:36 am
Since I learnt how to use it, manual almost all of the time unless I’m trying to pull of a shot quickly and don’t have time for a few test fires to check I am in the right ball park for exposure. I very rarely use auto mode… I invested in a DSLR because I wanted more control of the image making process, not because I wanted a fancier looking camera.
May 14th, 2007 at 3:39 am
P - 80%
M - 10%
S / A - 10%
May 14th, 2007 at 3:52 am
I’ve been using manual because I want to really learn more about exposure and how to figure it all out myself.
Also for sports photography I use sports mode (duh).
May 14th, 2007 at 4:09 am
either aperture or manual…
May 14th, 2007 at 4:10 am
I’m a Manual kinda girl. I used Auto until about February when I finally got down and learned how to use the camera properly! I’m so glad I have control over the flash and everything else now!
May 14th, 2007 at 4:12 am
Is it better to use sports mode or shutter priority for sports stuff? Right now I don’t really see the difference between the two.
May 14th, 2007 at 4:29 am
I use Program mode on my Canon 30D.
It gives me the flexibility of adjusting settings, but picks up just about everything needed automatically if I don’t adjust.
May 14th, 2007 at 4:32 am
I almost exclusively use full manual mode but I think I will try AP mode, since a lot of you guys seem to like it :)
May 14th, 2007 at 4:34 am
Aperture Priority - 90%
Auto - 10%
May 14th, 2007 at 4:46 am
I would say 90% of the time it’s in aperture mode.
LOVE my new lens 1.8 and how I can get the blurred background.
May 14th, 2007 at 4:46 am
Aperture priority seems pretty common, and is one I agree with. That and manual for me. I don’t have a meter in manual mode, though, which is a bit of a problem for me. Sometimes if I want it different I’ll check what the camera wants in Av and start on that in manual.
Never auto.
May 14th, 2007 at 4:50 am
Aperture Priority - 60%
Program - 20%
Speed Priority - 10%
Manual - 10%
May 14th, 2007 at 5:17 am
Looks like I have A LOT to learn from you guys. I am new to this hobby and am still in the “Auto” mode stage of the game.
May 14th, 2007 at 5:17 am
I used Manual from the beginning.. never used the other modes before. hehe. But I should though.
May 14th, 2007 at 5:33 am
‘P’rogram for just regular shooting. I prefer it over full auto because it allows me to adjust the ISO, white balance, and under/overexposing. And I hate how auto pops the flash open when it thinks it is needed.
I use Av, Tv, and M as well, depending on the situation. I generally only use M for night photography or when I am using the hot shoe flash.
May 14th, 2007 at 5:38 am
AP
May 14th, 2007 at 5:43 am
Manual.
May 14th, 2007 at 6:03 am
Aperture Priority Mode But flip to manual when using my flash/strobes
May 14th, 2007 at 6:18 am
Mostly manual, i think I’m a control-freak. Do it yourself ;-)
May 14th, 2007 at 6:25 am
I shoot in aperture priority mode about 85 to 90% of the time.
The other 10 to 15% is split between full manual and shutter priority.
May 14th, 2007 at 7:07 am
Av 70%
P 20%
M 10%
May 14th, 2007 at 7:09 am
P auto mode. I often change the aperture while in this mode to suit the photo. If I want to lock the apterture/shutter speed for a few photos I change to Av/Tv but mostly P gives me what I need.
I like that in P a quick snap will always get a good exposure, if I leave it on Av/Tv then I might have a bad setting for a quick snap and then miss the opportunity
May 14th, 2007 at 7:24 am
Since I got my first SLR, I started out shooting manual.Sometimes I find it difficult to get the shot, so i switch to the Program mode on my rebel xt. DOF becoming more inportant for me, so I started to use Av more now. I take lots of portraits shots.
my camera is set to Manual.
75% I shoot Manual.
15% I shoot Program
10T I shoot AV
May 14th, 2007 at 7:30 am
I am sure that if I check my camera now it will be on aperture priority which I us 95% of the time. Most of the time I leave the auto focus off.
May 14th, 2007 at 8:05 am
Manual. I like having full control over the shot. Though I think sometimes this gets in the way of just getting that perfect shot.
Before I switched to full manual, I used Aperture Priority mode the most.
May 14th, 2007 at 8:37 am
AV for portraits/still life
TV for sports
Manual for everything else
The only time I ever use P is for snapshots
May 14th, 2007 at 8:38 am
Aperture priority.
I use shutter priority occasionally when the speed is important, I use Program when ussing a flash sometimes to maintain a better flash-sync, and manual when I’m taking my time to set up a shot and don’t want things chaning while I re-focus, etc.
Interestingly, I read a book about Bert Stern last year, who is an amazingly good photographer, and it quoted him as being very much in support of automatic exposure modes, which seemed unusual for a professional photographer. His argument was that auto exposure modes free you up from thinking about the exposure and allow you to focus on composition and the moment in front of you.
May 14th, 2007 at 8:57 am
Definitely Av mode mostly. Use Tv for moving scenes.Never Auto and occasionally M.
May 14th, 2007 at 8:57 am
I looked up the aperture “sweet spots” of my lens at slrgear.com, then shoot 90% of my photos using Aperture Priority.
May 14th, 2007 at 9:07 am
60% of the time AP
30% Program, it is quick when you need it.
10% Manual - nearly every tripd shot.
May 14th, 2007 at 9:59 am
I shoot almost always in Manual mode or I go mental. I get a little cranky with my point and shoot (when I use it) because I have little or no control on what I want the camera to do.
May 14th, 2007 at 10:22 am
Almost always “auto”. But want to try “aperture”. Need to get to know my camera a little better.
May 14th, 2007 at 10:30 am
I shoot primarily in aperture priority mode - this allows me to control depth of field, which is what I’m mostly interested in. Sometimes I’ll over-ride the auto-exposure, and crank it down a notch (if I have some bright light conditions).
I switch to manual when conditions are such that I need a faster shutter speed, or am in low light conditions, and I want to set the correct balance between exposure, shutter speed and dof.
May 14th, 2007 at 10:42 am
Almost always aperture priority. Sometimes manual. Never, never use auto.
May 14th, 2007 at 11:17 am
Using AP sometimes TV in sports.
May 14th, 2007 at 11:19 am
Mostly Manual. But often switch to Aprature and Shutter priority modes.
May 14th, 2007 at 12:48 pm
I usually use Program mode, unless I am trying for a specific effect or if I’m in a specific situation.
May 14th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
I generally use P but that’s because of the type of photographs I tend to catch.
If I have a few seconds to think, I tweak the settings slightly or switch modes.
If I really have time to set up a shot, then I occasionally use full manual.
May 14th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
It depends. I’m usually in Shutter speed priority for indoor shots. Outdoor, I just shoot P. Sometimes, though, I switch to Aperture priority for depth of field control.
May 14th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
always manual
May 14th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
AP mostly. I am very particular about the DOF in my shots. Switch to SP mode when I need to shoot some action.
May 14th, 2007 at 2:24 pm
Aperture Priority mode. I only use SP when dealing wiht moving subjects or If I’m on the move. I do use Manual when doing potrait shots with a lighting set up.
I shoot with a Nikon D70s and the 18-70 Kit lens.
May 14th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
AP mostly, sometime portrait and sometimes action, sometimes AV for portrait and sometimes Manual. Never the green box.
May 14th, 2007 at 2:43 pm
Manual
i use manual 85% of the time, unless I need a quick shot and don’t have time to set everything up properly
May 14th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
Manual: 75%
Av: 10%
Tv: 10%
Portrait, Lanscape, Night, etc: 5% (DON’T underestimate these modes!)
May 14th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
Mostly AV
Otherwise P
May 14th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
When out and about I like AP.
In the studio situation manual all the way. =]
May 14th, 2007 at 4:49 pm
Mostly M(Manual) mode…:) and Potrait mode and a little landscape mode.
DSC H2 Sony ::)
May 14th, 2007 at 5:49 pm
Auto 70% [to seize the moment]
AP 20% [to play the photogeek]
Others 10% [to play the photogeek more :)]
[[Olympus sp-500uz]]
May 14th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
Manual, Aperture Priority and Programmable (in that order). I would say nowadays it’s M 60% of the time, with A 30% of the time and P, the rest.
May 14th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
Aperture Priority most of the time.
May 14th, 2007 at 7:43 pm
Most of the times I use Aperture Priority Mode with “AF”.
When I want more creative control, shoot in “M” while in Aperture Priority mode.
I generally switch to “Portrait” mode while shooting portraits.
Have seldom used “Manual” mode, but that’s because I am very new to photography and don’t have that confidence at this time to shoot in “Manual”.
May 14th, 2007 at 7:52 pm
I prefer Aperture Priority for most occasions when i’m prepared (control over the depth-field).
If i have the Cam with me i prefer the Programm Mode its quite nice to shoot fast if you have to be fast ;-)
When i’m shooting concerts and the light is predictable i sometime shoot in Manual Mode, to get more control over the whole picture (its hard to work so but if you know your camera you will do a good job).
But its also based in some Photogeekness as Tom stated some comments ago ;-)
May 14th, 2007 at 8:00 pm
I have recently taken on manual - before that auto
May 14th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
I don’t see what the point is. What difference does it make how everyone shoots? What mode you use depends on what you are shooting. And though people may like to “show off” saying they never hoot Auto and always go Manual, I think Auto gives great shots most of the time. Anyways, that’s what I think
May 14th, 2007 at 9:38 pm
Mostly > Aperture Priority Mode
2nd place > P
3rd place > S
May 14th, 2007 at 9:42 pm
I shoot in Aperture Priority Mode cause … i need to have my lens set at f8-f11 to get any sharpness.. if i need to control the shutter speed for my hummers and other birds in flight then i shoot in Manual :)
May 14th, 2007 at 10:34 pm
I shoot in programmed auto (P) a lot with my Nikon D50. More and more lately, I use aperture priority (A) to control depth of field.
May 14th, 2007 at 10:42 pm
I pretty much use Aperture Priority all the time. When I first bought my D50 I didn’t know how to use it and I only shot in the auto or sports mode. But now after taking a few classes and reading tips on here I’ve switched to Aperture mode.
May 14th, 2007 at 10:47 pm
Auto about 50% of the time, Aperture priority the rest. (Sony Alpha100)
May 14th, 2007 at 11:00 pm
Why, Aperture priority mode, of course. And when I’m shooting action, I usually stick to Aperture priority - will sometimes switch to shutter priority if I need the action to slow down.
May 14th, 2007 at 11:29 pm
I shoot mostly manual on my D50. Every once in a while I will slip into a programmed preset to play around, but for the most part I shoot manual exposure with auto focus. I do not trust my eyes enough without a split-center to go manual focus anymore.
May 14th, 2007 at 11:37 pm
I have to admit that I am mostly auto…I do often use portrait also, but only dapple with the other modes and haven’t found too much success there yet. That’s the photographer and not camera’s fault, by the way. I only got my S3IS a year ago and this is the first camera I have ever had that’s even allowed these types of options. I have to admit, they still scare me a little, but hopefully I will overcome that with time. However, I do still think that I manage to get some pretty good shots of my main subject (my daughter) every now and then. I am a scrapbooker, so good pictures are key! I am really looking for some critiques on my photos, so anyone willing to check out my blog (http://jillmarie7276.blogspot.com/) and offer some constructive criticism or advice would be greatly appreicated.
May 14th, 2007 at 11:50 pm
Aperture priority mode 95% of time
Manual on special occasions (very low lighting, portraits etc.)
[Nikon D80]
May 14th, 2007 at 11:51 pm
Aperture Priority most of the time. I like shooting with the aperture wide open, although sometimes I wish I used auto more because a lot of the shots I take are quick I sometimes forget to increase my depth of field when taking in a landscape.
May 15th, 2007 at 12:08 am
before my first DSLR i used full manual with my canon s3. i never used auto with my 350d. i started using aperture priority and used that quite often. once i learned how the camera exposes i did manual. rarely ever do anything other than that now.
May 15th, 2007 at 12:11 am
In order of priority:
Aperture Priority - because I want full control of DOF
Shutter Priority - when I’m shooting moving subjects to avoid motion blur
Manual - when shooting with strobes but I generally avoid it otherwise
Program - When I don’t want (or don’t have time) to think and the lighting is changing.
I find that at my experience level I need all the help I can get from the camera’s metering. Certainly I am compensating often I let the camera take me half way.
May 15th, 2007 at 12:24 am
Aperture priority, rarely in Shutter Priority. But I like having the control over the depth of field. Only when I want to capture motion I switch to shutter priority.
May 15th, 2007 at 12:34 am
I finally got out of the “auto” mode. I have begun to shoot mostly in aperture priority. When I’m using lights I shoot manual.
May 15th, 2007 at 12:37 am
Almost exclusively Aperture Priority - I use shutter priority or manual when I’m looking for specific effects.
May 15th, 2007 at 1:10 am
I use Manual mode almost 90% of the time. Other times I use Auto mode especially at birthday parties when I need to take children’s snaps quickly.
May 15th, 2007 at 1:33 am
Landscape right now because there was a great cloudburst yesterday! Portrait mostly because it gives the best range of mid-close to mid-distance without fussing around too much with settings on the fly. I just recently discovered aperture priority and I think it’s going to be a big favorite too (I swear, every time I go out I learn something new about this camera - Rebel xti and I love it!) I’m using a lot more manual when I have the time to experiment, but at this point I trust the camera more than I do my own knowledge, so if I just want to get the shot I use one of the autosets.
May 15th, 2007 at 2:36 am
Aperture priority is what my camera is on at the moment, and that is my most used setting. Some manual shooting, others when needed.
Canon is my equipment of choice, almost exclusively actually. Looking to add to my lens selection at the moment…….
May 15th, 2007 at 2:40 am
I tend to leave it at Macro Mode.
May 15th, 2007 at 4:34 am
Ahem…. (clears throat…steps up to podium). “Hi. My Name is Bryan, and I’m an “Automatic” photographer”.
Group: “Hello Bryan”.
“I want to be a better photographer, but that green button keeps calling me. It’s my crutch. I need a 12 step program to help me break my habits. I bought a nice Nikon D80 and thought I could break my habit, but so far no go. What I really need is someone to boot me in the head every time I think ‘Auto is easy and not bad to use’. Thank you”
May 15th, 2007 at 4:48 am
I shoot in Av most of the time. I love the effect of blurring the background in some shots. I rarely use auto mode. I’m also experimenting with full manual mode.
May 15th, 2007 at 5:24 am
M(anual) for most shots currently.
After reading a selection of comments in this thread though, I’m going to reconsider the benefits of the Av setting for the day to day shooting. I’ll always use M when I really want to think about the composition of a shot, but I don’t mind saving a little time for the quick shots.
May 15th, 2007 at 6:45 am
Always Manual, full control is vital. Even speedlights, etc. All manual.
May 15th, 2007 at 8:20 am
Hello.
I grew up (photographically) using an inexpensive SLR with no TTL exposimeter and a faulty external one.
It was not too much fun when a potentially nice image was so bady exposed that the negative could only go to the bin.
Having so many possible uses nowadays makes me happy. I use different camera modes on the basis of a number of parameters: Time, type of image, lighting conditions, tripod or handheld, etc.
Anyhow, my favourite is still fully manual mode.
May 15th, 2007 at 8:24 am
I’ve noticed that many responses here are against Auto mode. I also don’t use it much, but come on, it is really useful sometimes. For example when I give the camera to my younger sister to shoot me, or when I have no time to shoot-adjust-shoot.
May 15th, 2007 at 8:37 am
I shoot in full manual mode 95% of time unless I’m shooting with on camera flash then I use either aperture preferred or program mode.
May 15th, 2007 at 11:10 am
Canon XT/XTi users who are fans of aperture priority mode might like to take a closer look at manual mode. You can dial in the desired aperture when you switch on the camera, then adjust the shutter speed, keeping an eye on the exposure level. The advantage over Av is that you can intentionally under/overexpose by just turning the dial - no fiddly buttons to press.
May 15th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
With my SLR - as I’m still learning, I use the ‘P’ mode. I will occasionally go to Shutter or AP but that’s not too often.
On my point and shoot - I also stick to their ‘P’ mode. However I *always* turn off the flash - unless I feel that the lighting needs a flash, which is only about 10% of the time.
May 15th, 2007 at 9:41 pm
manual mode ONLY.
May 16th, 2007 at 12:22 am
Manual most of the time, but if I’m in a rush, I go to auto, or shutter priority, but more auto if I’m not in full manual.
May 16th, 2007 at 6:06 am
No question. Most is shot in Av mode (Aperture priority) I think 80%, than 10% manual and 10% in Ts (Time priority) mode.
May 16th, 2007 at 7:59 am
Mostly Program mode…
May 16th, 2007 at 11:18 am
I use AP mode 99% of the time. I like to be able to control the depth of field on my Canon 5D. I will switch over to Manual or Shutter Priority in low light or with moving subjects.
May 16th, 2007 at 12:02 pm
well … sports and action on S, human events A, and M for everything else. So, about 30/30/40.
May 16th, 2007 at 10:40 pm
AP almost always but I am starting to switch to manual. I find that AP changes the shutter speed too fequently just because I change the focus point even if the overall scene is still the same. Of course if my wife has it I just switch to full auto.
May 16th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
I used to be 95% shutter priority but since getting my EOS 400D I have been dabbeling in both shutter and apeture priority.
May 17th, 2007 at 4:21 am
AP 90% of the time. M in specific conditions (sport, night, panorama etc)
May 17th, 2007 at 6:20 am
Manual all the time.
May 17th, 2007 at 9:59 am
I used an old Nikon FTN for years where everything was manual then I started carrying a Canon Rebel in the late 90’s and for some reason fell into the auto mode.
Now I have two Nikons a D50 and a D40 and I am shooting more and more in Manual but I always have my cameras on Auto when traveling so I don’t miss a “grab” shot.
May 18th, 2007 at 9:49 am
Aperture usually–birds, flowers, people, etc
Shutter for action (grandkids)
Manual for landscapes, sunsets and difficult lighting situations
May 18th, 2007 at 9:58 am
I use P - the aperture is widest open by default. I do a lot in low avail light. If I want to stop it down I can, or use AP (D50)
May 18th, 2007 at 10:00 am
It depends on where I am, but mostly Programed mode.
Except when shooting fast or in a dark room, Shutter priority.
May 18th, 2007 at 10:09 am
Mainly I use AP mode
May 18th, 2007 at 10:20 am
Av, 85%
Manual, 15%
Subjects consisting of spontaneous portraits, people and life. It takes too long to fiddle with manual and other modes, so leave it at Av but occasionally forget to switch modes when I need it.
May 18th, 2007 at 10:27 am
Av
I am obsessed with portrait/glamour photography of Asian women and especiall the BOKEH effect. Focus is critical and I have just bought a new cross-hair split prism focusing screen (Ec-L) for manual focusing. I rarely go off Av setting. My EOS-1Ds has no AUTO setting.
May 18th, 2007 at 10:36 am
Pentax istDS
AP - 45%
AUTO - 50%
Manual - 5%
May 18th, 2007 at 10:37 am
i shoot most in manual.
May 18th, 2007 at 10:42 am
Manual mode in camera and flash.
May 18th, 2007 at 11:18 am
manual to have full control of camera
May 18th, 2007 at 11:43 am
The mode I use depends on what I’m photographing. I do however use Manual a lot because it gives a better idea of what the end result will be rather than the automatic modes which brighten up the image for viewing. Manual wins in low available light and difficult lighting situations situations.
May 18th, 2007 at 11:47 am
Every once in a while, I slip into Av mode - especially when speed is of the essence. Otherwise, I go full manual and use the EV to gauge the exposure, then tweak depending on how I want the shot to come out.
May 18th, 2007 at 11:57 am
I do quite a bit of sports photography, so the setting is usually on shutter priority. Occasionally, I’ll switch to auto. Would like to experiment more with aperture priority…
May 18th, 2007 at 12:04 pm
Generally Program mode. This allows me control over all options except the exposure itself.
May 18th, 2007 at 12:16 pm
I’m with Jillian, I’m still learning. My camera is set to Sport 99.9% of the time. I have other issues however. In addition to the fact that I am a point and shoot kind of person, I have a slight nerve tremor. I discovered it because you can’t see it and I can’t feel it. The camera can and does! So, it’s not so much the target in motion, it’s me! If someone has any bright ideas, I’m more than ready to hear them! I do lean against walls and trees when I can but those are not always available. Thank goodness for digital and the delete key! I think I need to read more of the archives from this blog and join the group. No, duh! Any secrets?
May 18th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
Manual mode
May 18th, 2007 at 12:46 pm
I use almost exclusively Aperture priority.
May 18th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
Almost exclusively in Manual mode chosing what I require for the end result.
Sometimes in P mode
May 18th, 2007 at 3:13 pm
To Evelyn
I have the same problem. I move the camera when I depress the button. Try settling down with the button half depressed. I am the same when I shoot a GLOCK pistol, I tend to squeeze and pull to the right. Monopods are a great help but for crystal sharp images then a tripod is a must. I have reverted to Image Stabilised lenses and they are great. I still have to perfect steady holding though. practise practise practise.
May 18th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
I use P (program) mode most of the time. This lets me mess about with various menu settings but still get automatic exposure.
May 18th, 2007 at 4:15 pm
well for it all depends on many factors. If I’m shooting landscape and i can take my time and it happens to have a tripod handy then its all manual. is shooting action and sport then it’s shutter priority (but sometimes I set to Auto because the camera usually does a pretty god choice for me)and if I’m shooting portraits then is aperture priority, and there is many other cases when I have to choose so its all depends for me.
May 18th, 2007 at 4:17 pm
Program mode and then adjust the exposure levels.
May 18th, 2007 at 4:49 pm
Always Manual mode. I first started with the AV but then realized that I’d learn more and faster with the manual mode.
May 18th, 2007 at 6:19 pm
I use Aperture Priority mostly, if anyone else is taking a picture using my camera I switch it to Auto, and sometimes like to use Auto (when I can’t be bothered!)
May 18th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
Program : 50%
Aperture : 30%
Shutter : 20%
However until recent times it was always Program, so as my learning curve is flattening out Aperture & Shutter will become more predominant
May 18th, 2007 at 9:16 pm
I use various modes but always shoot in RAW, this gives me a massive control over my shots on the Pc.
May 18th, 2007 at 9:32 pm
Shutter Speed Priority Mode mainly.
Then depending on the circumstances (if I have the time to find the right settings by myself or if I have to react quickly, for example) I use Manual or Program mode.
May 18th, 2007 at 10:25 pm
Nearly always manual.
May 18th, 2007 at 10:46 pm
Most of the times I use 3 different mode, A,S,P mode. I stick with Programming modes whenever I took them on my job sites. Apertures is when I photograph the flowers with my monopod.
May 18th, 2007 at 11:47 pm
i use P mode and it sub mode in my D80
May 18th, 2007 at 11:48 pm
I use P mode aand it sug-mode for aperture and shuter speed in my D80
May 19th, 2007 at 1:44 am
The aperture setting is most important for me, but I sort of reverse-engineer that setting by changing the shutter speed. Because of what I shoot, using AP alone might give me an unacceptable speed. This way, I can usually get the AP I want while ensuring the speed is in the range necessary (I try not to carry the tripod around if I don’t have to). Although, I have to say that the Canon fully automatic mode does take some pretty good pictures, if you’re not trying for something more artistic.
May 19th, 2007 at 2:57 am
I recd my Canon SD900 ELPH for xmas and just started using it about month and a half ago. It’s loaded with so many features that it will take time to decipher. So, in the meantime I’m using the auto mode (it’s easier at this point). I’m so hoping to learn how to take photos of anything and everything. I find that I’m not too happy w/my pics. Like they have no meaning and I would really like to learn. So, I’m glad I came across DPS. Thank You
May 19th, 2007 at 3:34 am
“M” most of the time, but on the street i’m in “P” mode…
May 19th, 2007 at 4:31 am
I never shoot in manual. I shoot mostly in either aperture or speed but sometimes in program to see what it might look like before going to aperture.
May 19th, 2007 at 6:10 am
Always M… I need to better understand all the basics
May 19th, 2007 at 9:40 am
Aperture priority nearly all of the time.
Manual some times depending on what I’m shooting.
May 19th, 2007 at 11:02 am
it depends:
* If i can control or at least expect consistent ambient light, i will shoot “M”
* Otherwise, i usually shoot Apeture Priority
sometimes, i will shoot Shutter Priority, if i need a fixed shutter speed (really low or really high).
May 19th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
aperture priority all the way :D
May 19th, 2007 at 9:39 pm
Aperture mode 99% of the time, with some ev comp.
May 19th, 2007 at 9:54 pm
I have a tendency to shoot in Shutter Priority mode more than anything. After reading the comments here, though, I think I should try getting into the habit of switching to Aperture Priority instead.
Thanks for this post, though. I’m fascinated with how others use their cameras as well.
May 20th, 2007 at 5:11 am
AP You still have the freedom of adjusting.
May 20th, 2007 at 7:24 am
Auto, portrait, landscape in that order. I am begining to experment in Manual mode.
May 20th, 2007 at 11:27 am
Manual 98% of the time. Aperture Priority every once in a while.
May 20th, 2007 at 11:28 am
Full manual and manual focus. Anything else is for sissies.
May 21st, 2007 at 4:48 pm
I use (P mode) and Auto and ISO sensitivity mode and would like to learn Manual. Looking for someone to teach me. Love your site.
May 21st, 2007 at 4:51 pm
I use (P mode) and Auto I also use ISO sensitivity alot. I would love to learn to use manuel maybe later. Love your site.
May 21st, 2007 at 8:03 pm
Hve been quite satsified with mostly Auto, Portrait and P on my Olympus C740UZ but expect to try more settings reported above while waiting for FedEx to deliver a just purchased Fuji S6000fd.
May 22nd, 2007 at 12:08 am
mostly auto or AP
May 22nd, 2007 at 5:40 am
I shoot in aperture priority primarily or shutter priority. Typically auto focus. Camera is a D50.
May 23rd, 2007 at 6:15 am
Full manual.
May 23rd, 2007 at 8:15 am
shutter speed all most always, I just can’t seem to master AV
May 27th, 2007 at 8:23 am
Manual 85% of the time along with custom WB and 50% manual focus. I like being able to have control over every dimension of the creation of my photograph’s.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:31 pm
I use Manual 99% percent of the time. I was a Program user for a long time. I found out that if I listened to my digital camera it would make me a better photographer.
June 2nd, 2007 at 5:07 am
Manual makes the most sense to me. Without taking my eye away from the viewfinder to change the mode dial, I can either adjust the shutter speed (if motion is a consideration) or aperture (if depth of field is an issue). And adding exposure takes only one finger this way, as opposed to two, on my Nikon D70.
June 4th, 2007 at 7:20 am
I shoot mostly in Aperture mode.But it really depends on what I’M shooting. I shoot an average of 300 - 500 photos a day…6 days a week.
Just an estimate would be -
Aperture = 40%
program = 30%
Mamual = 15%
Shutter = 15%
Happy shooting :)
Gary
June 7th, 2007 at 8:53 am
I love to shoot nature hand held with Canon 30D / 300 4.0L IS and Canon 1.4 extender. I usually shoot in “P” mode as most shots are quick aim & shoot at a bird while it is foraging in a tree. I have used AV and S modes at times.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Sports - Burst 90%
night mode 10% (but they never really turn out)
I’m not a photographer. I’m a computer guy with a camera. I don’t really know about cameras, though reading this site and others is helping. My favorite camera was a little sony (U40 I think). No settings, no zoom, burst mode. but it stopped working after 3 years and 9000 pictures)
I can only take one kind of picture (backround for a desktop on my computer).
Here is my criteria:
Subject offset down and to the right,
L shaped empty space (for icons)
clear (not blury unless on purpose).
Surprisingly some even look nice (to me)
Other than that my pictures suck. But that is ok. I’m not a photographer, just a computer guy with a camera.
September 3rd, 2007 at 5:01 am
Currently in manual… just finished shooting with my flash. Usually in apeture priority mode because I shot mostly portraits. Shutter priority when shooting subjects in motion.
September 25th, 2007 at 2:55 am
> I’m an ‘Aperture Priority Mode’ kind of guy.
Exactly the same as you for exactly the same reasons.
September 25th, 2007 at 11:52 pm
P mode alot lately because I’m moving so fast with the sun going down the entire time. I can get thru the sand, shoot pictures and not get as tired. I must be getting in shape and my fingers are in the best shape of all. LOL
October 7th, 2007 at 1:18 pm
I guess i would have to say, auto because it frees me up to just concentrate on my subject and how i want to take the photo, but i also use the other modes (portrait, landscape ect.) it depends on what i’m photographing at the time.
November 20th, 2007 at 2:10 am
I’ve recently started using P with Auto ISO (min 1/30th and max 1600 ISO) on a Nikon D80.
Othewise, A for most situations, S when I need the stop-motion.
January 30th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Manual when doing sporting events or flash
AP when shooting skulls
Automatic when out and about just snapping
January 30th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
im almost always in “P” mode because whether i want to pay attention to shutter speed or aperature, im always able to adjust quickly
January 31st, 2008 at 12:12 am
I usually find myself using those (”Portrait” “Landscape” or “Sport”) modes. But more often than not I use the “Close Up” mode. It gives a very good focus on what I am taking a picture of.
Usually I take close up shots, so that mode works best for me.
January 31st, 2008 at 12:52 am
New to DSLR, I have been using manual. I do like the a-dep mode for fast moving objects. I have really gotten some fantastic shots. I am practicing for a wedding this year. I have read that manual mode is better to use for that and AV us better to use outside for fill flash.
January 31st, 2008 at 1:29 am
Mostly in Manual 50%
Aperture Priority 35 %
Shutter Priority 15 %
January 31st, 2008 at 5:24 am
For ice hockey, I use manual. For outdoor sports, I use Shutter Priority. For Portraits, I use Ap. Overall, mostly Manual.
January 31st, 2008 at 6:24 am
Always manual.
January 31st, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Manual. It was the reason I bought my DSLR in the first place. Every shot I take I do manual and can usually get what I’m looking for in any condition in 2-3 shots.
Auto focus and auto modes are for when my mom or friends hold the camera.
February 1st, 2008 at 1:37 am
I would say it depends on what I am shooting. Sceneries for sure manual mode. Same goes for portraits. Aperture priority if depth of field is a priority.
On regard to metering it also depends. Sceneries I tend to go with matrix metering, portraits with cdenter weighted and difficult lighting situations I go with spot.
I guess we are all different.
William.
February 25th, 2008 at 2:01 am
Manual. I am in full control of the camera when I use the manual mode.
March 27th, 2008 at 2:52 am
Manual mode now.
six months ago it was aperture priority.
Four years ago it was mostly auto. Which is interesting since I had just transitioned from a fully manual film camera to a DSLR. I guess all the bells and whistles available to me were overwhelming.
March 30th, 2008 at 8:11 am
Hi,
mines in manual !
great site. i am learning loads
–
paul
April 17th, 2008 at 12:52 am
Mostly in aperture priority mode now although I like to dabble with full manual whenever I can. I only very occasionally drop into auto mode if I am in a real rush to get a shot that I don’t have the time to check the settings for.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:54 am
I just got my first DSLR so I’ve been practicing and experimenting with M/S/A modes. But, to ensure I take decent pictures of my childen, I use the preset called “kids”. It’s like ’sports’ but it takes into account that my subjects are usually not more than 5 feet away from me. “Kids” also lets me shoot in 3 shot bursts (like an M-16)because kids are quick as lighting and at least one of those 3 shots is in focus.