Full-Auto guilt

[OurView]

Though awesome shots can be had w/ the full-auto settings on my Canon Rebel T2i, I feel like I'm cheating when I use them. Should I feel guilty for using them? I'm thinking that in the case of getting candid shots @ parties, etc., they may be the best settings to use. Am I right?

[Michael_2010]

Yes, you should have severe feelings of guilt and downright despair!

The best way to learn is to ease into the creative modes. That way you will save yourself a lot of frustration and still get some darn good shots during the learning process.

However, don't let yourself be satisfied with the canned shots coming out of the camera's programs. You have a very powerful artistic tool in your hands and you should push your abilities one step at a time. Most importantly, have FUN with it!

[OurView]

Just for the record, I often use the AP setting. However, my hubby had the camera for a while at our daughter's b-day party and got some awesome shots. I asked what setting he was on and he told me he just used the full-auto. I am having fun learning the ways of my camera and have taken some good photos. Just is a bit annoying when I go through all the work and he gets just as good shots w/ less work.

[RecurrentNerve]

Well, it's a double-edged sword. On the one hand you might get a great shot using Auto in a rush, whereas another time you might an awful overexposed flash-blown monstrosity of a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Manual modes = control.

[ravncat]

nah, don`t feel guilty.

It`s most important to understand the control you are giving up - to let the camera make decisions for you. The question is, do you know what the camera is choosing - do you know if there`s reason to override the camera`s decision?

[Henry Wilt]

I have to admit that I am the same as you regarding the feeling of guilt which is why I am trying to now shoot manual most of the time (after spending some time shooting in either Av or Tv modes to break myself in ).There's an interesting discussion going on about the self same thing in "this thread" right now. It has made me think maybe it's not really that necessary after all so long as I understand why and how to correct problems.

[Elmo]

If you feel guilty about using A=auto. go to P=professional and all guilt is gone. And the implied meaning that in manual you always get a great photo, is bunk. I have see more poorly exposed shots using manual than any of the auto modes.

[RecurrentNerve]

Personally my default setting is Aperture priority, as I think the aperture is the most important aspect to control for most general shots. I use Shutter priority mainly when I need a very fast shutter speed, and only really use Manual for specific shots like blurring water motion and the like.

To elaborate, my basic go-to setup is AP, Spot metering and Spot AF, ISO 200. I find this gives me the best starting point for most shots.

[sk66]

There is a difference between being dependent on Auto and choosing to use it. EVERY mode generally has some extent of auto.....Even when I'm in Manual mode ISO is usually set to a variable range.

[ednorm]

I agree with Mikey 2010, at the very least you should self flagellate with your usb cord after using that mode.
I truly do not see the problem, you are using a tool, use it at the best setting to get the effect you want. I find it fun and challenging to use the manual modes, although I do get some unusable shots at times when it should be perfect. Thats why I am so thrilled with digital slrs.

ed