Why should I use Manual (M)?

[Mr Jon]

Really interesting thread.

I'm still learning photography and I use Av mode most of the time. On a recent trip to Camodia, however, I found myself using Manual and really appreciating it for the first time. I was trying to capture the late afternoon light at Angkor Wat but found that, in Av, the camera was adjusting the exposure depending on how much sky was in the frame, meaning that the light on the temple did not always look 'right' (to me). So when I found a picture that I liked the look of, I dialled in those setting in Manual and shot away, adjusting the settings a little as the light faded. The result was a set of pictures with a consistent look and feel, less time spent jiggering about in Photoshop afterwards, and a feeling that I was improving as a photographer.

I still use Av as my default setting, but I think I have an appreciation now that there is a time and a place for Manual.

[Elite Shutterbug]

Originally Posted by Pigelin

Iv'e had my camera for a while now and it really is the ultimate hobby. However, often I hear people using Manual-mode (M) on their cameras. I get it if you try to do some lightning photography, or perhaps when taking a shot at night. Even I have used M in those cases.

But why do people use it in everyday photo? If you use Tv or Av you get controll of one parameter, which for most cases is quite enough. If you then want to adjust exposure you can do it by changing exposure settings with a few clicks. Do you really need to directly control parameter number two when changing exposure stops does the same thing?

When using M (at least for me), I always look at the exposure meter in the viewfinder to help me. But if I then follow this to some extent I'm bound to wind up with about the same settings I would get by using Av or Tv, simply because they automaticly follow the exposure meter.

So my conclusion must be that people who use M don't use the exposure meter due to the fact that it could as easily be done by Tv or Av + exposure compensation. Is there any reason to use M I have overlooked? Please convince me of the possibilities of M.

i see what your saying, my advice is to shoot in whatever your comfortable with. i shoot in Ap 70% of the time and M the rest of the time. my reasoning for manual in everyday shooting is sometimes the cameras meter is wrong. it can be fooled by things and you will see that in your picture. altho you can adjust this in your App priority or shutter priority i like to be in control and over time shooting manual you will learn to see light faster and be able to get your exposure right faster and more frequently. but whenever i shoot portraits i ALWAYS use Manual...just saying =)

do what works for you

[sybren]

Originally Posted by Pigelin

So my conclusion must be that people who use M don't use the exposure meter due to the fact that it could as easily be done by Tv or Av + exposure compensation. Is there any reason to use M I have overlooked? Please convince me of the possibilities of M.

For me it's all about consistency. I do use the exposure meter in M mode. The advantage of M is that the exposure doesn't change unless I change it. Av or Tv change the exposure based on what they "see", so when you move a little to the shadow side of a face the exposure will change. I don't want that - I still want the same exposure, no matter whether I look to the light or the shadow side.

[Pigelin]

You guys have really made me think, there are actually quite a few situations where I should try M and see if it works for me. Thanks all!

[idPaperclip]

Thank you for the TS and all of the Contributors here.
I used Tv and Av based on what kind of scene that i want, Time based or Aperture based.
I found there's a limitation because i let the chip calculated the proper exposure for me.
and sometimes the chip can go wrong.

Now i decide to learn using Manual and learn about Exposure metering in my Gear.

(sorry for my poor english)

[ElCapitan]

I like shooting in full manual because it gives me control over the image. You don't have to rely on the camera to decide what settings to use, and if you are shooting multiple pictures in the same lighting condition, than everything will have the same exposure. Not the case if you don't shoot full manual.

It is tough at first, but you get used to picking the right settings in quick moments very well. I like shooting in manual because the meter can react differently due to so many variables. I still use the meter as a guide, but i base my decision on exposure based off the preview image and histogram.

I have noticed a huge improvement in my photos since going to full manual. Try it out, get used to it, and I am sure you will see similar results.