What's your favorite mode: Av, Tv, Manual, P, or Auto? Why?

[dtrayers]

I learned about photography many years ago in high school, first with a borrowed Pentax K-1000 and then with a Minolta XG-1. As you may recall, the K-1000 was a manual mode camera and the XG-1 had manual and aperture priority (Av) shooting modes. I then went to a Minolta X-700 for many years until very recently. The X-700 had Manual, Av and P modes.

So, since for a long time I used cameras that offered primary manual or Av modes, I find myself shooting in Av mode or manual with my 10D. I tend to think in aperture priority and think about DOF before I think about freezing the action.

So I'm curious what mode you folks primarily use and why?

[Scottes]

AV mode almost always - 99.9%,

For birds I just flip to maximum aperture to get as much shutter speed as possible. For my attempts at landscape I'm usually at min aperture for max DoF. For stuff in between I try to guess at DoF to highlight the subject. I haven't yet shot an action shot I gues, or very few.

I do, however, keep an eye on the shutter to get an idea of where I'm at.

[LouDawg]

I shoot manual almost exclusively because sports is one of my main areas. I generally keep the aperture at max and the shutter speed at whatever the meter tells me--I keep an eye on the meter all the time and will adjust the shutter as necessary. It just gives me more control over the exposure.

Once in a while I will shoot in Av for sports though, if the light is going to change a lot. For example I was shooting a cross country meet and it was a cloudy day and the sun kept coming in and out so I put the camera on Av with max aperture and let it change the shutter accordingly.

[eric1]

i take a bit of a different approach. if shooting a moving subject i shoot Tv. stationary subject Av. if i don't like the scenario the camera chooses, i switch to manual. i try not to shoot at maximum aperature, but alot of the time we have no choice.

[eric1]

by the way LouDawg, where in il. are you?

[Belmondo]

I prefer Av because it gives me immediate control over depth of field. I usually like to shoot in the middle f/stops unless I'm trying to get a particular effect.

[slin100]

Outdoors, Av. Indoors, M with flash.

[PacAce]

It depends on what I'm shooting and the result I want. I'll use M for macros with flash and most other "controlled situation" shooting. Tv for racing vehicles and planes if I want to stop action or motion blurring. If I need to control DOF or need the wider aperture, I'll use Av. And when I just want to take snapshot pictures without caring about any of the above, I leave the camera on P and just shoot away.

So, I didn't click on any of the buttons because none of them truly shows what mode I use. Too bad there isn't a "all of the above" button. :D

[Persian-Rice]

If I am taking pictures for "****s n' giggles" or something that requires quick shooting AV. For anything else M, it just gives you absolute control.......

I tried auto for the first time in about 3 months, almost made me feel stupid hahaha.

[Ballen Photo]

I voted AV, as thats what I use most of the time, but TV when I want control over movement blur, or shooting with a longer lens.
-Bruce

[IanD]

AV 99% of the time for all the reasons mentioned above. I want sharp subject with a nice soft background.

[dhbailey]

I voted for P, since that is really what I have been shooting in most, but that "most" is a very qualified one. I would say that I use P perhaps 55% of the time, with Tv close second (35%) and am just exploring Av and M more these days (I've only had the camera for 2 weeks).

So I'm not sure if this is a truly fair poll, since from the comments I've read, most people don't shoot in one mode exclusively.

[neil_r]

:lol: :lol: I am off on holiday for 2 weeks, so I am going to throw a hand grenade in :lol: :lol:

I bet there are a load of people on here who shoot P or the little green box, and there is no way they are going to admit it :lol:

See you when I get back

N
xxx

[Jesper]

This is not the first time we're having this poll!

My "default" mode is Av, because it allows me to control the depth of field.
I almost always use partial metering on my 10D and I meter for the highlights, and use + exposure compensation to get the exposure I want.
I also use M mode often.

I almost never use Tv and P, and I've never ever used green box or any of the other "dummy" modes.

[Andy_T]

First ... I use a G2, so DOF control is not so much of an issue (unfortunately :? )

When I'm lazy and there are good shooting conditions, I shoot P. I also turn the dial to 'P' when I turn off the camera, because it has happened to me that a photo occasion arose, I quickly turned on the camera and had some spoilt picture at 1/15 because I had set the camera to AV or M mode without flash.

When I want the camera to avoid the large aperture in order to get a sharp picture (dark shooting conditions), I use AV mode set to f/5.6.

For night shots, I nearly always use manual mode.

The pre-set modes are not an option for me, as they do not support RAW.

Best regards,
Andy

[AndrewEllinas]

AV 80% of the time (a habit from using an OM4 for over 20 years) and Manual 20% of the time.

[Jon]

Let's see - Tv or P for dogs, Tv for aviation, Av indoors (and glad to see Safety Shift in the 20D), P or Tv hiking, Av or M in close-up, Tv on the A80. Yeah - I go along with PacAce - "Most of the above".

[steven]

I shoot manual 99% of the time.
The reason is that it causes me to think about what I am trying to acomplish with the shutter speed and apature.

Another benefit is that you can easily perform exposure compensation without having to adjust any of the buttons. You just make your setting above or below the middle point depending if you are wanting over or under exposure compensation.

I have to admit that I have messed up and forgotten in the heat of the moment to check exposure setting but that is just part of learning.

I do use P if I am shooting in situations where speed is the issue, like taking shoots from a moving car and there is limited time to check the exposure and make the shoot.

[PacAce]

I shoot manual 99% of the time.
The reason is that it causes me to think about what I am trying to acomplish with the shutter speed and apature.

Another benefit is that you can easily perform exposure compensation without having to adjust any of the buttons. You just make your setting above or below the middle point depending if you are wanting over or under exposure compensation.

I have to admit that I have messed up and forgotten in the heat of the moment to check exposure setting but that is just part of learning.

I do use P if I am shooting in situations where speed is the issue, like taking shoots from a moving car and there is limited time to check the exposure and make the shoot.

Isn't that the exact same way EC works (i.e. going above or below the mid point) in the other creative settings? And you only have to worry about one dial instead of two. :?

[samdring]

Does not programme shift in P, give exactly the same results/combination as AV ot TV.

That being so, P is arguably a quicker way of getting to the same result. It just doesn't sound so 'professional' but it is AV & TV combined

Notice the correct spelling of programme in line 1 :wink:

[commando]

Av for creative stuff and most of the time, Tv when I really want to control exposure time (duh!), and P when I can't be bothered thinking about modes. If I had to choose one it'd probably be Av, perhaps P given I can shift the program.

[steven]

[
Isn't that the exact same way EC works (i.e. going above or below the mid point) in the other creative settings? And you only have to worry about one dial instead of two. :?

You still have to set either the apature or the sutter speed, so I guess it is closer to two dials for two dials :wink:

But for me I just look at the meter in the view finder and adjust the two dials for shutter speed and apature and I have all the control I need.

Also no need to undo the EC my way.

[dtrayers]

Also no need to undo the EC my way.

I think that's a really good point. It's caught me more than once...

But even when in manual mode I tend to think in Av mode, that is I select the aperture and then adjust the shutter speed to get the exposure right. The problem I have is that when I use the hand strap with the battery grip I find it difficult to reach the control wheel next to the shutter release.

I find the QCD easier to spin. I wish I could swap them on the 10D like on the 1-series with a personal function.

[CyberDyneSystems]

In this order,

AV 80%
Manual 15%
TV 4%
"P" 1% :roll: (but only on the 20D/10D where sometimes it's easier to spin the dial to "P" than to roll the aperture dial around ....)

[Mthorpe_Davies]

I use P most of the time, the reason why is I believe the engineers at Canon are a whole heap smarter than me and they will probably be able to get a better photo than I can. I think modern cameras have become so good at thinking for you that in the majority of situations the camera will do a better job. Otherwise I use AV which is a hangover from my first camera an old Minolta xd or xe can't remember which..

I have to say that I talk to most PJ's that I see and the majority of them shoot in P as they don't have the time to stuff around, might miss that moment playing with the settings.

[dsze]

I shoot manual all the time. I honestly don't think the dial has moved off of M since I've had my 10D. Why buy an SLR and fool with lenses and fool with cleaning sensors and have a big/bulky camera if you're not going to use the features and get creative. If you're just going to let the camera do all of the "thinking" ....there are some great P&S's! Just my opinion. I got an SLR so that I would have that control over the photos I'm taking.

-daniel

[izzypizzy]

"M" 100%.. The only time the dial changes, is if I let someone else use the camera.. I feel the same as dsze.. what's the point of having such a capable SLR, if you're not going to have full control of the photos you take :D

[PacAce]

I shoot manual all the time. I honestly don't think the dial has moved off of M since I've had my 10D. Why buy an SLR and fool with lenses and fool with cleaning sensors and have a big/bulky camera if you're not going to use the features and get creative. If you're just going to let the camera do all of the "thinking" ....there are some great P&S's! Just my opinion. I got an SLR so that I would have that control over the photos I'm taking.

-daniel

So, are you saying that using modes other than M implies you are not using the camera creatively? I'm sure you'll find a lot of people who will disagree with your on this point whole heartedly, me being one of them. A lot of people fool themselves into thinking that whenever they are manually setting the lens aperture and the shutter speed manually, they are being creative. Maybe. Maybe not. Let me ask you this. Do you ever use the built-in exposure meter and set the aperture and shutter until the "needle" is in or near the middle? If so, then you're not doing anything any different from anybody else using the P, Av or Tv modes, other than turning the dials like the camera is telling you to do.

Oh, you say you don't set the "needle" to the middle but will set it plus or minus a fraction of a stop, depending on the light? Well, people who use P, Tv or Av can do the same by turning the EC dial.

As far as I'm concerned, each mode setting has its pros and cons but one of them is not creativity. A shooter can be equally as creative whether he's shooting in M, P, Av or Tv.

Just my 2 cents. :)

[kraterz]

I use Av almost all the time, M for indoors shooting with flash. I have never understood the use of Tv mode. If at all I want to shoot at a high shutter speed, I simply use Av and open up the aperture, and your shutter speed can't get any faster than when shooting wide open. I've seen many people shoot in Tv and not keep an eye on the aperture ending up with underexposed images. Exposure problems never happen in Av mode unless you're shooting the sun at f/1.4 or shooting in a dark cave at f/32. With a little common sense you hardly ever need to look at the shutter speed.

[Lamium]

This is what I use in general:

70% P using the shift and EC during general hiking and quick shooting wildlife
25% Av for landscapes
4% Tv when chasing birds
1% M for the pano's

[dsze]

Leo,

I couldn't agree more on one point of yours; shooting in M does NOT automatically make you a creative photographer, nor does shooting in AV or TV or anything else automatically make you less creative. I wasn't saying that at all.

However, being able to control both the shutter and the aperture at the same time does (in theory) lend itself to more options. With more options, wouldn't you agree that you have the OPPORTUNITY to be more creative. It doesn't MAKE you more creative...but it does force you to actually think about one more aspect of the shot your taking. This doesn't mean that my shots are better because I shoot in M. I'm not saying that at all.... I'm just saying that it does force me to think more about the physics making up the image that I'm creating and MAYBE, helping me to understand photography more thoroughly as it applies to a variety of scenes, situations, lighting, etc..... in the long run.

I know that alot of really great photographers do alot of shooting in Av or Tv, but I just feel that I'm gaining more insight into the whole process by always thinking about shutter&aperture, rather than letting the camera do half of the thinking.

Yes, I do use the built in meter sometimes, but I don't let it dictate my settings. I let it guide me sometimes, but I it doesn't automatically set my shutter speed for a correct exposure...it gives me some estimate and then I adjust from there based on the subject & the effect I'm trying to achieve.

Please don't misunderstand....I have nothing against those shooting in other modes. I just find it beneficial, as a learning photographer, to shoot in M all the time. I guess, if I were mostly concerned with getting correct exposures & quick snaps of scenes that are changing rapidly I would probably use a semi-auto mode....but for me this hobby isn't just about the images...its about understanding the photographic process and its about 'seeing.' .....and I've got ALOT more to learn, so I'm not trying to say that this is the only way to shoot...but I do prefer to shoot in Manual, whether it makes my photos more creative at this point or not....it does give me more control over my photographs.... at some point I would hope that having more control over my photographs would correlate with them being more creative.

-daniel

[PacAce]

Daniel,

I agree with you 100%. All I'm saying is that you can do the same things you described in the Tv and Av modes and, though not as easily, in P mode. Using Tv, Av or P does not automatically mean that you have to accept the camera selected settings. As in M mode, you can also override the aperture or shutter speed settings selected by the camera. Remeber, the aperture and shutter speed are always displayed in the viewfinder no matter what setting you are using.

But I see where you're coming from and I'm cool with that. :)

[dsze]

....I didn't realize you could override the settings in AV/Tv. I guess because I don't use them... Maybe I should play with them more... :)

-daniel

[Tom W]

Av most of the time - probably comes from my tendency to set aperture before shutter speed on my older cameras, except when shooting action.

I have started to use M more frequently with flash, since I can set up the DOF and shutter I want quickly and let the flash do the exposure. In non-flash situations, I haven't seen its advantage over Av or Tv. Perhaps I'll experiment.

I will use Tv at times, for action, though it isn't that hard to indirectly set shutter speed with the aperture.

I used to use P with flash almost exclusively, but I rarely use it now.

[ShutteringFocus]

I find I usualy am pushing the F-stops of my lenses in low light, so I usually shoot with the lowest shutter speed I can and avoid camera shake...thats in AV mode.

for portraits thought I always go to TV.

[sGu]

99% manual, 0.8% Tv and 0.2%Av to be precise.

Manual gives you full control of exposure and if you still over/underexpose, then you better let camera do the maths for you; another reason for using manual is camera doesn't have to take time to "think", it's rather important in sports, everything happens in split second, any 0.01 sec could be crucial.

Reason I'm using Tv sometimes is due to shade/sun lighting difference when shoot at the side of pitch, I don't have time to keep dialing it up and down when actions switch from one side of the ground to another. The time camera takes to think is much faster than manual dial.

Av mode when i shoot events, not much time to waste if i wanna achieve certain effects of my shot.

[Vegas Poboy]

Full manual, & AV is next, I've learned a great deal of the basics of photography. Once I get into a job I set my camera to get the best possible exposure and to fulfill my client needs. Sometimes it may be dragging the shutter to controling the DOF. It I have a bright sunny day and just out for the fun of it I go AV and let the camera do the work. But if I'm the clock & need a photo to sell it's full manual. Martial art / sporting events in low light AV would not work for me.

[MarkH]

Last poll I chose P, this one I chose Tv. No change in how I use the camera, I have just been shooting more motorsports recently!

My preferences:

P - General shooting.
Av - Shooting when I care about DoF or when I shoot waterfalls.
Tv - Motorsports.
M - When meterering is useless or inconsistant, often used with flash.

[tonyw3026]

Tv almost exclusively even when I am shooting stationary subjects and am interested in depth of field.
This stems from my first SLR - an AE1 with only Tv mode. Most of my photography is in "walk around" situations, often people shots and I need to shoot quickly to catch the moment. My approach, which is perfectly logical to me, is as follows.

1) I look at what lens and zoom am I using and therefore what minimum shutter speed I need to avoid camera shake. I set this speed on Tv as the starting point. I know that I will not ruin the shot due to shake. If it is a bright day I can afford to set say 1/250 for a 70-200 zoom even if many of the shots are taken at 70mm - just to be safe.
2) I half press the shutter to see what aperture this gives me.
3) If the shot needs more depth of field than the aperture will give me I will slow the shutter speed and hold my breath, use a tripod (not often) or perhaps I don't need to be as conservative as in the situation described in 1)
4) If the shot need less depth of field then I increase the speed until I get the required aperture.

This thought process is instantaneous and usually allows me to get the aperture right. If not, then I find that it is more important to avoid camera shake than to get the aperture perfect. The disadvantage of Av for me is that the camera may set a speed that is too low for the lens, especially with a zoom which could be set anywhere in the heat of the moment. I can easily miss this problem and the shot is ruined.

Works for me.

[slin100]

....I didn't realize you could override the settings in AV/Tv.
It's called Exposure Compensation. You turn that big thumbwheel. :D

[kufel]

Av / +2/3 EC - most of the time
Tv - action
M with spot - difficult lighting
P - with flash, if enough ambient light - Av
sorry - no green stuff on 1DMkII :D

[ohenry]

Manual, because I want to make the decisions for the shot, not allowing the camera to chose what it thinks I want. Keeping it in manual allows me to do this with less digital manipulations required (i.e. shifting mode button, overriding exposures, exposure compensation, etc).

[Salleke]

I have a question about setting my camera (20D) on M and using the 580EX flash. How must i adjust the camera and how the flash so i can take pictures inside without having to constantly watching if the camera and flash are set right. Thank you for your advice.

[Longwatcher]

Although I leave my camera in P mode in case I want to grab the camera and don't have time to change settings, I usually switch to Manual to take picture in most cases. The only time I use Tv or Av modes is when I am trying do do something specific and the light keeps changing (like scattered clouds).

My defaults are f8 and 1/125 at ISO 100. I usually reset the camera to these settings in all modes before putting back into the bag.

[nads]

I voted Av, but it looks like I'm the first to admit to turning the dial around to the picture of the little guy running. Why? Because every once in a while I like to use AIServo and Canon hasn't seen fit to allow me to in any other mode. I do hold it against them as there are times I would like to adjust the aperture, shutter speed, ISO or white balance while using AIServo.

[mdm]

green box for nature.
green box for portraits.
green box for sports. green, green green.
nah, not all the time, I'm learning.

[Todd Jacobsen]

I voted Av, but it looks like I'm the first to admit to turning the dial around to the picture of the little guy running. Why? Because every once in a while I like to use AIServo and Canon hasn't seen fit to allow me to in any other mode. I do hold it against them as there are times I would like to adjust the aperture, shutter speed, ISO or white balance while using AIServo.


Nads,

On both the 10D/20D, I am highly confident you can adjust this utilizing P/M/Av/Tv. The Basic modes are there to alleviate one from having to make the individual adjustments.

I utilize AI Servo with P all the time.

I am a big P fan just because my normal photographic environment is outdoors and jumping out of a plane. I have to be confident on leaving the plane that what I set on the camera will work for the skydive (60 seconds). Program AE provides me sufficient confidence that the shots will turn out (based on single subject). I have to get more into group shots (large formations) in order to really dial in Av for DOF.

[neburns]

Voted Av because that's what I use primarily when I'm shooting seriously, but when I'm just goofing around taking snapshots of my puppy or things like that and dont want to have to adjust settings while I'm doing it, the camera sits on P.

[Tom W]

What is this "green mode"? ;)

[nads]

Nads,

On both the 10D/20D, I am highly confident you can adjust this utilizing P/M/Av/Tv. The Basic modes are there to alleviate one from having to make the individual adjustments.



I know, but not my 300D! It's one of the major things making me want to upgrade bodies when I'd rather be buying glass :lol:

[Halliday]

Tv 80%
Av 15%
M (with flash) 5%

On my 10D I use the QCD to select the focus point I want. Most of the time I dont care how shallow my DOF is, I just want want my subject to be clear, in focus and not blurred by camera shake (No IS lenses for me yet)

[eosster]

Av & M mode mostly.

[stk]

In terms of "how many actual photos do you shoot in which mode":

80% M
5% Av
15% P

I shoot mostly indoors at clubs and parties, and since I don't trust E-TTL a bit (yep, I've tried, nope, it didn't turn out the way I intended it, plus the measuring flash attracts everyone's attention - screws it all up if you want to sync to 2nd curtain and maintain exposure times longer than 1/5) I use Manual mode on my D30 and Auto mode on my Metz 54 MZ-3 almost all the time. When shooting for my fire department's documentation service, I use P most times, since it allows me to quickly shift EC and time/aperture values.

[condyk]

I almost never use Tv and P, and I've never ever used green box or any of the other "dummy" modes.

My name is Dave and I shoot in green box mode! I am a Dummy. There, I've said it. Can I be helped or is it too late?

:lol: :lol:

[kck_8d]

Av 80%, Tv 10% (for fast moving objects), M 10%

[Sophia]

I usually use "P" mode... just a newbie here.

I'm just curious, I'm into Architecture (building details, skycrapers, cityscapes and landscapes). Can you recommend me what's the best mode for this?

How about with a focused subject and blurry on the background? What's the best mode?

Thanks!

[steved110]

I prefer Av because it gives direct control over DOF, indirect control over shutter speed ( keeps it high) and my first ever semi automatic SLR I had to set the aperture manually, only the shutter speed was auto. So like the OP, I already kind of think in Av first.
Occasionally I will set a high shutter speed in Tv if I'm really worried about shake.
Manual is too much trouble, unless I'm worrying about indoor flash, in which case i mainly let the E-TTL sort the exposure, and I set the aperture for the backround depending on what I want, and make sure the shutter speed isn't too slow yet still in synch range.
I used to use P a lot too, and still kind of like it as a default ready for anything mode.
When I got my very first ever Canon, the Eos 100 SLR, I initially used the pic modes till I realised the various limitations.

[steved110]

I usually use "P" mode... just a newbie here.

I'm just curious, I'm into Architecture (building details, skycrapers, cityscapes and landscapes). Can you recommend me what's the best mode for this?

How about with a focused subject and blurry on the background? What's the best mode?

Thanks!

To blur the background you need a wide aperture, other things that can help are using a long focal length eg 85mm and up, and distancing the subject from the backgound as well.

Have a look on the lens page about ' Post your best bokeh' and you'll see some stunning examples of this.

[TooManyHobbies]

I shoot in all modes almost equally depending on what I'm doing. I don't shy away from P becasue you can move the wheel and select the combo you want.

[Leandro Bento]

Hello,
It depends on the subject, and of what I have in mind when press down the shutter. Since I shoot mostly portraits, I go for the Av for shallow DOP. Sometimes I use Tv if I want to freeze (or blurr) motion. And when I want total control, I use Manual. Never P mode, or even less the image mode zones.

Leo

[danedel]

M all the way...

[grego]

M or AV(when I am in a hurry on assignment or lazy)

[spencer87]

depends on what Im shooting. I prefer manual, but I use program a lot for more casual shooting.

[FrankTheTank]

Av outdoor and M indoor

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Manual. Simply because in any other mode, I don't quite feel like I have enough control to call myself a photographer. I use manual every chance I get. Now I must admit, when I just can't chance exposure, I bump the ISO and use AV mode, because I'll be the first to admit, I'm not good enough to get it right all the time. However, I just don't like the idea that the camera is figuring things out for me. I like to be the one doing the figuring.

[Papaw]

I shoot in Creative Zone Modes and the wife shoots the green square.
Her's usually leave less work to do in PP to get the same results.
My explanation of this -- Canon is tops in quality and flexability.
(at least, this approach doesn't make me look as bad). ;)

[liza]

I shoot sports so it's M for me the majority of the time. I've gotten used to being in the driver's seat and not letting the camera make decisions for me. Guess it's just second nature to me now.

[kwsanders]

I had been using Av, but as of late, the camera stays in manual mode. I can do anything in manual mode that the camera can do in the Av or Tv modes.

[kram]

Av for the last year plus and trying to work up the skill/courage to move to M.

[20DNewbie]

M virtually always, call me a control freak but I think I should be held accountable for the end product. So if somethings wrong I'll learn from it, well hopefully I learn from it. :rolleyes::lol:

[35mm]

Av, it gives me more control over the shot because I am not limited like I am in M

[Transportithere]

I am going to need to expand my experience.
At night I use Manual (bulb). During the day I use a variety.
Manual, in the day? So far I worked with controlling one or the other.
I better read a little more and work on being in control of all the functions.
The last few weeks I have been working with the RAW format. It get to be a lot of work. But, RAW has many attributes.
One step at a time.

[Woolburr]

Tv, Av, or P....depending on the needs of the situation. I know my camera, I know my controls, so I know that I can still adjust things in modes other than M....I don't much like the metering display in M....I guess I got spoiled with the old match needle on my F1 and FtBn.

[twisted pixels]

AV suits me!

[thx-1138uk]

I shoot in AV mode and use exposure compensation when necessary, although obviously I'll switch to TV mode when I want to freeze action or shoot water, motion etc.

I find in manual mode I'm not dextrous enough to set parameters quickly.

[kram]

Is there really a difference as long as you know what you want to control and how?

Eg. I can work in M for an action shot - adjust shutter to high levels and then adjust the aperture accordingly. Or work in Av and move the Av wide enough to make sure that the shutter speed will be what you need.

This is actually the main reason why I never got into M - it seems to fairly intuitive to control the variables in any mode!!

[grego]

Is there really a difference as long as you know what you want to control and how?

Eg. I can work in M for an action shot - adjust shutter to high levels and then adjust the aperture accordingly. Or work in Av and move the Av wide enough to make sure that the shutter speed will be what you need.

This is actually the main reason why I never got into M - it seems to fairly intuitive to control the variables in any mode!!

Most of the time, you can get away with it, but....... there are times when manual is better, especially when you have bright and dark colors. For instance, when i have photographed sports, the shutter will jump on AV mode. At f/2.8 it could vary from 1/1000 to 1/500 to 1/250, depending upon what color the jerseys are. That's where manual is good, especially if the light is fairly even all around.

[SoaringUSAEagle]

Av

[malla1962]

For landscapes I mostly use AV unless I have a awkward sky and need to use ND grads then I will go on to M.Airshows I use Tv and shoot 1 stop over.:D

[ILoutdoorcpl]

AV, M, TV in that order

[wiselion]

AV is the best of all worlds.

[kevin_c]

Mainly Av (80% ish), but if stopping movement is important it's Tv.
I do leave the camera on P when I'm not using it though (if I remember), that way If I suddenly need to use it quick at least i will (should?) get the shot exposed OK.

[mbze430]

I work 90% of the time in a studio, so that means manual mode. Of the shooting time outside of the studio, I also use manual mode.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Av, it gives me more control over the shot because I am not limited like I am in M

Wait wait...isn't that backwards?

[mbze430]

LOL, I think that is backwards.

[35mm]

Wait wait...isn't that backwards?
Probably, but I have only been fiddling for a few months and I feel less constricted in Av. Not sure why.

But then again, I am still at the stage where I take pictures by pure fluke and what looks good rather than by the rules :)

[Bosscat]

Tv almost all the time. I wanna control the amount of motion in the photo.

[ijohnson]

I use AV to adjust my shutter speed. Even when I should switch over to TV I just stay on AV and adjust until I get the desired shutter speed. Is that laziness or competence?

I need to remember the green box when people want to use my camera though. It puts the focus lock back on the shutter button. Does the 5D have a green box?

Manual is absolutely neccesary when using flashes and doing delicate indoor work. Plus, the meter lies a lot more when taking pictures of kids.

[JMHPhotography]

You should have made the poll multiple choice. I shoot in whatever mode I need on a case by case basis.

If I'm wanting to shoot without flash and I want to control DOF, I shoot AV. If I'm shooting sports and want to stop action, I shoot TV. If I'm using flash, and want to do some creative things with my setup like dragging the shutter and exposing my background better, I'll use manual. I pretty much never spend any time outside of the creative modes. The auto modes never get used on my camera by me.

[The Limey]

I live in a land of darkness, rain, & cloud its the last 2 at the moment so its M,& AV for me
Graham.

[roger the photographer]

Aperture priority. Doing a lot of nature photography, I like to have max. control on DOF. In macro photography like insects, keeping an eye on shutter speed often becomes very important and I then switch to Shutter priority.

[MrsKitty]

This week, I have began shooting manual. Before that, I split about 45% Tv, 45% Av and 10% auto/no flash (snapshots I wasn't really interested in the quality of).

[vinnie_h]

M- 90%
Tried the Sport/action setting last weekend on the 30D, not half bad.
Green Box when taking pics inside or just don't want to think too much...

[xanctus]

I am still learning, so I have been using Tv, Av and M. However, if I need to get a real quicky pictures, sometimes just use Auto (green box)...but this one is rather rarely being used, as I want to learn more than just take a snap.

[AdamJL]

Most often Manual, so I can learn more and quicker (I'm stil very new to photography).
Sometimes if I'm lazy, I use Program.

[NordieBoy]

I know, but not my 300D! It's one of the major things making me want to upgrade bodies when I'd rather be buying glass :lol:

I use AV for static shots and TV for action.
Action is always using Servo AF and usually using off centre AF points.
On a 300D with UnDutchables firmware.

[jscraig]

M when using flash, AV mode without. P when I'm feeling lazy.

[toonlets]

I use Program mode most, but...

After getting my shutter and exposure settings, I turn the Main Dail to get either the aperture or shutter speed I'm looking for. The other value changes accordingly. And, many times, I underexpose my shots by 2/3 of a stop.

That's what I did here:

http://satantv.com/img/IMG_1694.jpg


chris

[SWPhotoImaging]

I use AV most often, because I want to decide whether to have shallow or deep DOF. If shooting moving subjects (which I rarely do), I use TV to freeze them. If shooting moving water scenes, TV to allow me to determine the "softness factor" of the water.
I use M for night shots, with multiple shutter speeds at a given aperture to allow either selecting the best, or posibly creating an HDR (which I really suck at doing).

[mdr]

Tv for wildlife Av for landscapes

[Ogrt48]

AV right now. I prefer manual but I'm just too lazy anymore to be bothered with it..

[bignoodleboi]

I chose P mode... i'm still a beginner.. but i played around with the M mode alot of time before :rolleyes:

[kevin_c]

I chose P mode... i'm still a beginner.. but i played around with the M mode alot of time before :rolleyes:

WELCOME bignoodleboi! - I think most people start off using either 'P' or 'green box' mode. Most of the time it's quite 'inteligent' and gets things right, but it's nice to have a bit of control over depth-of-field or shutter speed sometimes, depending on what you are shooting.
Have Fun!!

[grego]

I chose P mode... i'm still a beginner.. but i played around with the M mode alot of time before :rolleyes:

AV and TV provide you with an in between. P will stay with low shutters as to allow for the dedicated flash(on the camera or the hotshoe mounted one).

[lakiluno]

Generally Av unless I need to make adjustments to the shutter speed (panning etc), then Tv, and Manual for night shots/odd shots :D, and P/Auto for when I'm really lazy (Auto when I want to use it as a P&S and can't be bothered going into P and changing from RAW to Jpeg)

Leo

[Keiffer]

I just started experiementing with "P" just to see if theres a difference in my shots, and believe it or not there is. And I normally shoot in AV which I think is the hardest mode to screw up a shot(assuming your shooting in good light). I think in the past I always said I would never shoot in this mode but I'm starting to rethink this for everyday shots. And it's also teaching me how the camera wants to shot certain shots.

[MarkP]

I use TV the most cause I shoot aircraft mostly and want a high shutter speed.

[nancypics]

Av for me... I prefer shallow DOF

[Gary_Evans]

Studio - Manual.

Outside (usually sport) - AV. I want to control depth of field and and the camera will do this and keeps exposure accurate should the light change in the middle of a shoot.

Family Snapshots - Program.

[melster]

program shift p ......give me just as much control

[dave442]

P - almost all the time, basically the same as Av but gives an initial guess.
Av - to hold the aperture wide open (low light action), or Flash
M - Flash
Tv - Rarely

Learned on a Manual (SRT-101), although most of my SLR experience has been Av (OM-4). Did not own a P SLR until I got my 10D, and now with my 40D all three C1, C2 and C3 are all set with P mode (the Custom mode is the main reason I chose the 40D over the 30D) .

[Cinbika]

I currently use P because I can't get the M or Av to turn out. And I can't figure out what my problem is.

[number six]

I currently use P because I can't get the M or Av to turn out. And I can't figure out what my problem is.

If you'll post a couple of pics taken in M and Av, with EXIF info intact, we can probably figure it out.

-js

[DDan]

My favorite mode is the one that gets the effect I need at that point in time. I use a lot of M but sometimes I don't have time to tweak everything so I pick the critical value and let the camera pick the other one.

[photoroebucks]

m
only m is full control

[Cinbika]

If you'll post a couple of pics taken in M and Av, with EXIF info intact, we can probably figure it out.

-js

Here are two pictures.
Like I said I can not figure it out.
1st one - Iso 3200, 50 mm, 1/320, f2.8
Eth2 - Iso 200,50mm, 1/320, f2.8

any help would be great.

[roger the photographer]

m
only m is full control

This is specially true for nature photography, where heavy bracketing is often needed (at least where I live). Manual allows you to do what you want.

Try shooting a moving bug, or a nervous dragonfly, or an evanescent mantis. Manual will kill your shots. ;)

Cheers,

[number six]

Here are two pictures.
Like I said I can not figure it out.
1st one - Iso 3200, 50 mm, 1/320, f2.8
Eth2 - Iso 200,50mm, 1/320, f2.8

any help would be great.

Couple of things to start out with. Your color balance is off - what setting are you using?

And there's a big difference between ISO 3200 and ISO 200. The 3200 shot has quite a bit of noise, which is to be expected. The 200 shot is very underexposed.

Try these settings: ISO 400, 1/100, f/4. White balance to AWB, or if you're indoors select it to match your light source.

Oh, yeah: you said P is OK: try the settings it gives you.

It'd be helpful if you could save your pics so the EXIF is contained in them, BTW.

HTH...

-js

[Dan-o]

M mostly.

[mebailey]

Av = Essentially all non-flash shots + fill-flash shots.
M = Flash shots.
Green Box = wife.

[midget]

Av and P. i just happen to find those two really convenient.

[ed rader]

So, are you saying that using modes other than M implies you are not using the camera creatively? I'm sure you'll find a lot of people who will disagree with your on this point whole heartedly, me being one of them. A lot of people fool themselves into thinking that whenever they are manually setting the lens aperture and the shutter speed manually, they are being creative. Maybe. Maybe not. Let me ask you this. Do you ever use the built-in exposure meter and set the aperture and shutter until the "needle" is in or near the middle? If so, then you're not doing anything any different from anybody else using the P, Av or Tv modes, other than turning the dials like the camera is telling you to do.

Oh, you say you don't set the "needle" to the middle but will set it plus or minus a fraction of a stop, depending on the light? Well, people who use P, Tv or Av can do the same by turning the EC dial.

As far as I'm concerned, each mode setting has its pros and cons but one of them is not creativity. A shooter can be equally as creative whether he's shooting in M, P, Av or Tv.

Just my 2 cents. :)

some folks (me) would say that's it's pretty hard to get creative with a camera with such p*ss poor ISO performance :D!

ed rader

[nicksan]

Hmmm...still use M mode most of the time, however on a recent trip I took with my mother and wife, I knew I didn't have the luxury of time shooting (them complaining that I am taking too long, other tourists waiting for the same shot, etc.:lol:) so I used Av/Tv pretty much 90% of the time using the EC dial as needed and exposure lock via the * button. Worked well...and I can absolutely see the value in these modes.

[BSBXTi]

I only use "M", but what can I say I like being in control! :D

[Cinbika]

Couple of things to start out with. Your color balance is off - what setting are you using?

And there's a big difference between ISO 3200 and ISO 200. The 3200 shot has quite a bit of noise, which is to be expected. The 200 shot is very underexposed.

Try these settings: ISO 400, 1/100, f/4. White balance to AWB, or if you're indoors select it to match your light source.

Oh, yeah: you said P is OK: try the settings it gives you.

It'd be helpful if you could save your pics so the EXIF is contained in them, BTW.

HTH...

-js

Here are two tried in the AV mode.
1st is ISO 800 1/30 s at f4, 50mm
2nd is Iso 800 1/15 s at f4, 47mm
My thing is I take portraits of children and I have to up the Iso to get less blur (right?) but doesn't that make it grainy. Also How do you change the 1/30 with out changing the f4?
And I am not sure what you mean by saving the picture so the EXIF is contained.

[S7000]

Av = Essentially all non-flash shots + fill-flash shots.
M = Flash shots.
Green Box = wife.


Hahahaha! M=wife

Mine's been stuck on M for some time now...

[Pete-eos]

This is always evolving for me, the majority of the time I use Av as I love my primes and want to create shallow DoF shooting sports.

However, M is invaluable! shooting some lacrosse last saturday, one team was in white the other in burgandy, enough to throw the meter off in Av, was M to the rescue.
Same goes for lanscape when shooting with grad filters, M for moi.

[nicksan]

Here are two tried in the AV mode.
1st is ISO 800 1/30 s at f4, 50mm
2nd is Iso 800 1/15 s at f4, 47mm
My thing is I take portraits of children and I have to up the Iso to get less blur (right?) but doesn't that make it grainy. Also How do you change the 1/30 with out changing the f4?
And I am not sure what you mean by saving the picture so the EXIF is contained.

Which lens are you using?
Looks like your shutter speeds are too slow on these. Assuming you are using a crop body at 50mm, you should be using at least 1/80 speed.

Since it seems like f4 is the widest your lens can go, you really only have these options:
-Raise the ISO to 1600 and gain one more stop.
-Use tripod...but this only works for non-moving subjects
-Use a flash
-Buy fast glass! You can really see the value in faster glass here right? With f2.8 you gain 1 extra stop that will get you the shot at the same FL and ISO settings. With f1.8 you can lower you ISO to 400...etc...

In AV mode you can dial in EC (Exposure Compensation). This will change the shutter speed while keeping the Aperture the same.

[nicksan]

This is always evolving for me, the majority of the time I use Av as I love my primes and want to create shallow DoF shooting sports.

However, M is invaluable! shooting some lacrosse last saturday, one team was in white the other in burgandy, enough to throw the meter off in Av, was M to the rescue.
Same goes for lanscape when shooting with grad filters, M for moi.

Hmmm...There is nothing in M you cannot do in Av. You could have dialed in EC in Av mode, used exposure lock via * button, etc.

That said, I am a M mode person myself...but beginning to recognize the benefits of Av/Tv!

[mikezs]

I use Av most of the time unless i'm using studio lighting, in which case it has to be M!

[Pete-eos]

Hmmm...There is nothing in M you cannot do in Av. You could have dialed in EC in Av mode, used exposure lock via * button, etc.

That said, I am a M mode person myself...but beginning to recognize the benefits of Av/Tv!

I could be mistaken but hitting exposure lock contantly during a sports situation with the meter constantly changing with the kit variations could be a little tricky, specialy when I have focus assigned to * :p

[SeanH]

AV because I think controlling the DOF is in essence making the photo.........and I know enough to just keep an eye on the shutter speed. Even when I shoot sports I'm still in AV 90% of the time. Unless I'm working towards a blur.

And I'm another one that thinks M is a waste of time..........with the exception of establishing one reading via Grey card or hand held meter for that scene. But if your just chasing the arrow on all you shots you need to seriously re-think that.........or actually learn what your doing......LOL

[Cinbika]

Which lens are you using?
Looks like your shutter speeds are too slow on these. Assuming you are using a crop body at 50mm, you should be using at least 1/80 speed.

Since it seems like f4 is the widest your lens can go, you really only have these options:
-Raise the ISO to 1600 and gain one more stop.
-Use tripod...but this only works for non-moving subjects
-Use a flash
-Buy fast glass! You can really see the value in faster glass here right? With f2.8 you gain 1 extra stop that will get you the shot at the same FL and ISO settings. With f1.8 you can lower you ISO to 400...etc...

In AV mode you can dial in EC (Exposure Compensation). This will change the shutter speed while keeping the Aperture the same.


My lens is a Tamron Af 17-50mm 1:2.8

[roger the photographer]

This is always evolving for me, the majority of the time I use Av as I love my primes and want to create shallow DoF shooting sports.

However, M is invaluable! shooting some lacrosse last saturday, one team was in white the other in burgandy, enough to throw the meter off in Av, was M to the rescue.
Same goes for lanscape when shooting with grad filters, M for moi.

I couldn't agree more. Nothing's simple in photography! Manual elegantly solves your problem. You could as easily solve it using Av or Tv though.

But I also find myself using Manual more than before in this kind of situation: if one is to take control over the camera, why not take absolute control? Certainly a very valid option. :)

[lakiluno]

My lens is a Tamron Af 17-50mm 1:2.8

It seems you don't understand the principles of photography.

The idea of taking a photo is to record the light. In any specific place you have limited light available - eg outside on a sunny day there is a lot more light available than in a candlelit room at night.

Each adjustment has pros and cons. In exposing a picture in the digital world you have three tools available.

Shutter speed: The amount of time the shutter is open and letting light hit the sensor. A slow shutter speed (eg 1/15th) will let more light in, but objects will move during the time the shutter is open. The result is a blurred image, either due to motion blur (the subject moving) or camera shake (the photographer moving). A high shutter speed will freeze action, but result in less light hitting the sensor.

Aperture: This is the size of the hole in the lens. It is written as f/x, where f is the focal length of the lens, and x is a number. For your tamon, the maximum aperture is f/2.8. At 50mm, the size of the hole is 50/2.8 = 17.86mm diameter.

A large hole (ie divide f by a small number) means more light gets in over a given moment. However, a large hole results in a very small area of the image in focus. Lenses also tend to be softer when the largest hole available is used.

ISO: This used to be relatively fixed in the film days, but with digital it's possible to turn it up or down easily. It is essentially the amount of amplification of the sensor. A low ISO requires more light, either through a larger aperture or a slower shutter speed. A high ISO requires less light, but results in noisier images.


When you combine these three aspects, you get an image. A well exposed image has the right amount of light in it, and looks natural. An under exposed image looks dark, an overexposed image looks too bright.

The modes of the camera allow you to change one or all of these aspects. In Av you set the aperture and the ISO. In Tv mode you set the shutter speed and the ISO. In P mode you can set the ISO, or let the camera do it all for you. The camera contains a meter which will look at the scene and try and decide the best settings for the scene. In Av, the camera adjusts the shutter speed to fit the aperture you chose.

In order to get the best images in the low light situations you showed us, you should set the aperture as large as possible. Go into Av mode and set it at 2.8. Half press the shutter button, and, looking in the viewfinder, see what the shutter speed is. If this is below 80 (the 1/ is missing in this display), then raise the ISO until the shutter speed reaches 80. At this point, if you take a picture, it should be well exposed.

[simwells]

AV mode mostly, then sometimes M, and ocasionally TV or P

[Cinbika]

It seems you don't understand the principles of photography.

The idea of taking a photo is to record the light. In any specific place you have limited light available - eg outside on a sunny day there is a lot more light available than in a candlelit room at night.

Each adjustment has pros and cons. In exposing a picture in the digital world you have three tools available.

Shutter speed: The amount of time the shutter is open and letting light hit the sensor. A slow shutter speed (eg 1/15th) will let more light in, but objects will move during the time the shutter is open. The result is a blurred image, either due to motion blur (the subject moving) or camera shake (the photographer moving). A high shutter speed will freeze action, but result in less light hitting the sensor.

Aperture: This is the size of the hole in the lens. It is written as f/x, where f is the focal length of the lens, and x is a number. For your tamon, the maximum aperture is f/2.8. At 50mm, the size of the hole is 50/2.8 = 17.86mm diameter.

A large hole (ie divide f by a small number) means more light gets in over a given moment. However, a large hole results in a very small area of the image in focus. Lenses also tend to be softer when the largest hole available is used.

ISO: This used to be relatively fixed in the film days, but with digital it's possible to turn it up or down easily. It is essentially the amount of amplification of the sensor. A low ISO requires more light, either through a larger aperture or a slower shutter speed. A high ISO requires less light, but results in noisier images.


When you combine these three aspects, you get an image. A well exposed image has the right amount of light in it, and looks natural. An under exposed image looks dark, an overexposed image looks too bright.

The modes of the camera allow you to change one or all of these aspects. In Av you set the aperture and the ISO. In Tv mode you set the shutter speed and the ISO. In P mode you can set the ISO, or let the camera do it all for you. The camera contains a meter which will look at the scene and try and decide the best settings for the scene. In Av, the camera adjusts the shutter speed to fit the aperture you chose.

In order to get the best images in the low light situations you showed us, you should set the aperture as large as possible. Go into Av mode and set it at 2.8. Half press the shutter button, and, looking in the viewfinder, see what the shutter speed is. If this is below 80 (the 1/ is missing in this display), then raise the ISO until the shutter speed reaches 80. At this point, if you take a picture, it should be well exposed.


You know I may not know how to wrap by brain around the M and the Av. But I am determined and it is frustrating the crap out of me. My pictures are good inthe P mode but I am always being told to go to the M or the Av so I am trying. I thought that is what the forums are for. Sorry if I am to new at this for you.

[nicksan]

You know I may not know how to wrap by brain around the M and the Av. But I am determined and it is frustrating the crap out of me. My pictures are good inthe P mode but I am always being told to go to the M or the Av so I am trying. I thought that is what the forums are for. Sorry if I am to new at this for you.

Don't worry about that. We are all here to learn. (well maybe with a few exceptions...;))

Always keep in mind the Shutter Speed Rule of Thumb when hand holding the camera, no matter if you are in Av, Tv, or M. I would say that is a very big part of getting an acceptable image IQ-wise.

1/(Focal Length x crop factor) so at 50mm, 1/(50 x 1.6) = 1/80

Of course, YMMV...some have very steady hands...some don't!

So at 50mm, if you are in Av mode, and say you set the aperture at f4.0 and have the exposure meter "needle" in the middle indicating what the camera thinks is the correct exposure, check to see what kind of shutter speeds you are getting.

If it is anything less than 1/80, then you know you have to change your settings to gain shutter speed. You can open your lens up to say f2.8 which will gain you 1 stop (i.e. double your shutter speed).

If you prefer to stay at f4.0 for whatever reason, then the next thing you can do is to begin to raise the ISO. Raising it from 100 to 200 is 1 stop, again doubling your shutter speed. 100 to 400 is 2 stops so you would quadruple your shutter speed.

There's always going to be a limitation to your gear. If you are already wide open, already maxed out on your ISO, cannot use a flash or tripod, don't have anything to lean against for stabilization and you still don't have the shutter speed, then you are pretty much S.O.L...

[roger the photographer]

You know I may not know how to wrap by brain around the M and the Av. But I am determined and it is frustrating the crap out of me. My pictures are good inthe P mode but I am always being told to go to the M or the Av so I am trying. I thought that is what the forums are for. Sorry if I am to new at this for you.

Hold on, hold on, friend... We all went through this at one time or another. Don't be afraid to ask, it is the only way. Sometimes a guru will suggest that you start a new topic in order to solve your problem. But never hesitate to ask when you think that you can learn something.

This comes from an old ignorant photographer. Don't forget, too, that some here are way above most of us, and we sometimes learn even when they are a little brusque.

Good luck! :) :) :)

[tomd]

I never saw this poll before.
I am suprised that manual isn't more utilized here.

[canonrick]

AV mostly, because I get the best pictures (more keepers) of my grandson playing football using AV.

[number six]

You know I may not know how to wrap by brain around the M and the Av. But I am determined and it is frustrating the crap out of me. My pictures are good inthe P mode but I am always being told to go to the M or the Av so I am trying. I thought that is what the forums are for. Sorry if I am to new at this for you.

Instead of telling you to use M and Av, I'm going to suggest that you use P mode, get a good shot, and then experiment with Av with the same settings your camera chose in P. Do the same thing with M, when you've got Av figured out.

Then you can further experiment with different ISO settings on the same shot.

You can also experiment with flash: sometimes you just don't have enough light.

When you resize pics for posting to the forum, you have the option of saving the EXIF info in the shot or not. It's helpful if you do save it. I don't know what program you're using, so I can't tell you how to do that...

-js

[Cinbika]

Thank you everyone that has helped me. Looks like I trial and error. And keep playing.

[Jimmer411]

I try to stay in manual mode, but I find myself wandering into Av mode quite often, tho I use Tv mode when here and there.

P mode when Im drunk and taking pictures at a family get together, 2-3 times a month. :lol:

[b1gdaddy]

M always, because thats all i've ever used on any of my cameras.

[400dabuser]

my favourite is manual, mainly because i can set the aperture (Av) and the shutter speed (Tv) by myself, i have a basic grasp on how to get the best out of my camera using this mode, thanks mainly to my old compact powershot s50

[Mark_Cohran]

Av for glamour and portraits, Tv for sports, M for flash and Landscapes.

Mark

[Meaty0]

Did some outdoor portrait photography on the week-end. It was organized by our camera club and they had instructors. Mine insisted that we all turn our mode dials to "P" (because it stood for professional :D).

I was thinking, "What a load of crap! Can't this guy think for himself...he lets his camera do it for him! Strange though, 'cause using P mode gave me a much higher number of "keeper" shots!

[s8langwo]

Manual allows me to control both aperture and shutter speed. In-camera meters can be mis-leading sometimes.

My thoughts anyway.

Kevin

[Meaty0]

Manual allows me to control both aperture and shutter speed. In-camera meters can be mis-leading sometimes.

My thoughts anyway.

Kevin

So what do you use to meter the shots if not the in camera meter when you choose M mode?