Can You Explain..

[izzy35]

Ok so can someone explain the differences between and when to use, "P", "Tv","Av", "M", and "A-DEP?' As the instruction booklet does a HORRIBLE job doing so...Thanks all:D

[Pete]

Here's a good read for you.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=414088

[neilwood32]

Ok easy ones first!

Tv = time value. This is shutter speed. This is the mode you use when you want to decide how long your shutter is open. For example sports - shutter speeds of 1/300-1/500 are not uncommon. Photographing waterfalls etc - shutter speeds over 1 sec are normal.
AV = Aperture value. Decides how much wide the aperture setting is. This allows you to adjust the amount of light that goes through for a set period of time. Aperture is used for deciding how much of an image is in focus. Wide aperture (f2.8)= very narrow area of focus (depth of field) is ideal for portraits, narrow aperture(f22)= very large DOF is ideal for landscapes.

A-dep = Aperture(depth of field). Basically tells the camera to choose the aperture for the selected focus points.

P= Program. Allows slightly more control that full Auto with the ability to use Exposure Compensation/ Flash exposure compensation. This allows the user to alter settings that the camera got wrong!

M= Manual. The daddy of them all. This allows the user full control over everything. Very daunting then your new to it but immensly powerful once you understand the basics. It combines the advantages of the Av and Tv modes so you can decide everythign about your shot.

Bens guide (linked by Pete) does a good job explaining the settings.