Help for a newbie.

[McGuyver]

I have recently purchased a Powershot S1 IS and am still trying to learn the
features.
How do you know when it would be better to use auto settings and when it would be better to try the manual settings?
I've always had a camera that was automatic, so trying to figure out
the manual settings is a bit overwhelming at times.
Any suggestions?

[2goldens]

One of the things I did was to take a few photography classes to learn how a camera works and what the settings are for. Then I took two advanced classes that explained the different settings such as your P, S, A and M mode. Then they explained a bit about composition and lighting. When you get into different aspects of photography those settings will be very helpful.

I even went to the library and took out a few books on photography and read them to get an understanding of what I was doing. (Well I think I know)

Until you do some reading or take a few classes don’t worry about the manual settings.
Then again you have a digital camera. What can it hurt to experiment with it?

[McGuyver]

Thanks for the advice.
I will try to do some reading and check into some classes.

[PhotosGuy]

You might take a look at the 3 "Stickys" at the top of this section for some excellent links.
It does get easier. FYI, I only use Manual, 'cause I only want the cam to do what I tell it to do. For me, it's just easier.
Read the manual. Try different settings, like Av & Tv (Aperature & Time (shutter priority) if you have them.