Auto vs Manual

[Laffctx]

I just got my new Canon Rebel 300D with the 8-35 lens that came with it. I also purchased a 75-300 lens for it.

I really like this camera a lot.

But, I find that if i am trying to use any of the Fully Automatic Focus settings, outdoors in bright sunlight all i get is out of focus almost white pictures. But, if I use the Manual settings P, Av, Tv or Manual and get the ISO, White balance and shutter speeds set right I am getting some great shots. And I am learning these settings very easily.

If I am taking shots at night or inside with the flash the Fully Automatic settings work great and I am getting some really great shots.

Is this normal or is something wrong with the camera or is it just me?

thanks

Laffctx

[lostdoggy]

WOW 8-35 lens now that is impressive. DSLR have a hard time focusing on solid whites. But if you can use the creative mode you would not need the basic mode. I find that setting the focusing to the center point only is easier for me.

[grego]

Screw the fully auto settings. That's for the point and shoot. AV or TV or P is good enough and then Manual of course is the best, once you know what you are doing.

It depends where you were focusing on and where the sun was positioned for why you were getting overexposed images. But regardless, stick to the P, AV, TV, or M modes. They are much better.

[Laffctx]

Lostdoggy.........sorry i meant 18-35!

Grego.......I am noticing that too, thank you very much for your input. I like using the Tv and M modes outside and I am starting to use the Auto Protrait mode indoors if i need a quick shot.

Does it hurt anything to put my lens on AF instead of MF if i am using Tv setting? It helps me to get quicker shots if i dont have time to really set it all up on a unpredictable shot like animals.

But, you are right, I really like P, Tv, Av & Manual modes the best and they are much more fun!

Thanks again so much,

Laffctx

[robertwgross]

Does it hurt anything to put my lens on AF instead of MF if i am using Tv setting?


The AF/MF switch on the lens has no bearing on the exposure mode setting.

---Bob Gross---

[Laffctx]

thanks........i was just concerned if it really makes any real difference in Tv mode if you set the lens at AF or MF. AF just seems quicker for some shots.

thanks for all your help

Laffctx

[robertwgross]

thanks........i was just concerned if it really makes any real difference in Tv mode if you set the lens at AF or MF. AF just seems quicker for some shots.


Autofocus is often faster than manual focus, sure, but that has no bearing on which exposure mode you are in, or vice versa. If you have a manual focus already, then the camera does not have to wait at all to attain autofocus lock, so that can be quicker.

Focus mode versus exposure mode are just two completely different things.

---Bob Gross---