Argh, this is HARD!

cfcRebel wrote:
As a newbie, I don't think it is a good move to go straight to manual (M) mode. IMHO, start with either Av or Tv mode. Once you feel more comfortable controlling the aperture, shutter speed, ISO, Exposure Compensation, then you know what you are doing when shooting in M mode. Just my $0.02.

For somebody who really wants to learn to be a skilled photographer (as opposed to a casual "snapshooter"), the best thing possible would be using a fully manual camera. Manual exposure control and manual focus should be the rule while learning the basics. That way, the new photographer won't be confused by all the automation gimmicks. Unfortunately, many point-n-shoot cameras - even the better ones - don't do well at full manual. My 20D, however, works very well in full manual modes.

Once the basic skills of metering, exposure control, and thought-out focussing are mastered, then learn how to use the automation of the camera to make things happen a little faster at times but still under control of the photographer.

This editing that you are refering to was still used in the film days. Where do you think the terms came from? While I agree that you should do everything in your power to get it correct in camera there still needs to be some editing done. How much editing? Well, that is up to each individual, the time they want to spend, and the look they want to achieve. What is wrong with "creating" a photograph on the computer? Perhaps you are familiar with this acronym- SISO. It holds true for just about everything. So a better "original" will provide a better "final".

Just about every photography class will require full manual - often manual only film camera. I can't belive you've used a dSLR for 2 years in automatic mode. Ugh. I ditched auto modes after about 3 months of inconsistent shots.

3 simple tips: always choose your AF point, use Av mode, and monitor your shutter speed to know when to go up or down in ISO setting. Good luck!

well i was like that wehn i had my oldie but good fujifilm s5000

just go to manual mess around with the settings, take loads of photos of the same thing with difrent seetings, compare them, and try to think why they stayed like that

it might thake some time but i will learn if u really want to evolve in photography

pratcie makes perfection

( btw im still kinda n00bie so why am i giving sugestions xD )

Well you can use an SLR, but they usually want you to use at least the Manual exposure program. I know my class, allowed the newer(at the time fill bodies like the Elan 7), as long as they agreed to use M. But then they probably didn't know their camera well enough to figure out they could use other stuff. And then the class had assignments that specifically focused on shutter speed and aperture so you'd be screwed anyway if you trusted fully auto.

I had my XT for about 2 months before I realized I really needed to learn to shoot in "M". After messing with "M" and messing up ALOT I had an epiphany and switched to Av and let the camera figure out the hardest part for, the right speed to get the exposure I want...now I shot almost exclusively in Av....try it and you will be amazed how much easier it is...

What lens do you usually use?

There is a small downside to AV. The exposure can be tricked by a bright or dark color, so you have to be aware of that. It can change that shutter speed to something that is a low shutter speed where you can have handshake.

So always have to be aware of the lighting situation, regardless.

well M program is the best for me imo

might thake some more time to make things like u want but is that decides what u want and not the camera


well at least thats my opinion

The brightness fooled shot is true for ANY metering scheme, not just manual vs. auto or Av vs. Tv!

The post is correct that in Av you could inadvertantly get a slow shutter speed. But it is equally true that in Tv you could inadvertantly get too little or too much DOF when the camera chooses the aperture. My point is you need to BE AWARE of both aperture and shutter speed (and the ISO setting of your camera, too!), no matter the mode you selected.

When I started photography, I had my brother's AE-1 Program. It was pretty automatic, then got his F-1, which is all manual. So, I learned both. Then got the EOS 3 and that is a great film camera. The 10D pictures were all soft in comparison no matter what lens I used. Then I got the 20D after joining the forum and got advice to read "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson. That book changed me again. I shoot lots more in manual and focus and light are a lot easier to handle now. Get the book. It has an excellent tutorial style.

my shooting styles...
- i go fully manual at first to get my meter readings (not so reliable in xt)
- if there's something moving fast then i switch to P so that i'm in a semi-manula mode. P at least gives you fixed meter readings that can be adjusted.
- i only use Av mode to check how the camera will shoot at certain light situations then from those readings i switch back to M mode.

sounds complex?

don't know, still learning.

I agree. with you. I don't really use TV.

Usually AV or M for me, but you are right. In TV though, you are more likely to get a more constant value though. Not always true, but in low light, you probably will get that.

I think i said, but you should always be aware of the light regardless of the mode.