f-stop stuck in portrait and close-up mode

Out shooting today and was using different modes and learning the camera when I notice that in every picture the f-stop was 2.8 in portrait mode and 4.0 in close up mode. Why? Did I bump something without realizing it or is this going to be another trip to canon?

That's probably as designed...just don't use these modes and instead take control of how your images will come out......(for example by using Av or M mode)

And that's a GREAT reason to NEVER EVER EVER EVER NEVER use the scene modes. Who knows what exposure parameters it's going to set, and if you don't like them you can't change them! Plus you don't have EC (or do you?), and you can't shoot RAW.

Stick with Av for most shots, and M for indoor flash shots. You'll be much happier.

elitejp wrote in post #6595994
Out shooting today and was using different modes and learning the camera when I notice that in every picture the f-stop was 2.8 in portrait mode and 4.0 in close up mode. Why? Did I bump something without realizing it or is this going to be another trip to canon?

Nope, no trip to Canon is called for. That's what my 30D does in those modes too.

(I had never tried them until just now and I get the same results.)

-js

That is because of the 50D ultrabad IQ and the high ISO friend the lens circuitry !!! (joke) Just stay within the creative zones and you will be fine !

Make note of Av, Tv and P. They are also automatic exposure modes, but you can give a little more input with them than you can with the "no thinking required" modes on the other side of the dial.

Now that you've discovered the f stops, buy the book "Understanding Exposure" and study it. The author give lots of guidance how to use a camera in the auto exposure modes with it's internal meter. He also talks a lot about when and why to choose a larger or smaller aperture, or a faster or slower shutter speed.

I've been shooting for 30 years, but found it a good read and it reminded me of a number of things I'd forgotten.

After you've mastered the techniques in that book, you might find yourself wanting to switch to M and learn to use it, too.

I should have mentioned that I was practicing using the camera but had some friends with me who didnt have any clue so I just set them up using those modes if they were to use it.

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I guess I just noticed that trait about those two modes. Defineatley appreciated