A&S mode?

redtippmann · Jul 28, 2009

well I have been shooting in manual mode for a while and never bothered with the shutter and aperture priority mode. I just used it and I was just wondering if its considered cheating (like putting it in auto mode). Also is there any downside with using these modes? thanks!

PhotoXopher · Jul 28, 2009

Cheating?

No such thing... if you get the photo you want that's all that matters. For me, if I find myself in Manual mode and constantly adjusting the exposure to be perfect I just switch to Aperture Priority - it will do this for me automatically. Same goes for Shutter Priority, however I don't use that as often.

The only time I usually stay in manual is if I'm trying to do something a little more creative with my exposure.

I hope that makes sense.

Big Mike · Jul 28, 2009

When you look at a photo hanging on the wall...do you ask what mode it was taken in? Well, maybe YOU do...but most people won't.

Really, it just doesn't matter. There is little difference between shooting in manual and shooting in other modes while adjusting the EC (exposure compensation). A shot taken at F8 & 1/125 with an ISO of 100 will be the same in any mode.

kric2schaam626 · Jul 28, 2009

I am horrible at making my manual mode "work" on my D80! How do you set it?

PhotoXopher · Jul 28, 2009

kric2schaam626 said:
I am horrible at making my manual mode "work" on my D80! How do you set it?

Could you explain a little more?

If I understand your question correctly, set the camera to M (manual mode) and start changing the shutter speed or aperture. If you look in the viewfinder you will see the exposure meter, the 'correct' exposure will be had once the arrow is in the middle. Adjust either until this happens and you will have a properly exposed image.

Proper 'creatively' exposed images are done by adjusting these values higher or lower than what the camera 'thinks' is correct.

Check out a book called Understanding Exposure, or search it on YouTube - it's a nice resource.

Dao · Jul 28, 2009

Only the end result matters. It does not matter how you get to the end result.

IgsEMT · Jul 29, 2009

I'm not a big fan of auto modes other then handing the camera off to someone else and then I usually put it into Program mode. Maybe its me, but Nikon F100 was more reliable in PAS then newer digitals.
...eeeh to each his own:meh:...