How bad is Auto?

[2WheelPhoto]

Auto has its purpose. For instance, it may be fair to say auto is great for facebook posts and passport mugshots.

 

[mangtarn]

if you are just going to use your dslr for some regular memory capture-er then auto is perfectly fine, it's fast and easy. however in that case a plain point and shoot would be fine as well. because any dslr on full auto is pretty much a big black (or whatever colour yours is. they sell pink canons dslrs in china) point and shoot.

however when you want to make the photo look the way you want it to, that's when the 'creative modes' come in. and i strongly advise shooting without auto because the best photos are taken by people, not computers.

 

[TMG]

Thankyou for your responses. I am continuing to learn the Manuel functions, but tend to get nervous and switch to an Auto mode to avoid missing a shot. Im working on slowing down and practicing on easy subjects, like the dog instead of our team of 6 year old cheerleaders running around screaming.

 

[Compaq]

Auto mode is for when you want to take a picture. Manual mode is for when you want to make a picture.

=)

There are two scenarios here:

1. You mean that both modes give is a picture, and that we should strive to use that mode which gives us what we want

2. You wanted to say "photograph" at the end there, implying that auto mode is for snapshooters and manual is for photographers

Either way, both valid

 

[Vtec44]

2. You wanted to say "photograph" at the end there, implying that auto mode is for snapshooters and manual is for photographers

Either way, both valid

I know, but if I say photograph it wont' sound as good on the Internet...

 

[Aceski]

Not sure if you have looked into it, but usually community colleges and or nearby university's often have photography clubs which can give a cheap 2-3 hour session on how your DSLR works. This will not make you a great photographer all of a sudden, but they will tell you in basic terms/analogies what all the buttons do.

I was the same when I got my camera, I knew I wanted to use full auto but I didn't understand the theory behind what all the settings did. Then I showed up to a 90minute session where someone walked us through what everything on your camera was for, and how to use it for desired effects. Of course the rest is just practice.. The more you shoot in manual the easier it is to do it on the fly. You get to a point where you just 'know' what your camera should be set at before you even setup the shot or focus on the subject. Plus the practice trains your brain and fingers as to where the buttons are, so you literally are adjusting aperture, shutter speed, etc.. as you bring the viewfinder to your eye. After that your stuck with the other 99% of photography which compiles of experience and proper theory (not photoshop)

Oh course the other best part imo.. is that you get to 'work' for you shots. When you are proud of a shot that *you like, you can feel it was your doing not the camera guessing.

 

[imagemaker46]

There's nothing wrong with shooting auto, just be prepared for some photos that may not look the way you hoped they would because the camera made all the decisions. Learning all the basics will make you a better photographer and a happier one. Unfortunately the camera makers have thrown in so much junk and the 300 page novel to learn how to use the camera, people get confused and frustrated. Stick with it, small steps and you'll get the hang of it.