Is manual mode overrated?

[MichiganFarts]

Ever since I gained access to all the latest Photoshop programs, I don't even care about getting exact exposure, much less what mode I shoot in.

 

[Garbz]

Manual serves two purposes. 1) To take over when your camera really gives up and can't figure out how to expose your picture (typical when doing very low key, very high key, or working with flashes), and 2) provide for those people who flat out refuse to use the tools that are provided to improve their life.

Unfortunately a lot of the latter exists and it's summed up by quotes like:

But there is no way that you can get by without using manual much of the time.

Dear PhotoPoser there is definitely a way you can get by without using manual much of the time, in fact most if not all of the time. If you think you're not in control just because you're shooting A, S or even P then maybe you should re-read your camera manual.

 

[quiddity]

 

[Dmitri]

Personally, I never take my camera out of macro mode.

 

[dxqcanada]

I prefer "running stick figure" mode.

 

[Dmitri]

I prefer "running stick figure" mode.

I've been dying to try that one. But I haven't been lucky enough to see any running stick figures.

 

[Josh66]

I prefer "running stick figure" mode.

I've been dying to try that one. But I haven't been lucky enough to see any running stick figures.

Dude - you have to draw it first. How did you think animation was done? ...That's why it's running.

 

[Dmitri]

oh my god, that explains it!! For years I've been looking for running stick figures, never realized I had to draw them. Thanks man!

 

[pgriz]

Are we the slaves of our tools, or are they means for us to achieve liberation? Knowledge determines one or the other. If you understand what a specific tool does, and its limits, then by all means use it and liberate yourself from pendantic obsession over details (which is what I think Garbz is referring to). If you don't know, then you're a slave. That includes the manual mode as well, I'm afraid.

 

[dxqcanada]

I think you have been reading about world news lately.

 

[mortovismo]

Yes. Whats the point in constantly insisting shooting in M when you're going to edit the s**t out of it in PS anyway?

 

[photocist]

manual mode isnt overrated when your camera doesnt have auto mode, or (like my case) all the lenses are old school and dont meter.

 

[chito beach]

Yes. Whats the point in constantly insisting shooting in M when you're going to edit the s**t out of it in PS anyway?

that is why you shoot in manual mode and actually learn photography so you dont have to edit the crap out of them in PS.

I have posted quite a few that are directly out of camera except resize and crop

 

[prodigy2k7]

Manual serves two purposes. 1) To take over when your camera really gives up and can't figure out how to expose your picture (typical when doing very low key, very high key, or working with flashes), and 2) provide for those people who flat out refuse to use the tools that are provided to improve their life.

Unfortunately a lot of the latter exists and it's summed up by quotes like:

But there is no way that you can get by without using manual much of the time.

Dear PhotoPoser there is definitely a way you can get by without using manual much of the time, in fact most if not all of the time. If you think you're not in control just because you're shooting A, S or even P then maybe you should re-read your camera manual.

I can't agree with you more!

 

[molested_cow]

I shoot in A mode primarily, but switch to M when doing long exposure, or B when doing really long exposures. When I need to do bracketing, I do it manually. The same goes when I use filters and need to step up or down.

If you are trying to take shots with high contrast in lighting, such as the sunset or the moon, you will definitely need to make manual adjustments.