Most used mode?

[CSR Studio]

But now that we're on the subject it serves as a reminder to me it's about time for my week long manual only challenge I try to get in now and then just as a 'get re-aquainted with my camera' session.

This comment makes my point exactly.

 

[PhotoXopher]

What other reasons? You say that like I said somewhere that there are tons of reasons why it's better not to shoot manual.

All my original comment stated was the best mode is the one that works for the shot, for me that's not always manual - for you it is.

Great!

For me, and many others there's no point in manual white balance, manual ISO, manual shutter speed and manual aperture. I do enjoy forcing myself into this mode now and then, like I mentioned - but for me it's not out of necessity, it's for a fun challenge.

 

[CSR Studio]

Not saying manual mode doesn't work, but it's not always the best option (takes time for one thing). If all you're doing is adjusting the exposure to be 'correct' you can let the camera do this automatically or use exposure compensation and have almost instant feedback.

What other reasons? You say that like I said somewhere that there are tons of reasons why it's better not to shoot manual.

You did say it.

And I like to play a game with myself, if I am shooting for fun. I will set the exposure before checking it to see how close I am, I have gotten pretty good at it.

 

[PhotoXopher]

Takes time for one thing translates into tons of other reasons... OK.

1. Time

2. If you're new to photography, shooting in a semi-auto mode helps you learn before trying full manual (speaking from personal experience).

3. When you're not sure what to do... not everyone has been at this for years and years or grew up on manual only cameras.

4. Sports photography, where everything is fast paced and changing regularly.

5. It's simply not necessary all the time.

6. Variety - when you are uncertain what your subject is going to be. I do photo walks nearly every day, sometimes I photograph a flower and at a moments notice a goose or duck flies by, it's much easier and faster for me NOT to be in manual mode to get the shot off. Even the commonly recommended book 'Understanding Exposure' points this out multiple times.

All valid reasons, and I'm not saying you can't do them in manual mode so don't assume that.

 

[Plato]

I'm with Noyze on this discussion. I shot manual for years. When I mean manual, I mean not only aperture and shutter speed but also manually opening the lens so that I could focus manually and then manually closing the lens down before pressing the shutter button.

When "auto" was introduced (and the lens stopped down automatically) I found that I could take a maybe three shots with exposure bracketing in the same time I had formerly taken a single shot.

Then, real automation came about. IF my objective is DoF, I set my aperture and then allow the camera to bracket the shutter speed automatically. I can now take eight or ten shots in the time that it previously took me to take a single shot and at least one of the eight or ten will be better than the single one that I took years ago.

 

[CSR Studio]

Takes time for one thing translates into tons of other reasons... OK.

1. Time

2. If you're new to photography, shooting in a semi-auto mode helps you learn before trying full manual (speaking from personal experience).

3. When you're not sure what to do... not everyone has been at this for years and years or grew up on manual only cameras.

4. Sports photography, where everything is fast paced and changing regularly.

5. It's simply not necessary all the time.

6. Variety - when you are uncertain what your subject is going to be. I do photo walks nearly every day, sometimes I photograph a flower and at a moments notice a goose or duck flies by, it's much easier and faster for me NOT to be in manual mode to get the shot off. Even the commonly recommended book 'Understanding Exposure' points this out multiple times.

All valid reasons, and I'm not saying you can't do them in manual mode so don't assume that.

I agree, those are all good reasons. I just think the other modes are stepping stones to full manual. Or should be.

Number 6 doesn't hold a whole lot of water with digital, you can get away with a lot and still get a great shot. It might have been true when talking about film, especially slide film, but not so much with digital. Also, I have shot sports and exposure doesn't change that fast that you can't go manual, in fact I shoot sports with manual focus because of the problems with auto focus.

 

[camz]

Takes time for one thing translates into tons of other reasons... OK.

1. Time

2. If you're new to photography, shooting in a semi-auto mode helps you learn before trying full manual (speaking from personal experience).

3. When you're not sure what to do... not everyone has been at this for years and years or grew up on manual only cameras.

4. Sports photography, where everything is fast paced and changing regularly.

5. It's simply not necessary all the time.

6. Variety - when you are uncertain what your subject is going to be. I do photo walks nearly every day, sometimes I photograph a flower and at a moments notice a goose or duck flies by, it's much easier and faster for me NOT to be in manual mode to get the shot off. Even the commonly recommended book 'Understanding Exposure' points this out multiple times.

All valid reasons, and I'm not saying you can't do them in manual mode so don't assume that.

I agree, those are all good reasons. I just think the other modes are stepping stones to full manual. Or should be.

Number 6 doesn't hold a whole lot of water with digital, you can get away with a lot and still get a great shot. It might have been true when talking about film, especially slide film, but not so much with digital. Also, I have shot sports and exposrue doesn't change that fast that you can't go manual, in fact I shoot sports with manual focus because of the problems with auto focus.

CSR do you really shoot all manual in weddings? We're talking about the ceremony, reception, couple shoot, solos, candids, details, spur of the moment shots, etc etc? If you are I'm pretty darn impressed.

 

[CSR Studio]

CSR do you really shoot all manual in weddings? We're talking about the ceremony, reception, couple shoot, solos, candids, details, spur of the moment shots, etc etc? If you are I'm pretty darn impressed.

Yes, I do. But don't be too impressed. I have been doing this since I was a kid and professionally for 26 years.

Now I feel old!

 

[camz]

Well for me I guess I don't think as fast as you do so I switch between Manual and Aperature Priority.

 

[CSR Studio]

Well for me I guess I don't think as fast as you do so I switch between Manual and Aperature Priority.

I am sure part of it is I shoot 35mm, medium and large format and there is no auto 4x5 yet!!

 

[PhotoXopher]

Oh, but it's coming! $$$

Yes, I do. But don't be too impressed. I have been doing this since I was a kid and professionally for 26 years.

Now I feel old!

Wow, good for you! (Really, that's incredible.) I can only hope I'm still doing this for that long - I love it.

I think you know your camera better than I know my keyboard! Knowing that little tidbit really helps me appreciate your point of view on the matter.

 

[CSR Studio]

Oh, but it's coming! $$$

Yes, I do. But don't be too impressed. I have been doing this since I was a kid and professionally for 26 years.

Now I feel old!

Wow, good for you! (Really, that's incredible.) I can only hope I'm still doing this for that long - I love it.

I think you know your camera better than I know my keyboard!

Thank you!

Let me just say that when I made my will a few years ago my camera was the first thing I wanted to put in it while my attorney was asking about houses and cars. :lmao:

 

[PhotoXopher]

I can just imagine...

 

[CSR Studio]

There is something about photography that really gets into your blood. I am sure it has to do with your photographs showing a part of your soul. It is a wonderful creative outlet and I have been extremely blessed to make my living at it. I hope that I can help other people from that experience.

Sorry that got deep.

 

[PhotoXopher]

I'd say inspirational... I'm the type of person who gets into something 100% and gets all the gear, then loses interest 2 months later.

So far so good with photography however, so to a much smaller scale I think I understand.

/offtopic

I have to say though, I'm glad we got to the root of our difference of opinion - you're not so bad after all