P, S, A, and M Modes

[CBGCAT9]

Thanks Rob. I don't want to put it back to the "same place" everytime. Yeah, at this point in time I take photos of a lot of different things. In my first post/question I was just wondering if there was a quick way (which I'm pretty sure now that there is no magic button) - anyway wondered if there was a quick way to put it back where the camera was before you manipulated the settings, i.e., back to the settings the camera would have chosen for you - as a starting point - for this humble beginner. Once I understand better what settings to use for any particular situation - I won't worry so much about it. And I think I need to stop worrying about it. I am getting better but not there yet. I bought a book that was written by a professional photographer just about the specific camera I have. It goes beyond the manual that comes with the camera. I also bought some beginner and intermediate lessons from this website which have been very helpful. http://[URL="http://www.digital-slr-guide.com"]www.digital-slr-guide.com[/URL] I will say that I got the lessons after reading the manual and the book I bought. So, the lessons helped pull it all together. This website also has an email newsletter you can subscribe to.[/FONT]

 

[OrionsByte]

You might want to look at this a little differently.

When you change the ISO, it will change the ISO for P, A, S, and M modes - it will not retain a separate ISO setting for each mode. Similarly, the value you select for the aperture in A or M mode will be applied to both A and M mode, and the value you select for the shutter speed in S or M mode will be applied to both S and M mode.

So, keeping all that in mind, the single biggest setting that will screw you up every single time is ISO, because it's "universal" across the manual modes. Absolutely do what KmH suggested, and always, always, always change the ISO back to the same thing every time before you put your camera down. It doesn't even matter what that is (I usually set it to 400, but that's me), as long as it's the same thing every time. You need to establish your own baseline, because the default manufacturer setting has absolutely no bearing on what it "should" be set at.

Next, if you're shooting in P mode, the camera is selecting both the aperture and shutter speed anyways, so the only thing you really have to worry about is ISO. Already done if you're putting it away the same every single time, right?

If you're shooting in A mode, it's probably because you want to control the depth of field, so regardless of where you left it last time, you're going to want to change that to whatever is applicable to the situation. The camera will choose a shutter speed based on the aperture and ISO, which again, is the only thing that will mess you up here if you forget to check it.

If you're shooting in S mode, it's probably because you want to control how action is captured, so regardless of where you left it last time, you're going to want to change that to whatever is applicable to the situation (I know I'm being repetitive, but repetition helps learning). The camera will chose an aperture based on the shutter speed and ISO, which again, is the only thing that will mess you up if you forget about it (because you went in to S mode in order to control the shutter speed, remember?). I'm not trying to talk down to you, I'm just trying to drive my point home.

If you're shooting in M mode, you're in complete control of the camera and should be checking all three settings before every single shot anyways.

So, again, the biggest thing to remember to check is the ISO, because everything else will either be a creative decision or chosen by the camera. If you can train yourself to always set the camera back to (for example) P mode at ISO 400 before you put the camera away, I think you'll take care of 90% of your concerns about "default" settings.

 

[CBGCAT9]

Brian
Thanks!! It all makes sense when I'm reading it - just when I'm "out there" I can't think fast enough - I don't have it all in my head yet how to choose a combination of settings for a particular situation - but I will!! And it didn't seem you were talking down to me at all. I appreciate a good teacher. Thanks for taking the time!!!

 

[Josh66]

because the default manufacturer setting has absolutely no bearing on what it "should" be set at.

I disagree with that.

The default setting is most likely the native ISO of the sensor, which will have the least noise. As far as I can remember, that is generally 100 for Canon, 200 for Nikon.


If you think about it in film terms, it makes sense... You can't change the sensor. The sensor is your 'film', but you can shoot it at any ISO you want, just as you could with film. The sensor has a fixed ISO, just as film does. When you deviate from the native ISO, you are either 'pushing' or 'pulling' - which is going to introduce noise. On modern sensors, it isn't really that big of a deal though, with the outstanding high ISO performance they have.

 

[OrionsByte]

Thanks!! It all makes sense when I'm reading it - just when I'm "out there" I can't think fast enough - I don't have it all in my head yet how to choose a combination of settings for a particular situation - but I will!!

Oh I've been there. Heck, sometimes, I end up back there again. Maybe not with respect to shutter speed, aperture, and ISO so much anymore, but all my book knowledge on lighting tends to disappear right before I need it, and I get totally lighting-stupid behind the camera. Eventually I know I'll grow out of that though, and there will be something else I get dumb about for a while.

 

[OrionsByte]

because the default manufacturer setting has absolutely no bearing on what it "should" be set at.

I disagree with that.

The default setting is most likely the native ISO of the sensor, which will have the least noise. As far as I can remember, that is generally 100 for Canon, 200 for Nikon.


If you think about it in film terms, it makes sense... You can't change the sensor. The sensor is your 'film', but you can shoot it at any ISO you want, just as you could with film. The sensor has a fixed ISO, just as film does. When you deviate from the native ISO, you are either 'pushing' or 'pulling' - which is going to introduce noise. On modern sensors, it isn't really that big of a deal though, with the outstanding high ISO performance they have.

Good point, thanks Josh.

 

[CBGCAT9]

My default is ISO 100 (Nikon D3100). I can change the default (100-3200). I can also change the ISO (temporarily) on the fly as I take photos with a nifty little button that brings up a screen with all the settings I can change in the particular mode I am in (not all modes are equal). Using the arrows and Ok button I can change the settings pretty fast (as opposed to going thru the many menus on the camera). Settings I am talking about are ISO, exposure compensation, metering mode, white balance, etc. Also, pushing that nifty button shows me where all these settings are currently. The "main" screen tells me a lot but this other screen tells me more and lets me change on the fly.

 

[jwbryson1]

I have a Nikon D3100. I'm new to DSLR cameras. I have a basic understanding of how to use the camera. When in one of the P,S,A,M modes and you make a change to shutter speed, aperture, exposure, ISO, etc. then I've read you must return the settings back to where they were or the camera will keep those changed settings (in that particular mode) and continue to take pictures at those settings even if you turn the camera off and back on. So, do you change back "manually" by turning dials, etc. or is there a menu setting to return to the settings you started with? If you can't remember what the settings were can you change to fully automatic point in the same place you took the picture and then check what settings the camera chooses and change to that? I can't imagine writing down the settings in every situation.
How do people do this? Thanks, Carolyn

Carolyn, I am reading your thread and the responses and I found that I simply HAD to respond because I'm not sure that you've gotten a clear answer yet how your DSLR operates. Perhaps I'm wrong, but let me offer the following. I do agree that you should be reading you manual and learning all about your camera and how it operates.

Let's take an example--you pick up the camera, turn the knob to "P" (automatic) mode, point at a scene and take a photo. P is one of the automatic modes so you will likely have proper (or close to proper) exposure. Let's say you photo is instead overexposed, and you make an adjustment to the exposure by holding down the +/- button and turning the knob to -2/3 of a stop exposure (-0.7) and shoot again. Check the LCD and it looks good. You're done. Now you want to shoot a photo in aperture priority mode (A) and you want a long depth of field so you dial down the aperture to f/15 (for example). You point at the scene and hold down the shutter release button 1/2 way and check the exposure reading. It looks okay so you take the shot, but you find that you are underexposed. You must recall that you changed the exposure compensation to -2/3 of a stop by holding down the +/- button and turning until it read -0.7. The exposure compensation adjustment will remain on -2/3 until you change it to something else. This is one adjustment that does not change back automatically. So, in the second example with the underexposed image at f/15, you'll either need to open the aperture somewhat (e.g., to f/11), or you'll need to dial back the exposure compensation button to -0.3, 0.0, etc. You can also turn up the ISO which will increase the exposure. These are all small adjustments that you can make to get the proper exposure for what you are trying to accomplish.

I think the point to remember is that NOT every change you make to the camera will "freeze" and remain that way when you turn the camera off and on again. Every time you change from P to A to M to S, etc., the camera will make adjustments based on what the sensor sees when you point at your subject. Only certain adjustments will "freeze" and need to be adjusted---one of them is the exposure compensation button I discussed above.

Does this make any sense?

 

[Josh66]

To clarify - I'm not saying that using anything other than the native setting is bad, just that it isn't the native setting and it will have more noise. That's just a fact ... there isn't really any arguing that. The added noise may very well be insignificant, and not matter at all... Some cameras are a lot better than others when it comes to that - and it depends on how high you go.

Sometimes noise/grain is what you want, and you'll use a high ISO or push the film to get that effect.

 

[CBGCAT9]

Yes. This makes sense and is what I was originally asking about. I wanted a magic button to make it all go back to where it was. tee hee. I have read in teh book I bought which was "beyond" the manual that if you don't put it back it will stay even if you turn the camera off and back on. I've tested it. And it does. I don't have the book in front of me but I'm pretty sure this included exposure compensation, aperture and shutter speed. And this applies to each mode. So, if you are in Aperture mode and manipulate the settings - the next time you point the camera in a different direction or turn the camera off and back on the settings you chose will still be there IN THAT MODE. The "NOTE" I read in this book and other places says these settings will stay unless you put them back but doesn't give any hints as to how to put it back. Now things like white balance and metering I can figure out. I'm just at such a beginning stage of knowing what settings to choose that I wanted to know how to put the camera back to "proper" as you called it (you understood what I was asking! yipee!). But there is no magic button and if I can't remember where I started then I have to just use my brain power to figure it out!!!

 

[Josh66]

but doesn't give any hints as to how to put it back

Two things you can do:

1 - Check the settings every time you turn the camera off/on. Make sure everything is where you want it.

2 - Factory Reset. Check your manual, somewhere in the menus, there is a way to restore everything back to the factory defaults with just the push of a button.

 

[CBGCAT9]

OK - you just described it!! Lightening-stupid!! Love it!!! I just went this last saturday to a home being fixed up and people from work volunteered and I was asked to take photos. (Well - I have for about 6 years now). When I was taking the group photo at the beginning of the day they were giving me a hard time and not cooperating. Then one person who knew I had a new camera said, "Oh she has a new camera." ARRRRRGGGHHH!! Thanks a lot!! I was just making adjustments and taking more than one photo - I was not having a problem. That put a black cloud over my head all day. I did become dumb sometimes dudring the day when the situation was difficult - small rooms - too many people in the room - very bright sun coming in the window putting people in silouhette. All day people gave me a hard time about taking photos. Didn't make it any easier. Oh yeah, and I mentioned earlier about the rainy sunless days. The one day all month that was sunny and I was at this house but didn't have control over what I wanted to take picures of.

 

[CBGCAT9]

Yes, I can go to a menu and reset to defaults. But defaults are not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about variables - Aperture, exposure, shutter speed - things like that that you change depending on what you are taking a picture of and what the conditions are.
I'm getting offline now - will check back tomorrow

 

[Josh66]

Yes, I can go to a menu and reset to defaults. But defaults are not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about variables - Aperture, exposure, shutter speed - things like that that you change depending on what you are taking a picture of and what the conditions are.
I'm getting offline now - will check back tomorrow

In that case, just stick your eye in the viewfinder and look at the settings. You have to do that anyway every time your take a picture, so I don't really see how it's even an issue.

If it's wrong, just change it to something that isn't wrong.

 

[jwbryson1]

Yes. This makes sense and is what I was originally asking about. I wanted a magic button to make it all go back to where it was. tee hee. I have read in teh book I bought which was "beyond" the manual that if you don't put it back it will stay even if you turn the camera off and back on. I've tested it. And it does. I don't have the book in front of me but I'm pretty sure this included exposure compensation, aperture and shutter speed. And this applies to each mode. So, if you are in Aperture mode and manipulate the settings - the next time you point the camera in a different direction or turn the camera off and back on the settings you chose will still be there IN THAT MODE. The "NOTE" I read in this book and other places says these settings will stay unless you put them back but doesn't give any hints as to how to put it back. Now things like white balance and metering I can figure out. I'm just at such a beginning stage of knowing what settings to choose that I wanted to know how to put the camera back to "proper" as you called it (you understood what I was asking! yipee!). But there is no magic button and if I can't remember where I started then I have to just use my brain power to figure it out!!!

By the way, many Nikon DSLRs (D40, D60, D90, etc.) have 2 green buttons on them that will reset the camera to factory defaults if you just hold the 2 buttons down simultaneously for a few seconds. It appears, however, that the D3100 does not have these buttons. Another simple, FREE tool that you have at your disposal is the Nikon 800 number which you can call at your discretion and get all the free information that you need.