Thoughts - Manual vs Av

[kirbym2]

Okay... I know this debate has raged on in various threads on various forums. I'm raising the issue because just as I've become accustomed to shooting RAW over JPEG, I've also become accustomed to shooting in Manual over any of the automatic/semi-automatic settings.

I've just started an intermediate photography class, and the teacher has really stressed his view that Av (aperture priority) is the way to go. Thought process is you are likely to spend less time fiddling with the buttons, and more time shooting.

I'm looking for a thoughtful debate on the pros and cons. I will qualify myself as a newbie/amateur - wanting to raise my game to the amateur/pro level. I've read many times that there is "no wrong answer." I was just very surprised to have someone so adamant about using Av.

So... I'll throw it out there... what do you all think? I'm particularly interested in those of you that make photography your living.

Thanks everyone!

 

[subscuck]

This topic has been beaten to death here. Do a search and you'll find them all. The answers given today will be the same answers given for the last hundred threads on this topic.

 

[Robin Usagani]

If you constantly moving, AV is as good as manual (if you understand how metering works exactly). If you are in one area all the time where the lighting is identical OR you shoot in low light condition and use flash, manual is the answer. Manual will give you consistency. I use both.

 

[analog.universe]

The one topic that probably hasn't been covered in all the other threads about this is a professor adamant about one mode over another. To that I would say, listen to his reasoning, I'm sure he's got plenty of experience, but in the end, the world is your teacher and you should do what you want. Everyone's opinion is worth something, but you're the one taking the picture... be wary of folks who are adamant against any method that works just fine.

 

[Trever1t]

Someone said it like this; I have a toolbox, I use the right tool for the right job.

 

[Robin Usagani]

Someone said it like this; I have a toolbox, I use the right tool for the right job.

Unless you are MacGyver

 

[Compaq]

Someone said it like this; I have a toolbox, I use the right tool for the right job.

Unless you are MacGyver

In which case you just use tools, regardless if they're right or wrong or the situation is right or wrong.

 

[DiskoJoe]

if you can focus with auto then use auto. if you cant then use manual.

 

[KmH]

Each mode has it's uses.

A lot of action shooters use aperture and/or shutter priority.

One of the keys when using either A (Av) or S (Tv) is the photography has to not only keep an eye on the light meter in the viewfindeer, but has to also keep an eye on the settings the camera is controlling.

Using manual mode no settings are changing without direct input form the photographer, so the photographer can concentrate more on details inside the image frame.

 

[The_Traveler]

There is also the situation of using manual and letting the iso float - within limits.

 

[Trever1t]

There is also the situation of using manual and letting the iso float - within limits.

I used this technique this last weekend shooting in dim light and it proved successful.

 

[kirbym2]

Great feedback so far everyone!

After the first class (last Wednesday), we were given an assignment. When I shot for the assignment I made a conscious choice to shoot in A mode. I must say I was happy with the exposure results. I find that I am notorious for underexposing shots.

That being said, I don't know if matrix metering is ideal here... Would any of you consider using spot/centre weighted metering when shooting Aperture Priority?

And of course, there's always the issue of exposure compensation... just so I have this concept down, is it negative exposure compensation that will intentionally underexpose (darken) the photo, and positive exposure compensation that will overexpose?

Thanks!

 

[Trever1t]

yes to the EC question. Spot metering has it's place and so do the other available metering methods. THAT is something that the subject matter and light conditions will influence.

 

[Compaq]

Positive exposure compensation is the same as what you see in manual when the moving line is on the right = over exposing.

Metering mode depends more on the scene than what mode you're in.

 

[cgipson1]

Great feedback so far everyone!

After the first class (last Wednesday), we were given an assignment. When I shot for the assignment I made a conscious choice to shoot in A mode. I must say I was happy with the exposure results. I find that I am notorious for underexposing shots.

That being said, I don't know if matrix metering is ideal here... Would any of you consider using spot/centre weighted metering when shooting Aperture Priority?

And of course, there's always the issue of exposure compensation... just so I have this concept down, is it negative exposure compensation that will intentionally underexpose (darken) the photo, and positive exposure compensation that will overexpose?

Thanks!

Spot, center or matrix? Depends on what you are shooting. For instance, if I have a strongly backlit subject.. I might spot a face to set exposure rather than have the camera decide what to do....

you are correct on the exposure compensation information.

you might find this useful... Understanding Camera Metering and Exposure