1. Forum
  2. Photography and Camera Forum
  3. Taking the Photo | Editing | The art of Photography!
  4. Beginner Photography Forum
  5. Difference between Program mode and Full Auto mode?

Difference between Program mode and Full Auto mode?


4 years 9 months ago #652488 by Steve Kemp
Well I get full auto is full auto.  But Program mode changes everything but your ISO?  If you move your ISO, your camera adjust shutter speed and aperture right? 

So how does it prioritize which to move?  
Photo Comments
,
4 years 9 months ago #652490 by Nikon Shooter
If you want to grow in photography, whatever the type,
don't approach it through programs — as you will not
learn to control but surrender it to the camera's OS.
Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
4 years 9 months ago #652496 by Ozzie_Traveller
G'day Steve

Okay - you've asked a very good Q in the beginners' area - so let's answer along those lines ...

Full Auto Mode is where the camera [every camera] takes full control of things, most menu offerings are removed from view and the camera becomes a glorified 'point and click' job, like the old Kodak Instamatics. 95% of students arriving to my beginner workshops have their dSLRs set to 'full auto'

In Program mode, things change considerably and it is a most valuable mode for many people. a) beginners who want to see in the viewfinder what the camera does with settings so that they can learn a bit more about the camera's inner workings, and b) more experienced users who want some exposure setting options with full menu controls, but who for one reason or another do not wish to use any of the "A" or "S" or "M" modes on the P-A-S-M mode dial

If the camera's ISO settings are fixed on a specific ISO number, then the user can modify the camera's "P" settings via the rolly-wheel control - and the speed and aperture will go up or down just like a see-saw. The user can see all these alterations in the viewfinder

If the user alters the ISO number up or down, then the starting set of exposure numbers that the camera comes up with will be different from earlier, but the rolly wheel modifications still apply.

There is a lot more to it, but does this answer your Q? If you want more info I'm happy to oblige

Hope this helps
Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/
Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/
,
4 years 9 months ago #652503 by Steve Kemp
Thanks guys.  I wasn't suggesting I was going to use it.  Just trying to understand what it actually is.  When I was looking at it, it seemed kind of like Auto mode of some sort.  

Just to clarify, you can't control shutter and aperture with it?  It's just an ISO play right? 
Photo Comments
,
4 years 9 months ago #652519 by KCook
There is nothing wrong with using Program mode. I use it a fair amount of the time, certainly not for everything.

Instead of Auto mode, another way to think of it is a blend of Aperture priority and Shutter priority. But instead of aperture or the shutter, the one exposure element you have direct control over is the ISO. You can also choose to bypass that with Auto ISO.

As Phil explained, you do have relative control over aperture and the shutter, just not the ability to set specific values. EV compensation will affect either aperture or the shutter, or both, depending on circumstances. Program-shift will affect both the aperture and shutter, in the see-saw manner that Phil described. So you are far from helpless regarding aperture and the shutter.

In my experience Program mode is especially useful with TTL flash.

Kelly
Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/
,
4 years 9 months ago #652522 by Nikon Shooter

KCook wrote: In my experience Program mode is especially useful with TTL flash.


I use TTL flash on location along with M mode all the time.
TTL is usable with all modes but different possible results.

Since predictable results in constant productions is the key
word, using powerful a light source — to insure both output
supply and speed — is the only prerequisite.
Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
4 years 9 months ago #652525 by Shadowfixer1
In Program mode you can change the shutter and aperture but they are tied together. The camera goes into "Program Shift" mode if you adjust the setting from what the camera chooses. If you want more shutter speed, you can do that, If you want a different DOF you can adjust it by watching the aperture. It's like combining Shutter Priority and Aperture Priority into one setting. Auto mode, I don't recommend but Program mode isn't the big bad wolf most photographers think it is. Most use Aperture Priority and that is just a specific Program setting. You can achieve the same thing in either mode with the same results. I have to chuckle when some make Program mode out to be a horrible thing to do but they use Aperture or Shutter Priority. It's the same thing. The Manual only shooters make me chuckle also. They think they are doing something magical but they still match the meter when they shoot. It's they same thing except you have to fiddle with everything. There are times when you do need to shoot manual but not for general shooting. That's my 2 cents on the subject. 
www.betterphoto.com/?ramshots
Photo Comments
The following user(s) said Thank You: KCook
,
4 years 8 months ago #654617 by fmw
As every beginner should know, aperture affects depth of field and shutter speed affects motion blur.  You can set either one to accomplish your exposure goal and the second one needs to follow along to achieve that exposure.  The advantage of program mode is that the meter determines an exposure recommendation.  You can step through the various combinations of shutter speed and aperture while maintaining the same overall exposure with every combination.

Let's say lighting is pretty flat and I can trust the meter recommendation.  My subject needs a certain depth of field to get two parts of the image in reasonable focus.  I flip through  combinations and find the aperture setting that will get the job done.  If the shutter speed shown is OK I can hit the shutter.  If it is not, I may need to get out a tripod or make a compromise with the aperture.  No matter where I go, I will get the same exposure if not the same image.

Program mode, then, is my auto.  The only other mode I use is manual.  I've never understood why some photographers decry the P mode.  It is fast and efficient.
Photo Comments
,

  1. Forum
  2. Photography and Camera Forum
  3. Taking the Photo | Editing | The art of Photography!
  4. Beginner Photography Forum
  5. Difference between Program mode and Full Auto mode?

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Show Me...

Visit 4wdtlak Forum
Saal

Latest Reviews

Fujifilm XT5 Review

The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.

Apr 25, 2024
Canon EOS R100 Review

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024
Nikon Zfc Review

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024
Canon EOS R50 Review

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024
More Articles
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1
Sponsored Imageimages2/50off.jpgSponsored Imageimages/stories/vendors/nikon.png
Sponsored ImageSponsored Image

Latest Articles

Urban Photography 101

Urban photography is a genre showcasing features in urban settings. You can photograph people, architecture, mass transit, and many other subjects. Learn how to do so in this guide!

Apr 30, 2024
10 Reasons Why the Nikon D850 is a Great Camera in 2024: Timeless Features and Performance

The Nikon D850 might be an older DSLR, but it was ahead of its time when it debuted in 2017. That means it still has plenty of firepower to compete with today’s powerful mirrorless cameras.

Apr 30, 2024
Best Beginner Camera for 2024

The best beginner camera isn’t the same for everyone. That means having choice is of the utmost importance. In this guide, explore five excellent beginner camera options for 2024 and beyond.

Apr 25, 2024
The Art of Child Portrait Photography

Child portrait photography is a unique undertaking requiring special skills and talents to get the best results. Start mastering this photography niche with these essential tips!

Apr 25, 2024
Fujifilm XT5 Review

The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.

Apr 25, 2024
Guiding the Eye: Mastering Leading Lines in Photography

Using leading lines in photography helps improve the composition by drawing viewers in and leading their eye from the foreground to the background. Explore some fine examples of this in this guide!

Apr 24, 2024
Must-Have Insta360 Accessories

The Insta360 has one of the best lineups of action cams and 360-degree cameras. With these Insta360 accessories, you can elevate your photography and videography game!

Apr 24, 2024
5 Keys for More Impactful Photos of Landscapes

Creating impactful photos of landscapes depends on many factors, not the least of which is your talent behind the lens. This guide explores other elements required for the best product.

Apr 23, 2024
More Articles