Why don't people like shooting in program mode?

KCook wrote: I sometimes do use Program mode. The difference from Auto mode is that Program gives you access to all of the camera's settings. Auto is usually very restricted. The difference from Manual is that Program makes the initial settings for you. Quicker than fussing with the EV error scale and pointer. If you already have a firm idea of what the aperture or shutter speed needs to be, then no point in using Program mode. If you see aperture and shutter speeds as rubber bands, then Program mode may get you to an acceptable setup quicker. Depends on the situation and just how fussy you are.

But calling Program mode as the same as Auto mode is really lame. The differences are pretty serious.

Kelly Cook

It takes time to learn manual. In the meantime, you can use the pre-sets and program to learn how the camera reacts to various settings buy reviewing EXIF data.

I don't think I have ever used program mode

For me, Manual mode, Aperture and Shutter priority are the only settings I use.

I uses Aperture Priority at ISO 400 for birds at f8,if shutterspeed too low I either push up the ISO
or use a bigger F-stop but no Program mode.
For landscapes ISO 100-200,at least F10 with EV compensation since there will be clouds,shutterspeed not that important.

KCook wrote: I sometimes do use Program mode. The difference from Auto mode is that Program gives you access to all of the camera's settings. Auto is usually very restricted. The difference from Manual is that Program makes the initial settings for you. Quicker than fussing with the EV error scale and pointer. If you already have a firm idea of what the aperture or shutter speed needs to be, then no point in using Program mode. If you see aperture and shutter speeds as rubber bands, then Program mode may get you to an acceptable setup quicker. Depends on the situation and just how fussy you are.

But calling Program mode as the same as Auto mode is really lame. The differences are pretty serious.

Kelly Cook

I never knew all that- thanks Kelly!

The Time Capturer wrote: I have never really looked at the differences, but the big one for me is I can shoot RAW images in "priority" but not "auto."

I had to check what camera you shoot with. My Nikon D300 shoots RAW in Auto. I just verified it.

Hmmm. That's interesting. Does that mean priority mode may be different on different cameras, or at least different makes?

Not quite. It's actually the Auto mode that can have differences. And many here are comparing Program to Auto. For example: some Auto modes allow for user set ISO, some are limited to Auto ISO. But every Program mode I've come across will let you set any ISO you want, including Auto ISO.

Kelly

It just doesn't think like me. There are situations I think would be perfect for it, like today at the zoo, but I always get frustrated and go back to M and Av. I like cameras that shut-up, and do like they're told.

I agree with HP and prefer to telll the camera what I want rather than the other way around

It would be nice if my camera offered choices for different AE profiles in the Program mode. But it isn't that advanced a camera. I use Program once in a while, not all the time.

Kelly

Thank you Dave Burburry for creating this thread. I've never used auto mode except once when my thumb accidentally moved the dial. But I do use program mode on occasion as noted above. I have never known the difference between the two as it was never info I needed to know. But, thanks to KCook and his knowledge concerning this, I will now be doing some manual browsing to get a more detailed picture (no pun intended) of my own camera if this question ever comes up in my dealings with clients.

Today, I turned a year older, and I'm now a little wiser as well.

Thank you everyone for all the input.

I am new to photography and as of yet do not have a DSLR. I have a high end point and shoot that allows me to choose program, manual, aperature, shutter etc...I was only shooting in auto (i know...slap of the forehead here) but now I shoot mainly in aperature mode or manual. I have never used P mode so it is nice to know what it was for. I have been shooting for approximately 4 months now and everything is self taught, so thanks for the clarification on what this mode is for!!

Well I havent ever used it yet to tell the truth. I shoot mostly in M, and then I go to A on occasion but watch the shutter speed when using it. With Aperture even I notice I have to adjust the EV depending on the light I have. Which is why I shoot in M most of the time because I can compensate easier.

Once you go off of M the camera will give you the same exposures in A, S or P (Av, Tv or P). To change the Exposure Value (or brightness) you must change the ambient EV setting. It will be applied to the one or both of the exposure controls.

P lets the camera set both f/stop and shutter in advanced, and you can then use the dial to switch to the setting you want.

I use it along with A (but not often S).

Casey T wrote: I don't think I have ever used program mode

For me, Manual mode, Aperture and Shutter priority are the only settings I use.

Same with me