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DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> P or not to P, that is the question!
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10/19/2010 10:34:36 PM · #1
Ok, after attending a few GTGs lately, I'm noticing more and more that many of the folks that I met, ribbons winners, were shooting in P mode. Why? I was under the impression (and I"m seeing incorrectly so) that I don't have to go mostly or all manual to get some of the great shots that we see on this and other site. I guess I thought I was cheating (albeit in my mind) if I shot in P mode.

So, how often, if at all, do you shoot in P and why? I"m curious to know if I am the exception and not the norm.
(THATS how my ribbon got away, rofl!)

Discuss please.
10/19/2010 10:37:42 PM · #2
Not to P. I prefer to make and learn from my own mistakes. Not those that my camera wishes to make for me. :D

And no P does not stand for Professional. LOL

Matt
10/19/2010 10:40:22 PM · #3
definitely not to P -- well, unless I'm using the flash and have no clue what I'm doing. When I don't P with the flash, I get odd colors because of ambient & flash mixes. Otherwise, no P! (btw, I spend most of my life in Av mode)

Message edited by author 2010-10-19 22:52:23.
10/19/2010 10:40:30 PM · #4
You didn't look at my mode dial. I shoot in aperture priority, and occasionally use manual mode when the lighting is difficult for the auto exposure to read, or I am using off camera flash. P mode does not give any control over shutter speed and aperture. I guess it depends on if you want some control over those or if you are happy with the camera choosing it.
10/19/2010 10:41:33 PM · #5
The only time my camera goes into P mode anymore is if I'm handing it to someone else to take a photo. Otherwise, it's Av mode 98% of the time, and manual for those other 2%. I just feel like have lot more control over the outcome.
10/19/2010 10:51:49 PM · #6
I almost always have min ein P mode...except when I have a very specific image in mind, then I switch to Av or Tv or even full manual. Today I actually just switched to sports mode and left it there (field hockey game).
10/19/2010 10:54:24 PM · #7
Originally posted by bergiekat:

Ok, after attending a few GTGs lately, I'm noticing more and more that many of the folks that I met, ribbons winners, were shooting in P mode. Why?


If this is true, which I wonder if it's really an accurate sample, but IF it is true, I suspect it's because P mode is pretty dandy for casual snapshots of social gatherings. But when I'm working seriously, I'm in Av or Manual just about 100% of the time. In the situations where I might use Tv, I tend to use manual and just leave my shutter speed set where I want it. This will mostly be when I'm hand-holding the big glass.

R.
10/19/2010 10:59:54 PM · #8
Originally posted by giantmike:

The only time my camera goes into P mode anymore is if I'm handing it to someone else to take a photo. Otherwise, it's Av mode 98% of the time, and manual for those other 2%. I just feel like have lot more control over the outcome.


Ditto.
10/19/2010 11:01:58 PM · #9
Aperture nearly all of the time. The vast majority of how a photo appears in my mind is dependent upon control of depth of field, so to accomplish that I need to approach things in that fashion. When using flashes, I shoot in Manual exclusively. I think the only time I've used P mode was when I was handing my camera to a friend who wasn't versed in photography to mess around with.
10/19/2010 11:03:45 PM · #10
Av mostly for me with also a lot of M. I hardly ever use Tv although i'm doing a lot of gig photography this weekend and am planning on experimenting with it more as i suspect it will be very useful in that setting. I honestly don't think i've used P once since i got my camera a couple of years ago but i wouldn't think it would be 'cheating' or anything.
10/19/2010 11:07:23 PM · #11
Originally posted by spiritualspatula:

The vast majority of how a photo appears in my mind is dependent upon control of depth of field, so to accomplish that I need to approach things in that fashion.

I've found the focal length I use to be a more effective way of getting the DOF I desire with aperture as a secondary setting toward that.
10/19/2010 11:15:05 PM · #12
Put me down as another Av addict - I only move from there if I have to.
10/19/2010 11:15:36 PM · #13
P mode when I don't have time to make adjustments, such as when shots and changes, especially light, are coming fast and furiously. Otherwise, A mode. For snapshots, jpeg.
10/19/2010 11:16:39 PM · #14
I use P mode on my point and shoot, but have never used it on my DSLR. My scores probably reflect this.
10/19/2010 11:23:10 PM · #15
70% Av. 20% Tv. 10% M.
10/19/2010 11:31:13 PM · #16
M 100%
Av 0%
Tv 0%
P(?) 0%

I like full control at all times. That forces me to learn more about the settings. I don't leave anything to camera.
10/20/2010 10:21:16 PM · #17
Good to know a) that I"m not alone in shooting out of P, b) P doesn't stand for Professional.
We never stop learning, do we! :P Personally I like AV, but TV is a little more mysterious for me and I"ve never had enough wine to try the "M" thing! (Ok, well I HAVE had enough wine, but never when shooting. I wouldn't know if the blurry was from the wine or my bad vision.)
10/20/2010 10:26:41 PM · #18
I'm half P. If there's sufficient light and I don't have an agenda, I use P. When light is low, I tend to go on Tv so I can either guarantee no camera shake, or I can go for a long exposure. When I'm looking for a specific depth of field, Av. M when I'm experimenting with a certain over or under exposure.
10/20/2010 10:32:04 PM · #19
It depends on the light. If there's too much or too little, then I don't use P (probably equal use of M, TV or AV).
If the light is good though, why not use P? But even then I usually underexpose a bit.

Edited to add: Of course if I'm going for a particular DOF then I obviously can't use P.

Message edited by author 2010-10-20 22:34:39.
10/20/2010 11:10:05 PM · #20
Guilty as charged! lol I use P quite a bit, sometimes TV or AV and minimally M. I'm guilty of winning ribbons not only in P mode but with a POINT AND SHOOT.. yikes! shoot me now!! : )
10/21/2010 12:06:37 AM · #21
Just a year ago, I was all about presets. These days it's manual 100% of the time. Of course, half of that time I don't know what I'm doing, so anything good is just plain luck :-)
10/21/2010 12:08:03 AM · #22
Originally posted by love:

Guilty as charged! lol I use P quite a bit, sometimes TV or AV and minimally M. I'm guilty of winning ribbons not only in P mode but with a POINT AND SHOOT.. yikes! shoot me now!! : )


Exactly my point! :) You don't have to kill yourself w/sucky shots as I've been doing...I'm gonna try the P think periodically and see what happens.
10/21/2010 02:03:51 AM · #23
Heck, I sometimes use the little running guy, or even the little head with the stars over him. If its your camera you ought to hit all the buttons from time to time.

But mostly its on A, if its on a tripod its on M, in low light maybe a T from time to time, and P when I hand it over to someone else. And of course some times, in the dark I play russian roulette. Surprises can be fun.
10/21/2010 02:24:39 AM · #24
I shoot everything in B mode. It takes years and years of training though.

10/21/2010 03:37:41 AM · #25
What is P mode?

Seriously, why would I buy a 2,000 € DSLR, when I only wanted to use the functionality of a 100 € P&S?

70% M
25 % AV
5 % TV
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