Comments on: Program Mode: Everything You Need to Know (Ultimate Guide)

By: Kathy

Kathy — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 08:47:26 +0000

I will definitely try program mode. I frequently photograph trumpeter swans which are usually over exposed maybe this selection will help me overcome this and I will try it for wintry landscape shots.

By: Carl Crosby

Carl Crosby — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 15:44:32 +0000

Somehow, Program mode has always been a “baaad” choice for “real ” photographers. Not so, I learned last summer, when I used my camera in “P” and my flash set on TTL BL. It worked beautifully! Balanced flash and sunlight, with no mental gymnastics! Since reading the article, I understand how “P” mode can improve my photography. Usualy, I use Aperture, set my shutter speed, and use auto Iso. AND…being somewhat lazy, I don’t like to be messing with separate settings during the action. Another tool I didn’t realize I had. Thanx!

By: David Gee

David Gee — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 17:43:05 +0000

The article fails to mention the most useful advantage of Program mode. That is the ability to select whatever shutter speed and aperture you want within the same EV. I nearly always used Program mode on my first DSLR because of this facility. I hardly use it these days mostly preferring the other options, but I feel the article would be enhanced by mentioning the facility to select your own aperture and shutter speed within P mode.

By: NorrisReber

NorrisReber — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 06:46:45 +0000

This is an old article, it was in with today’s DPS email. I used to use my Canon, my 80D with my Tamron 18-400mm lens. I used Program almost all the time. I could take some night photos and the camera did pretty good on the low light situations. I decided to go mirrorless, and bought an M50m2, but grew disappointed at the lack of lenses and lack of support now for the EOS-M series. The RF series is OVER priced…AND I don’t really desire a full frame camera anyway. I’ve been a Canon user since my AE-1 Program YEARS ago, but I had enough. I bought a Fujifilm X-T3 with 279 clicks on it and I am happy. Canon made me a little lazy with the Program mode. Fuji has NO Program, you can set most everything to Auto, but at night you really shouldn’t depend on “Auto”. Fuji has dials all over the camera so changing the settings are easy. I’m using a Tamron 18-300mm X mount lens, it’s like I’m learning photography all over again 😉 I use most dials on Auto, but it’s easy to change it around a little. I’ll probably keep my 80D….. I’ve always had a Canon ^_^ I sent my M50m2 to my son with a Tamron 18-200mm lens, he just bought a Sigma 30mm f1.4 and is excited about photography again. I will look at the cropped APS-C RF camera when it comes out and maybe I will be back with Canon. hmmm Isn’t part of the reason for mirrorless to be smaller, lighter?? THAT is what the EOS-M series WAS!! (Great camera!!)
Great article!! thank you!!

By: Alain Guillot

Alain Guillot — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 19:03:07 +0000

I always wondered what “P” stood for. Thank you.
For me the most important is to never have the shutter speed slower than 1/60. As I photograph people with a handheld camera, I want to avoid fuzzy images.
Thank you for the article.

By: GianMarco Tavazzani

GianMarco Tavazzani — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 04:30:00 +0000

My worries about the camera choices comes out when the user guide refuses to tell openly which logic is used to balance between aperture and shutter speed (when and why).
The situation becomes worst when it comes on ISO: RAW files are ‘affected’ by ISO choices in a quite obscure way! ?
All what we do really want is a good, complete RAW file well centered within the dynamic range, something I would be glad the camera does ‘automatically’ if no other issues (fast moving subject, insufficient light in handheld shots without flash, long zoom) are pushing us to underexpose to prevent blur.
If the composition can’t stay within this range, we should be able to choose if we do prefer to have workable data on shadow or highlight part of it (given that a EV braketing is not an option, typically moving subject, typical case when we do prefer a full aperture and an -2EV exposure to reduce the motion blur).
Can the smartness of the camera be helpfull when there is no time to set it up??
Good: but then please, camera, TELL ME HOW YOU DO REASON! ?

By: Michael Chunko

Michael Chunko — Fri, 03 Sep 2021 10:07:04 +0000

I’m photographing a two-day family picnic this weekend and am giving this P mode a try for at least half the shoot. I want to capture the spontaneity of the events, be quick to catch irreplaceable moments without worrying about having to reconfigure camera settings. This article has been informative and helpful.

By: Dave Bates

Dave Bates — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 13:24:44 +0000

I use Program mode often with my Canon 7D. Much of my photography is dedicated to family photos, kids and grandkids. Program mode allows me the flexibility I like while allowing me the ability to get random shots as the opportunity arises. With kids, quick shooting is the key.

By: ??????? ?????????

??????? ????????? — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 11:46:27 +0000

In reply to Neville Baker.

As I state earlier, P is doing the same job as Av and Tv; that’s why I think it’s no use. At least with aperture- or shutter speed-priority you are aware of why you chose your priority and you on;y set the pair of values you consider optimum. Will the P mode user
be aware of the differences of the available pairs of values?
Vasilis Caravitis

By: ??????? ?????????

??????? ????????? — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 01:39:33 +0000

After having read the article, I still think that Program mode is useless, even for the beginner. On P mode the camera gives you the choice of shutter speed-aperture pairs. If you are conscious of the significance of these values you will adjust your control dial for a pair of values that best suits the particular shooting conditions. On Aperture priority and Shutter speed priority modes you will do exactly the same. Letting the camera make an arbitrary decision will not help, as you still need to make adjustments based e.g. on light, speed and camera shake conditions. If you are not aware of these shooting parameters, P will not help at all and you’ll be much better off with full auto mode.
Vasilis Caravitis