What modes do you usually use on your camera?

[JRS]

I see myself using, most of the time, the AV mode, auto ISO and sometimes I manually set the ISO, lower if I have a tripod or high ISO if I want faster shutter speed...

What about you?

 

[1982chris911]

C1-C3 with individual settings one for brackets, one for fast action (1600 ISO - sharpness +5), one for portraits... All using Manual or AV mode as base

 

[JerryKnight]

For weddings, I use full manual exclusively. I've been tempted to use aperture priority a few times outdoors, in wildly varying light, but my manual shooting is getting better as I learn to constantly monitor the meter and histograms.

I'm not saying the "semi-automatic" modes aren't good or that they shouldn't be used, but in most wedding photography (in my experience) you need absolute control over the camera - any guessing the camera has to do is an opportunity for the camera to get it wrong. If you're in a setting where you can trust the automatic settings, or at least you can check on the automatic settings and adjust them and take the shot again, then they are fantastic to use. If you're in a situation where the photo has to be as good as possible the first time with no time to retry, then learning to wield the camera in full manual is the way to go.

I haven't even used the Auto ISO feature on the 5D3 yet. I know I can restrict it to a specific range of values, but I think that I should be able to set the aperture, shutter speed, ISO, focus, framing, and composition at the same time. It's exhausting and sometimes daunting, but when it's done right, it's the best way to consistently get great photos.

 

[wickidwombat]

pretty much Only Manual mode unless i'm using bulb off a tripod for really long exposures or things like fireworks
that sort of thing

 

[PhilDrinkwater]

This isn't a smart arse answer, but whichever will get me the photo I want. In reality, manual in studio and 70% manual and 30% aperture priority. I rarely use shutter priority or the fully automatic modes. With the 5d3 will be using ap and auto iso a fair amount in the evening.

Knowing how to confidently use all modes would benefit every photographer. Not knowing will mean there's always going to be a situation you don't get the best you could.

 

[mdm041]

Manual Mode most of the time. I will use AP occasionaly if the light is quickly changing and my subject is moving around alot. I'll still manualy adjust ISO. I just like to have to think about each setting before I shoot. Sometimes I have to think really quickly but I just feel it helps me develop my skills further. I find when you start shooting manual all the time you get alot more bad shots but then you start to get a few really good shots. As you start to figure out what you did right to get the shots you really liked then the bad shots start to fall off and the really good shots begin to increase. I feel if I always used AP I would never really develop a style I'd just flip around to get the right exposure.

Not to say there is anythign wrong with the semi-auto modes but I feel while you are growing as a photographer it is a good thing to stay away from when you can. Sometimes I find I need them and they serve me well.

 

[PhilDrinkwater]

Not to say there is anythign wrong with the semi-auto modes but I feel while you are growing as a photographer it is a good thing to stay away from when you can. Sometimes I find I need them and they serve me well.

I guess the point with this is that it's really useful to be able to use them all. But, when learning photography, if you only use AP you will never be fully in control of your exposure and not know how to correct issues...

I would totally agree with that. Beginners should understand exposure properly.

 

[jalbfb]

Manual mode the majority of the time and occasionally Av, like this weekend at a indoor (gym) college graduation with manually set higher ISO.

 

[96Brigadier]

Manual mode for everything but long exposures when I use bulb.

Haven't set up C1-C3 yet, but those will be based on manual mode too.

 

[briansquibb]

I use Av and M

Av on the 1D4 can be used M with minimum shutter speed and autoiso and ec, Av on the 1DS3

M for flash work

 

[Dylan777]

I see myself using, most of the time, the AV mode, auto ISO and sometimes I manually set the ISO, lower if I have a tripod or high ISO if I want faster shutter speed...

What about you?

M = 70%
Av = 20%
Tv = 10%

 

[Chewy734]

M - 85%
Av - 10%
Tv - 5%

 

[psolberg]

Aperture priority all the time except when crafting a shot with strobes where I'll manual just for consistency of the light ratios in post. I'll use ttl and aperture priority when there is not time to setup.

I use auto ISO all the time and leave it on except when working with manual strobes.

 

[EYEONE]

M = 93%
C# = 5%
AV= 2%

AV is just too inconsistent for my likes. If I have to keep making EC adjustments I might as well shoot manual. Though, the 7D's meter might be to blame. I think it over exposes a bit.

 

[PhilDrinkwater]

M = 93%
C# = 5%
AV= 2%

AV is just too inconsistent for my likes. If I have to keep making EC adjustments I might as well shoot manual. Though, the 7D's meter might be to blame. I think it over exposes a bit.

I think AV makes most sense when connected with Auto ISO. You can wander around and not have to worry about two settings - ISO AND shutter speed. It's then replaced with one setting - EC

 

[ecka]

7D - Av
5D2 - M

 

[Deleted member 7828]

Depends...and it has varied over the years

Now, I use mostly Av mode to have control over DOF (especially with fast lenses), or when shooting sports, Custom mode (which I configure for manual exposure, auto ISO, AI servo and * to focus). Occasionally I will use Tv mode when using the 70-200 indoors so I can take full advantage of the IS function to handhold slower shutter speeds.

 

[pdirestajr]

I use M any time I'm working with lights.

Other than that I'm in AV. I find it faster to use AV and then adjust the exposure compensation dial to fit the scene.

I don't really see a difference in AV/ TV and adding exposure compensation compared to using M.

 

[kbmelb]

M-70%
Av-20%
Tv-10%

I use manual for just about everything unless the lighting conditions are changing. In those situation I'll use Av except for outdoor sunny shots with fill flash. Then I'll use Tv set to highest sync so I don't get any overexposed shots.

 

[RKang]

M - 85%
Av - 15%