Program Mode

Is your DSLR stuck in Auto Mode? Would you like to be able to get more out or your camera? We all know that command dial on the top of our cameras ... most of them have all those great automatic modes like landscape, portrait, sports, and so on. But what are those modes that are just letters? Things like P, S, A, and M or maybe P, Tv, Av, and M ... These are the advanced modes of Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and Manual. This is part one of a four part post dealing with the advanced shooting modes on DSLR cameras and the modes that exist on some advanced compact cameras. This particular post will deal with the Program Mode and in other posts to come will deal with the other modes. So lets get started!

Program Mode - If you have only used Auto Mode on your camera, Program Mode is a good place to start. On most cameras Program Mode is selected by moving the Mode or Command Dial to the (P) setting. A lot like Auto Mode, Program Mode still selects the appropriate aperture and shutter speed, so you have no worries about not having a correctly exposed picture. So why use this setting? Well, when using Program Mode, your camera will now unlock some settings that you previously had no control over. These settings vary depending on the camera make and model you own. Some of these settings may be the ability to change the ISO (discussed in a previous blog entry), to change the white balance (which will be discussed in a later blog entry), be able to shoot continuous and self timer modes (the ability to shoot fast bursts of pictures and to be able to push the shutter release button and run to get in the picture), and be able to use exposure compensation (this allows you to adjust the exposure up and down to achieve the proper exposure).

The main advantage to using Program Mode is that it is great for easily getting a great photograph without having to think too hard about settings. But you will now gain some control over advanced settings in your camera. So now go out and give it a try and be sure to check in next week to find out about Aperture Priority Mode.