program vs auto

[photonewb]

Is there really a difference between these 2?

Through what I've read it seems that the Program mode is supposed to select the best options for Aperture and Shutter based on the current conditions. But isn't that exactly what the Auto mode is doing?

Still learning, but still confused...lol

[kenw]

with P you can shift the selection the camera makes for you. In auto, if the camera says 1/125sec@f5.6, that's what you get, you can't change it.

In P, if the camera says 1/125sec@f5.6, you can shift it to 1/250@f3.5 (or whatever).

[*Mike*]

Program usually allows you to "shift" the settings - trading off aperture and shutter values. So, you have a little more control, or at least option, available to you.

On some cameras, Auto will also pop and use the flash if required. P usually has the option of disabling the flash.

I'm not a C or N guy - so if I'm way off, someone please jump in!

[*Mike*]

Doh! Ken beat me to it...

[Ropinamoment]

Plus with P you can keep the flash from firing. With Auto it will fire automatically if you want it to or not.

[photonewb]

so then it sounds like it's best, especially for someone like me starting out, to use P and make minor adjustments to get a better picture.

so then the next thing is actually getting good pictures out of it....sigh

[TxManx]

One last thing - on most DSLR cameras, AUTO will only save to JPG, whereas P will let you go to any of your camera's options...

[photonewb]

Originally Posted by TxManx

One last thing - on most DSLR cameras, AUTO will only save to JPG, whereas P will let you go to any of your camera's options...

yeah, I'm not overly concerned with formats right now. Although I had originally set it to "JPG Normal" and the files were about 1.5+MB.

I'm just mostly concerned with actually trying to get good pics out of it right now. So far they seem fairly subpar to what I was expecting. :(

[TxManx]

Your JPG normal might be the precise reason why you're not getting what you're expecting...it uses a high compression, and discards more of the data...

Large / Superfine / whatever the best image capability your camera offers...

What type of camera?

[ShutteredEye]

Originally Posted by photonewb

yeah, I'm not overly concerned with formats right now. Although I had originally set it to "JPG Normal" and the files were about 1.5+MB.

I'm just mostly concerned with actually trying to get good pics out of it right now. So far they seem fairly subpar to what I was expecting. :(

Not quite like the Nikon d40 commercial, is it?

You images will drastically improve as you learn more about your camera, and photography in general. Stick with it!!

[photonewb]

Originally Posted by ShutteredEye

Not quite like the Nikon d40 commercial, is it?

You images will drastically improve as you learn more about your camera, and photography in general. Stick with it!!

oh I wasn't expecting instantly spectacular photos...but something that looks good would be nice

[photonewb]

Originally Posted by TxManx

Your JPG normal might be the precise reason why you're not getting what you're expecting...it uses a high compression, and discards more of the data...

Large / Superfine / whatever the best image capability your camera offers...

What type of camera?

it's the Nikon D40

the options are

NEF (RAW)
JPEG Fine
JPEG Normal
JPEG Basic
NEF (RAW)+JPEG Basic

I don't mind the extremely large file sizes because I had 2 cards of 2GB each. I'm easily willing to swap them out if they were to get too full. I haven't had any real opportunities to go out and do stuff with it, but I only got it like last weekend so I've owned it less than 2 weeks. I know I need more practice, but just trying to get the thing dialed in is the most important thing to me...it's certainly no paintball marker, that woulda been dialed in within an hour

[TxManx]

Originally Posted by photonewb

it's the Nikon D40

I don't mind the extremely large file sizes because I had 2 cards of 2GB each. I'm easily willing to swap them out if they were to get too full. I haven't had any real opportunities to go out and do stuff with it, but I only got it like last weekend so I've owned it less than 2 weeks. I know I need more practice, but just trying to get the thing dialed in is the most important thing to me...it's certainly no paintball marker, that woulda been dialed in within an hour

I'd set it to JPEG Fine at this point in time....that might help, but to move forward...

What is it you're not liking about your photographs? The color saturation or?

How are you viewing your photos? Have you tried printing some? If you find a huge difference between what you print and what you see, your could have monitor calibration issues....

One last thing to think about - you have a large sensor DSLR, so depending on your monitor's resolution, you could be looking at your picture at 30% or smaller, which is going to cram everything down, create jagged lines, etc, etc, etc...

If you're looking for a fun way to practice - take a look at the Creative Forums area hear, a new scavenger hunt is starting up (and you aren't obligated to get *everything* on the list to submit...so it's fun and relaxed) - also the other topics...

:)

[CaptainTom]

If you are viewing your images on your computer, you may need to start using a program like Photoshop or equivalent to "tweak" your images. The camera records the data and the manufacturers desing them so that you have maximum control over your image via a PP program.

Point and shoot cameras are designed for 1- maximum depth of focus 2- automatic everything 3- cost effectiveness.
P&S cameras utilize in camera sharpening , color saturation, etc.
Unless your P&S provides a RAW capability, you are pretty much stuck with what the camera decides is the proper image.

Your DSLR needs you to tell it what YOU like.

[kenw]

After several years of using a Nikon Coolpix 950 (a point n shoot in today's scheme, but quite advanced for the time), then going to a Canon 10d, I felt very frustrated too. I had several years of experience with the Coolpix, and knew how to make it work very well. (i still have that camera...)

Then I upgraded to the 10d. The learning curve was painful. I even used both for awhile. I did move to Tv and Av quickly and never used Auto much (but did some...). I took a lot of really bad pics, and over time improved.

I think my learning curve would have been faster had I dropped the Coolpix cold. But that years' Christmas pics would have been miserable.