Intelligent Auto Mode vs manual Program Mode

Today’s Photo Tip: – Learn To Shoot in [P] Program Mode: As you have probably learned by now, the [iA] Intelligent Auto Mode setting on your camera will take a very good picture about 95% of the time. But what about the other 5% of the time? First, you need to understand what is happening in the [iA] Intelligent Auto Mode. Though it may vary by camera, these modes automatically determine the camera settings needed to obtain proper exposure and obtain quality results.  Note: Though your camera should have similar settings, the specific settings noted in [bold-faced brackets] are for a LUMIX DMC-G2.

Auto Modes: Here’s what’s going on in my camera. The [iA] Intelligent Auto Mode attempts to identify the 'type' of scene you are viewing and then provides settings to best capture the image. It determines if the framed subject should be photographed as a i-portrait, i-baby, i-nighttime portrait, i-scenery, i-nighttime scenery, i-macro, and i-sunset(v). Based upon motion and lighting, it then determines where to focus, the white balance, color balance, and the best shutter speed and aperture(i). Additionally, it determines settings for the following:  Sleep Mode (5 min), Flash Mode (on/off), Flash Synchro (1st), Burst Rate (high Speed), Auto Bracket (sequence), ISO Sensitivity (100-800), Metering Mode (multiple), Red-Eye Removal (on), Exposure (standard), and Focusing (23-area)(ii). If there is too little contrast or light, it may have trouble focusing. Unfortunately, scene identification is imperfect, so when it fails, the camera uses generic settings (general shutter speed, aperture, and 23-area focusing) that should still capture a good image - just not necessarily the best. Hence, the other 5%.

Program Mode: These situations can be remedied by switching to the [P] Program Mode(iii). This semi-automatic mode is similar to your camera’s auto mode because it will automatically set a proper exposure value for your shot. (as far as the lens aperture opening and shutter speed). However, what makes using it different than shooting in Intelligent Auto mode is that you can have complete control over either aperture or shutter speed while the camera chooses the best exposure values. Other settings that you will be able to control in the [P] Program Mode will include the ISO, light metering, focusing, and flash settings. In complex lighting scenes or scenes that would make it difficult for the camera to achieve focus on a desired object, the camera's light meter can be fooled, producing an underexposed, overexposed or slightly out of focus image. As noted above, the [iA] mode automatically uses 23-area focusing and the multiple metering mode. In [P] mode you can switch to [Spot Metering], allowing you to focus on and read the light from a small area rather than from the overall scene. You also have the option to select [1-area Focusing], or any of the Auto Focus Mode Dial’s other three focusing modes (23-area, AF tracking, or face detection). In addition, you will have the full menu of flash options available, some of which are not available in the Intelligent Auto Mode depending upon which scene it selects. As previously mentioned, the aperture and shutter speed can also be adjusted somewhat in the [P] mode. Once you compose a picture and press the shutter half way down, you will be able to see the lens aperture and shutter speed the camera has chosen on the camera's LCD screen. If you think the shutter speed might be too slow (or if it is the aperture setting you want to change for depth-of-field), there will be a dial on the camera to make the desired adjustment(iv). The camera will automatically adjust either the aperture or shutter speed for a proper exposure. As you can see, the [P] Program Mode offers you a variety of shooting options for capturing a better focused image, while at the same time still insuring proper exposure.

In Summary: Using [iA] Intelligent Auto and specific [SCN] Scene Modes will provide you with very good images most of the time. However, in scenes with low light and little contrast, switching to the [P] Program Mode and making a few quick settings can often improve image focus and exposure.

(i) NOTE #1: Usually, pressing the shutter halfway will show most of these settings on the display screen. A red or flashing red icon indicates a problem. (ii) NOTE #2: You have the option to modify some settings by pressing the [Q.MENU] button on the back of the camera. (iii) NOTE #3: Every Digital SLR camera and Mirrorless camera has a “P” mode setting. However, more basic compact cameras won’t have a program mode. (iv) NOTE #4: This  will be called using the Program Shift or Flexible mode. It is part of the regular Program mode. Check your camera’s instruction manual for more precise instructions. (v) NOTE #5: Scene modes automatically fine-tune the focusing, exposure, and light sensitivity for obtaining the best picture associated with the selected mode. Manually selecting a scene mode will generally create better pictures than if you use the [iA] mode.