Camera Basics Program AE (P mode) The Program AE mode, a semi automatic mode where the camera automatically sets the aperture and shutter speed, enables you to shoot quickly to capture sudden photogra.
Camera Basics Program AE (P mode) The Program AE mode, a semi-automatic mode where the camera automatically sets the aperture and shutter speed, enables you to shoot quickly to capture sudden photographic opportunities, and yet still retain creative control over other settings such as white balance Program AE: The point-and-shoot mode where the camera determines the aperture and shutter speed Points-to-note - The camera decides on both the aperture and the shutter speed - It’s great for capturing sudden, unexpected shutter opportunities - Unlike fully-automated modes, you can still change other settings such as white balance (W B) and exposure compensation It can be tremendous fun to experiment with different shutter speed and aperture settings, but finding the perfect combination often takes ti me and can result in lost photo opportunities Yet, those who also want to retain some creative control over the photo outcome might feel restricted by fully -automated shooting modes That's when Program AE mode comes in handy In this mode, the camera aut omatically determines and sets the optimum aperture -shutter speed combination, making it ideal if you need to shoot fast to capture unexpected shutter opportunities If you use it together with the ISO Auto setting, you can also take handheld snapshots with minimal camera shake How, then, is it different from fully-automated modes such as Scene Intellige nt Auto? For one, the latter is targeted at beginner users, so the camera automatically sets almost all shoot settings, such as the AF function and metering mode, in order to lessen the risk of failed shots It therefore offers little room for customization for those who want a bit more leeway with creative expression Program AE mode, on the other hand, takes over only the aperture and shutter speed settings It still allows you to customize the white balance, Picture Style, and exposure compensation settings, among others, to better reflect your shooting intent One thing that makes Program AE mode different from Aperture -priority AE mode, where you set the aperture value, and Shutter -priority AE mode, where you set the shutter speed, is that the program might select an aperture value -shutter speed combination that is different from your shooting intent If that happens and you are not happy with the results, you can keep the “correct” exposure and freely change the aperture and shutter speed setting combinations This is called a “ program shift” The mode dial on your camera To use Program AE mode, turn your camera’s mode dial until the arrow points at [P] The Quick Control screen A: Shutter speed B: Aperture In [P] mode, the camera automatically sets both the aperture and the shutter speed The camera detects subject brightness, analyses it and then automatically sets a shutter speed and aperture value that it deems “correct” for the scene If this exposure is not quite what you want, you can use exposure compensation to change it Usage example #1: When capturing brightly -lit backgrounds EOS 5D Mark III / EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM/ FL: 35mm/ Program AE (f/9, 1/200 sec, EV+0.3)/ ISO 100/ W B: Daylight Let’s say you want to take snapshots of a distant landscape As bokeh quality isn’t a concern for such shots, Program AE mode would be a great choice of shooting mode Even if there are lots of clouds in the sky, you can rest assured that your camera will set the optimum shutter speed and aperture settings for ideal exposure, but still apply exposure compensation and adjust white balance if required Usage example #2: For grabbing that unexpected shutter opportunity EOS 6D/ EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM/ FL: 105mm/ Program AE (f/4, 1/100 sec, EV+0.3)/ ISO 125/ WB: Daylight With Program AE mode, all you need to is press the shutter button to achieve pretty decent photos It therefore lets you capture precise pictures of fleeting moments, such as a blink-and-you-miss-it expression on the face of a moving subject Usage example #3: When you want to avoid handheld camera shake EOS 5D Mark III/ EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM/ FL: 50mm/ Program AE (f/4.5, 1/100 sec, EV-0.7)/ ISO 100/ W B: Daylight In Program AE mode, the camera automatically chooses a shutter speed that best reduces the chances of camera shake Combining this with ISO Auto mode cuts the risk of camera shake even further ... want to avoid handheld camera shake EOS 5D Mark III/ EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM/ FL: 50mm/ Program AE (f/4.5, 1/100 sec, EV-0.7)/ ISO 100/ W B: Daylight In Program AE mode, the camera automatically... and shutter speed setting combinations This is called a “ program shift” The mode dial on your camera To use Program AE mode, turn your camera? ??s mode dial until the arrow points at [P] The Quick... that makes Program AE mode different from Aperture -priority AE mode, where you set the aperture value, and Shutter -priority AE mode, where you set the shutter speed, is that the program might