Briefly comment on the metering method that has worked best for you.

Briefly comment on the metering method that has worked best for you.
Use Scene modes often, as they help you solve what could be tricky exposure problems.
17% (21 votes)
Mainly rely on aperture- and shutter-priority exposure modes to get the same image effects of the Scene modes.
50% (61 votes)
Work in manual exposure mode and use spot, center-weighted or Matrix or Evaluative metering patterns, compensating exposure when
32% (39 votes)
Total votes: 121

COMMENTS
Robert Sears's picture

Scene modes do not always fit the situation.

Andrew Pike's picture

As a macro photographer, I mainly rely on aperture priority mode to get my shots with the proper depth of field, as I'm working with slow film anyways on a tripod so shutter speed really isn't that much of an issue except when it comes to wind. Then a faster speed is desireable.

Timoteo Canales's picture

When I first purchased my Penatx ZX-L 3 years ago, I thought it would be nice to have the pre-programmed modes for snap shots or other instances where I could just point and shoot. While I found them convenient to have, I found myself using apearture/shutter priority modes more often because I like to be in control of the camera setting and the picture outcomes. At times when I check the exposure of a pre-programmed setting, I found that it was not always near the exposure setting that I would have chosen on my own. The one pre-programmed solution I used most often (when I did use it) was the standard, GREEN mode. What I really like about the ZX-L is the ability to select an aperature setting via the camera, while retaining the lens setting on "A."

Matt Barnes's picture

If I want to do something, and I know that a particular scene mode will do it, I use that scene mode, the problem is that they don't always do what i think they should do.

Ed Truitt's picture

My main problem with scene modes is that they are too restrictive -- and in the case of the Canon EOS 10D, they also can force other settings (e.g. ISO) to values I don't like. In an ideal situation, I use manual mode, and use both the built-in and an external meter. In many cases, however, time pressures result in the use of the aperture or shutter-priority modes.

Glenn Runyan's picture

Use the "scenic" mode often because it uses higher fstops in computing exposure than "portrait" or regular automatic. Camera is a Sony 707.

E A Reinero's picture

My main use camera is a Canon Elan IIIe (eye control) I have used the scene mode once: I was at Dover England and wanted to catch the chanel crossing hovercraft in stop motion. I used the sports mode to get the highest shutter speed with a 80-300 mm zoom lens. The day was overcast and the scene mode worked well--the hovercraft propellers and water spray were caught. I was using iso100 Fuji film as most of southern England is green.

Ron Klupka's picture

The scene modes are a pain on cameras; turning the dial to get past these things slows dowm the photographic process. My C5050 has them, when I went all digital slr, I chose to stay with OLy's E-1; no scene modes.

Stan Nicholls's picture

For wedding photography the auto program modes offer a time saving feature so I don't have to waste time with adjusting my camera settings. For pleasure photography I still like to manually set my own speeds and exposures.

Greg S.'s picture

The bottom line is, its just easier to use one of the program modes when you want to get a good picture and you don't have time to think about it.

Frank Wiater's picture

The best feature of an SLR is the ability to get creative. Using pre-programmed modes diminishes the photographer's ability to capture a scene as impressioned.

Taylor Waldron's picture

I wish I could find a really good new camera with out all of these program modes on them. I have the Mamiya 645 AFD. love it but it is always on manual, had to pay more for something that is never used to get what I like about the camera. I never use them, I don't trust them. Being able to control it on you own is what makes you a good photographer I think.

Peter Scott's picture

I tried to take some pictures in the snow using the snow scenensetting. I thought they looked terrible. The color balance was totally off. I only use manual now.

Bob Morgan's picture

AP worked best for me when shooting film and does the same now that I've gone digital. Go with what you know.

William Anderson's picture

Scene modes are great on the fly but, (1) may fail in certain lighting conditions and (2) eliminate the challenge of rending a great image thru photographer's talent.

Michael Blum's picture

I ocasionally use Av or TV, especially when shooting my grandson running around the house. Never when it is important to get proper exposure on a subject.

John Sparks's picture

As a relatively new student of photography, I feel I need to get a "feel" for exposure and with instant digital feedback the learning curve is fast enough.

Reuben Hann's picture

I never use scene modes. My camera offers the chance to alter the Scene Mode settings to store your own, quickly-accessible custom camera settings. I can set up 5 different combinations to cover a variety of situations. This is more useful for my purposes.

Steve Ferris's picture

The most accurate metering under difficult lighting conditions is with a hand held spot meter.

Mike Booth (UK)'s picture

I have 6 Leicas and would not dream of taking a photograph without first using a Sekonic meter - usually in incident mode.

Gerson Horowitz's picture

I feel you have more control using aperature or shutter priority.

Colin Elliott's picture

My cameras do not have such "scene" modes. I tend to shoot manual or aperture priority.

Joe Sutherland's picture

I take many cloud photos and have found by trial and error that manual exposure with spot metering mode gives the most consistent results. I normally spot meter on a bright part of the cloud and then bias the exposure by about +2 stops.

John Talvan's picture

Unless I am working in the studio I generally use Aperature or Shutter priority. In the studio I use full manual for obvious reasons.

Robert Sears's picture

Prefer to handle manually as to often scene modes are wrong.

Lee Fortier's picture

I trust myself more than I trust my camera.

Jack Welsh's picture

I have about 50 cameras, from 1917 on. I shout about 99.9% black and white with a spot meter. To me,digital is way to expensive, and when the magazines compare the quality of digital with film, they always mean 35mm which was one of the smallest film sizes ever made! To me a well exposed negative is a work of art by itself. One time I did buy a digital camera because i thought of selling a few things on ebay. Well, for 2 years it just sat there because I couldn't get my computer to recognize it! But my old kodak 116 worked fine.

Henriette's picture

For art and portraits I do want to compensate and use spot mesuring when I want a special lighteffect. So I can put some more or less into my picture.

David Thibodeaux's picture

For serious work I shoot film, black and white only and spotmeter. I have a digital camera (Canon A80) that I use for snapshots and even here I use manual exposure for almost everything.

Kathleen Davis's picture

Very useful when shooting things that change quickly, like kids.

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