Originally Posted by
Steven Kersting
Chas,
In aperture priority I often don't have have to change anything for a rapid shot. I use exposure compensation when I know a scene is heavily biased and the metering mode selected will be fooled.
If the tonal values within the field of view remain unchanging you are correct, but this is more the exception. If the tonality varies within the frame as you track a moving subject it will more than likely require you to adjust compensation. Do not forget Matrix is applying its own degree of compensation based on predetermined algorithms. And, Matrix is in fact more accurate in most instances than Evaluative. The Meter Priority (mode) cannot be fooled. And, a Metering Pattern only does what it is programed to do.
I do agree metering mode plays a huge part, but that was not part of the discussion. Regardless of what functional mode you are in, the metering mode chosen will be a significant factor.
This is confusing? How is a Metering Mode not a part of a discussion on rendering proper in-camera exposure?
I'm often in matrix mode with the function button set to spot. Simply press the function button and my metering mode changes.
OK
In AV mode, I happen upon a scene with a cluttered BG, I open up the aperture and the rest is done for me, one adjustment. In manual mode, you happen upon the same scene and open aperture, then you have to adjust SS or ISO, two adjustments.
A cluttered background has nothing to do with how a Meter Pattern renders exposure. The background may in fact be busy, but it is only the tonality and contrast that influence the meter pattern. And, a bit of color, perhaps. Why would I have to change ISO in Manual and not Av?
Same is true if I'm in SS mode. I slow the SS to open the aperture, one adjustment.
If your chosen shutter-speed requires the lens to be open greater than maximum aperture to render the correct exposure the resultant image will be under-exposed, unless you dial in more comp or change the ISO manually or have the camera do it automatically.
If you are in full manual, yes you can change one setting for variables of exposure, but you cannot change one setting for variability of scene and subject.
What?
The other modes let you decide what you care about most and adjust for both exposure and scene with one adjustment.
Again, What?
Manual is great if you are going to set up *only* for optimum aperture and ISO..then a quick change of SS to adjust exposure is what is needed. Or ISO and SS, then a quick adjustment of aperture for the exposure change is all that is needed. But that is identical to being in Av/Tv (A/S) mode.
I cannot follow the logic.
I'm often in manual mode, but when *I* use manual mode my ISO is set to auto within a tolerable range. Then I select which matters more for the scene and adjust only that...if time permits, maybe both SS and aperture. But I still don't consider that full manual because my ISO is set to an auto range.
Correct. But, I have no need for Auto ISO at all.
For me, the way I use manual mode, it's like being is A/S modes at the same time....and with my Nikon i have one dial under my thumb and one under my middle finger to adjust at an instants notice (and a button under my ring finger to change metering modes). This is significantly different than almost 30 yrs. ago when I learned "full manual".
As I said, it's not about what mode you are in, it's about being in control. I've even used "variable program" mode on the rare occasion. To be honest, I would LOVE this mode if the camera logic was better.