Selecting a shooting mode
Before I begin this section, there is no perfect mode. Every user has his or her personal preference as to which mode they like to shoot in. Some folks like to control different aspects of the exposure to produce certain results. I can only share my opinion for what I like to shoot in and why. I have learned through a lot of experimentation with different modes which I highly recommend every individual does to gain a better undertanding of what can and can't be done in each shooting mode. Here is a basic overview of the different creative modes:
P Mode - In the Program AE mode, the camera will automatically set the optimal shutter speed and aperture. You can change the aperture and shutter speed combination using the dial. This is basically the same as the Auto mode (green square) but it allows you to adjust if you so desire. You can manually control the flash by using the small flash button on the left side of the camera.
Tv Mode - Tv stands for Time Value, which is the Shutter Priority AE mode which allows you to set the shutter speed while the camera chooses the right aperture setting based on the lens being used.
Av Mode - Av stands for Aperture Value, which is the Aperture Priotity AE mode which allows you to set the aperture within the range of the lens being used.
M Mode - M stands for manual and means just that. This mode gives you total control over the camera by setting your desired shutter speed and aperture.
A-DEP Mode - Automatic Depth of Field AE gives you the greatest depth of field (makes everything in foreground and background in focus rather than just the middle subject) by utilizing all focusing points available to the camera to choose the best aperture and shutter speed to make sure everything is sharp both near and far.
My 20D is almost always set on Av mode when not using the flash. I love taking closeup shots of people and objects with the blurry background so as to draw attention to the main subject. The Av mode lets me bring the aperture down (lower number = narrow depth of field), to get that effect. In this mode I don't worry about the shutter speed. If it's a dimly lit setting I'll bump up the ISO if I'm not using a flash and my lens is as open as it will get. Some folks I know prefer the Manual mode because they like to control the exposure with the shutter speed as well. I choose not to mess with that and trust the camera to set the right shutter speed based on my aperture. I know people who don't trust the camera to do that and feel that the camera underexposes when you depend on it to choose. Again, it's a preference.
When I am using my flash, since I'm just getting used to it and I like to hand-hold since I'm always on the move at a wedding or event, I set the camera in P Mode because the camera will adjust the settings for you so you can hand-hold and get the subject in focus. The only drawback is that it only guarantees that the subject in the foreground will be illuminated, but the background will probably come out dark.
Again, different situations call for different modes, for example if you are taking a long exposure shot of city lights and moving subjects, you might want to use the Tv Mode on a tripod. You have to experiment to see what outcomes you get with each. Once you get comfortable with each, you will get a better sense of what works best for you when.
Share with others what mode you like to shoot in and when or why in the tips forum:
EOSrebels.com Tips forum