Forget MANUAL MODE, PROS do it THIS way!

What mode do you use, and why? I’d love to know! I’m always looking to better understand the needs and choices of photographers to make better videos!

Simon, I know you get this all the time, but even so - your delivery is always sharp, your demeanour always calm and friendly, and your insights are always solid and splendidly illustrated. In my opinion, you set a standard for teaching, and you uphold it infallibly. That's why even on topics where I already know what you are going to suggest from the title, I watch the video with pleasure. You are a delight to follow.

I've been a pro photog for 38 years. This is probably the best content I've seen discussing this topic. Very clear and easy to understand. I tend to use Av or Tv most of the time, but I also use manual with auto ISO. And ... sometimes I just put it in P and let it go. :face-blue-wide-eyes:

Without doubt, Simon is THE best photography tutor on YouTube.

I am 82 years young. Thanks for reminding me. I know all this stuff at one time but it is good to brush up. My DSLR only comes out during the summer when I am out and about on my mobility scooter. Otherwise, I use my iPhone to take regular photos.

Thank you, Simon. I have been beat to death by being told I must shoot in full manual, and I’m missing so many shots because I’m not fast enough. I feel like you’ve given me “permission” to let my camera help me. I’m so grateful for these educational videos! You’re the “bomb-diggety”!❤

Auto is great when you hand the camera to a family member.

Finally someone said this... I'm a commercial photographer and I almost never use Manual except the scenarios when I really need to control the light like you described. I use mostly semi-auto modes, with only manual aperture control. Thanks for your video. I'm wandering around youtube and found your channel. A breath of fresh air! Cheers from Portugal.

I used to use shutter priority or aperture priority. Then I discovered using manual mode with auto ISO. For what I do, outdoor sports, wildlife, outdoor events and indoor performances, it is my go to every time! Thanks for posting this video! It confirmed that I'm doing some of the right things! 😉

"I don't care what the ISO is in my photos ... My image quality might be affected -- not the creative aspects of my photography." Excellent statement.

I love that you say, for example, a blurry background is “seen” as desirable! You can do whatever you like and you don’t need to follow conventions. I like taking all-in-focus street photos to practice my composition 👍

In situations where lighting is quickly changing and I don't want to fuss around with settings, (especially when using variable aperture zoom lenses) I will use Aperture priority and auto ISO with minimum shutter speed based on 1/focal length (reciprocal rule for hand shake).

I'm in Aperture mode 99% of the time,

Auto ISO became a game changer for me when capturing wildlife with quickly changing light conditions. Brilliant video 👍🏻

Videos that explain everything this plainly are rare. You speak in terms I can understand. The other videos here tend to get way too lost in the tech-speak... almost like they're trying to impress everyone with the fancy words, instead of the fancy understanding. Loved the video. Make more, please.

I spent about a year teaching digital photography to high functioning, developmentally Disabled Young Adult. Digital photography is a near perfect example of "multi sensory learning" and give instant re enforcement/success. I started them in manual foe depth of field and shutter speed and had them set the cameras to "p" on the canon and Nikon DSJRs that I loaned to them. They could concentrate on capturing the images that they wanted. Out of about 20 students that came and went, I got enough good work to include in two shows in Newark, NJ with no comment about any disabilities. Two of them sold works. One of the high points of my professional career

90% of the time I use manual with auto ISO. I bought my first good camera (Minolta SRT-102) in 1975 and got used to manual operation over the years. My first camera with any automation was a Nikon N90 which I still have. By using manual with auto ISO on my DSLR cameras, about the only thing different now is being able to vary the gain with ISO instead of having to select film ASA and deciding about tone placement and push or pull in development. The capabilities of modern digital cameras and post processing software are amazing and, for a senior like me, allow me to continue to enjoy photography (although I still shoot some film occasionally in my old manual SLR and TLR cameras). Sorry for the long-winded ramblings. As Forrest Gump might have said, "I'm through talking, now". 😊

I too use Manual and Auto ISO in most scenarios. Works great for me. Adjusting 2 setting is very quick and manageable.

It's such an honor to hear that 'A' or 'T' modes are totally fine by the professional photographer. I think many people limits themselves by believing the myth of 'manual mode' and the 'lower iso'. Really appreciate that you made this video. Big fan from South Korea!

I now shoot my Canon R7 at shutter priority with auto-ISO for wildlife photography. With this set-up the aperture is held wide open and I can use the second back dial to adjust ISO for exposure compensation. This has an advantage over manual and auto-ISO where I had to press a button and then set a dial to change exposure compensation. Now I can instantaneously adjust my exposure as needed. I have an alternate mode where I have the R7 set to manual and auto-ISO, but I assigned the lens control ring to adjust aperture (this may be unique to Canon) and the second control dial to exposure compensation. This configuration allows me full control over the three main settings.