When to stop using the auto mode

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Cozzie

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Craig
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I just brought my first DSLR a nikon D3000 kit, I've taken some photos on the auto mode and i'm still learning about the camera. When should i stop using the auto mode and start using the guide mode.

Craig
 
the now!

it doesnt cost anything to play around and experiment with the modes so just start doing so, you will learn things pretty easily and start taking control over what you want your pictures to look like.
 
yes - stop using it now!!!!! otherwise you may as well have saved your money and got a point and shoot.

even if you just put it onto 'A' mode (aperture priority) at least you can influence the depth of field (the bits which are in and out of focus - big aperture = small depth of field)

A good book to start you off (and it's REALLY simple and straightforward is Scott Kelbys Digital Photography.

good luck, and there are some excellent tutorials on here too! :)
 
If you keep it on Auto you'll never get it off Auto, so as soon as possible is best.
 
Got my D3000 for Christmas. It was nice to try out the 'GUIDE' mode on Christmas Day but after about 5 minutes I promised myself to start using the camera properly. It's lived on 'M' ever since :)

Main piece of advice from a fellow noob is to just experiment. Get out there and try altering each setting to see what it all does. Once you understand the effects of each setting you wont even be thinking about it when you're setting up each time.
 
got my D3000 at Christmas too, to this day I've never used the guide mode or even the P mode come to think of it (still don't get what that one does)
I went straight in using Aperture priority for anything creative and auto for anything point and shoot, and have never looked back.

I also highly recommend you get a copy of 'Understanding Exposure'
 
as soon as possible I say :)

when should I stop using the M mode :D
 
Defo move onto Aperture Priority as a next step, gives you so many more creative options. As said above, Auto is still fine for snaps etc... You'll just learn so much more about your camera by playing around in manual. Enjoy!
 
The best advice I was given was to start on M mode, which is where it has stayed. The best and quickest way to learn. You may as well have a P&S if only using the Auto mode.
 
I would personally use either shutter priority or aperture priority in situations where you really don't want to loose a shot and use manual for everything that you have the facility to shoot on a regular basis.

You will get a greater sense of satisfaction knowing that you nailed the shot how you wanted it rather than how the camera thinks it should look.

Shoot, shoot, shoot and read on these boards and post pictures for feedback.

The best thing to happen to me recently was finding some pictures I took from a motogp race a few years ago and comparing them to the ones I took in the last 12 months. Could I still improve, yes without a doubt. Have I improved Hell yes...:)
 
Thank's everyone for your replies, I will come off the auto mode right away and start to experiment with the other modes.

Craig
 
Have a nice, long read of the camera manual, and when you have a decent understanding of ISO, shutter speed, and aperture, move right on over to manual control. That's what I did!
 
Rolyratman said:
I would personally use either shutter priority or aperture priority in situations where you really don't want to loose a shot and use manual for everything that you have the facility to shoot on a regular basis.

You will get a greater sense of satisfaction knowing that you nailed the shot how you wanted it rather than how the camera thinks it should look.

Shoot, shoot, shoot and read on these boards and post pictures for feedback.
Click to expand...

The man talks sense :thumbs:
 
Manual control is good for where the lighting conditions are constant but less good when they're constantly changing. Av and Tv come in very handy there.
 
And don't get all worked up about going back to Auto, P or the incredibly useful Auto-but-no-flash-thank-you mode. Sometimes the camera does know better than you.
 
When I started I practised \ learned most on Av or TV modes (aperture or shutter). However what I would also normally do if say taking a landscape is take one on Auto which I would be generally happy with, and then experiment with the others. The others might be disasters but I felt safer knowing I had an image.

Also learn to use the histogram if using the manual modes.

Good luck and enjoy (and another + for Understanding Exposure).

Al
 
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