[nirofo]

Personally I don't use any of the programmed settings unless I'm forced to, such as at a party or an event etc. It's very rare that a program setting will get it right, it's usually a compromise to give an average result, adequate for most general photography I suppose. Of course some cameras don't allow you to use anthing other than it's program modes, where there is an option I find I get far better results by using Aperture or Shutter priority with centre weighted or spot metering, (matrix works well for some landscapes). In fact looking at my records I would say that about 90% of my pictures are taken using aperture priority and centre weighted metering. I find when using a telephoto lens for wildlife (500mm +1.4 converter mostly), I generally use aperture priority and centre weighted metering. Using this combination allows me to use the lens wide open, giving me the fastest shutter speed available for the light present at the time. I find I don't have to worry about the light fluctuating as the automatic metering takes care of that. For lanscapes and close-ups I generally use aperture priority again coupled with centre weighted or spot metering. I set the camera to manual focussing mode so that I can pick the point of focus myself and leave the lens set at that point on the tripod until the light or the subject is right for the shot. I do use focus confirmation to confirm my focussing point. For fast moving insects etc., I do use the autofocus, but once again I find aperture priority and centre weighted metering works best for me, leaves me free to follow the subject and not worry about camera settings. Come to think of it I don't know why I bought a camera with all the all singing and dancing settings on it, but then I suppose the fast automatic focussing and wind on are useful, as is the follow focus, the metering modes, hmmm.

nirofo.