Most PROS use this Camera Mode 98.7% of the Time!

Jason Vong
28 Dec 202307:54
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video explains that while manual mode gives photographers the most control, there are other useful shooting modes that provide a hybrid between full auto and full manual. It focuses on aperture priority and shutter priority modes. Aperture priority allows the photographer to control depth of field while the camera handles other settings. Shutter priority is great for freezing action since the photographer controls shutter speed while the camera handles aperture and ISO. The video gives tips on appropriate settings to use in each mode.

Takeaways
  • 😃Beginners are often wrongly told they must always use manual mode, but pros actually use other modes too
  • 📸Aperture priority & shutter priority modes allow some manual control while having the camera handle other settings
  • 🌄Aperture priority is great for portraits & still shots - it controls background blur while camera handles exposure
  • ⚙️In aperture priority mode, use exposure compensation to adjust brightness as needed
  • 🎥Shutter priority mode helps freeze action shots by allowing you to directly control shutter speed
  • 🔢For handheld shots, set shutter speed to at least the reciprocal of the focal length
  • 🆙High ISO can add noise/grain, so set auto ISO limit to 6400 (full frame) or 3200 (APS-C)
  • 📈Take test shots in these semi-auto modes and review images before adjusting settings further
  • 🛍KH Camera is a good source for buying/selling used gear - they inspect items and offer protections
  • 📺More photography tips are available in the linked playlist
Q & A

  • Why do beginners think they need to always shoot in manual mode?

    -Beginners are often taught that if they want to be a pro photographer, they need to always shoot in manual mode. However, that's not actually the case - there are other modes that can be very useful.

  • What two hybrid auto/manual modes does the author highlight?

    -The two hybrid auto/manual modes highlighted are: aperture priority mode and shutter priority mode.

  • How does aperture priority mode work?

    -In aperture priority mode, you set the aperture and the camera automatically chooses the shutter speed and ISO to get a proper exposure. You can use exposure compensation to adjust brightness.

  • When is aperture priority mode useful?

    -Aperture priority mode is very useful for still life and slow moving subjects, as it allows you to control depth of field and background blur.

  • Why might controlling ISO be helpful in aperture priority mode?

    -Controlling ISO in aperture priority mode prevents the camera from choosing a very high ISO, which can cause noise, or a very low ISO, which may result in blur from slow shutter speeds.

  • How does shutter priority mode work?

    -In shutter priority mode, you set the shutter speed and the camera automatically chooses the aperture and ISO to get a proper exposure.

  • When is shutter priority mode useful?

    -Shutter priority mode is very useful for photographing fast action, as it allows you to freeze motion by using fast shutter speeds.

  • What is a good baseline shutter speed rule for handheld shots?

    -A good baseline is to use a shutter speed of at least 1 over your focal length if you have a full frame camera, or double your focal length if you have an APS-C camera.

  • Why keep auto ISO on in shutter priority mode?

    -Keeping auto ISO on allows the camera to adjust the ISO as needed to achieve the proper exposure at your chosen shutter speed.

  • What ISO limits does the author recommend for full frame and APS-C cameras?

    -For full frame cameras, the author recommends not exceeding ISO 6400. For APS-C cameras, ISO 3200 is recommended as the limit.

Outlines
00:00
📷 Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority Modes Simplify Manual Camera Settings

Paragraph 1 explains that while manual camera mode allows full control, aperture priority and shutter priority modes are hybrid auto/manual modes that simplify settings by letting the camera determine some values automatically. Aperture priority mode allows adjusting aperture to control depth of field while the camera selects shutter speed and ISO. Shutter priority mode allows adjusting shutter speed to freeze action while camera selects aperture and ISO.

05:01
🛍 KH Camera Sponsors Video and Offers Camera Gear Discounts

Paragraph 2 gives a shout out to KH Camera for sponsoring part of the video. KH Camera sells used camera equipment with warranties and discounts. Viewers can get 5% off purchases or more when selling gear through the link in the video description.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡aperture priority mode
This is a setting on the camera that allows the photographer to manually choose the aperture size to control depth of field and background blur while the camera automatically sets the shutter speed and ISO to get the right exposure. It is good for portraits and still subjects.
💡shutter priority mode
This mode allows the photographer to manually set the shutter speed to freeze action while the camera sets the aperture and ISO automatically. It is good for capturing moving subjects like sports.
💡ISO
This measures the camera sensor's sensitivity to light. Higher ISOs digitally brighten the image to allow shooting in low light, but can introduce unwanted noise or grain. Keeping it lower results in cleaner images.
💡focal length
The zoom capability of a lens, higher numbers mean more zoom. To avoid blurry photos while hand-holding the camera, shutter speed should generally be faster than the focal length.
💡exposure compensation
This adjusts the overall brightness of the final image up or down if needed while in aperture or shutter priority modes. Useful when the auto settings make the shot too bright or dark.
💡depth of field
The area in front of and behind the subject that is in focus. Wider apertures give a shallower depth of field with more background blur.
💡noise
Unwanted graininess in the darker parts of a photo when using very high ISOs. Keeping ISO lower avoids noise issues.
💡shutter speed
Controls how long the shutter is open as the picture is taken. Faster speeds freeze action, slower introduce motion blur.
💡auto ISO
Letting the camera set the ISO automatically based on the lighting conditions. Convenient but can sometimes choose speeds too slow or fast.
💡blur
Lack of sharpness in the photo, caused by camera movement during long exposures or focus issues.
Highlights

Beginners are often taught to shoot in manual mode, but pros don't always use manual mode

There are other modes besides manual that automatically set some settings based on the conditions

Aperture priority mode allows control over aperture while shutter speed and ISO are set automatically

Aperture priority is good for still subjects and controlling background blur

Use exposure compensation to adjust brightness when in aperture priority mode

ISO controls digital brightening/darkening; high ISO causes noise

Auto ISO may use a slower shutter speed, causing blurry photos

For bright scenes: ISO 320-640 allows camera to choose fast shutter speed

For darker scenes, limit ISO based on camera type to avoid noise

Shutter priority mode good for freezing fast action by controlling shutter speed

Use focal length rule of thumb to set baseline shutter speed

Try different shutter speeds and review photos to freeze desired motion

In shutter priority, use auto ISO with upper limit based on camera

Aperture priority controls background blur; shutter priority freezes action

Hybrid auto/manual modes balance automation with creative control

Transcripts

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