Many Canon EOS camera users often end up confused when they try to use the available modes on the camera without understanding how they function. The reason is that the AV (aperture Priority) mode, TV (Shutter Priority) mode, P (Program) mode and M (Manual) mode handle the metering operation differently. This is especially obvious when you are photographing under condition of low ambient light conditions. Here in this guide, we will give you a breakdown of how the various modes function so that you will know how they work under differing conditions. The FP mode is also assumed not to be turn on in this guide.
The Program (P) Mode:
With the P mode, The Shutter speed is set to the highest possible speed to let you be able to hold the camera with your hands. You will also not have the problem of motion blur since the shutter speed is set fast enough to compensate for the low ambient light conditions. The P mode also functions when the ambient light is high. Under High ambient lighting conditions, the Camera will assume that the foreground will be flashed filled. Therefore, the output of the flash will be low powered. Conversely when the ambient light is low, the flash will be adjusted to give a higher output. The shutter speed will also be adjusted accordingly. But the picture will result in having a dark background.
The TV (Shutter Priority) Mode
With the camera in TV mode, the shutter speed will be adjusted by you instead. The camera will only determine the appropriate aperture priority to accommodate the shutter speed that you have chosen to ensure that the exposure level is right. The duration of the Flash pulse will also be determined by the flash metering system. Under the TV mode, the Camera will also be operating the flash in flash fill mode. The EOS system will warn you if the background is too dark. This warning will be indicated by a blinking maximum aperture value in the camera viewfinder. When this is the case, you have to slow down the shutter speed and use a tripod to prop up the camera in order to avoid motion blur.
AV (Aperture Priority) Mode
With this mode, you can fix the depth of field (DOF) by adjusting the lens aperture. The camera will determine the correct shutter speed for exposing the background to the correct level. The metering system will decide also how long the flash pulse should be. You have to note that if the shutter speed is low, you will need a tripod stand to prop up the camera instead of using your hands to hold the camera. This is because at low shutter speed, your pictures will end up having motion blur. Just like the TV mode, the camera operates fill flash mode. There are several cameras which have the exception to this mode. The canon EOS10/10s and the Canon Elan II/ EOS 50 models has a unique function will lets you lock the X-Sync speed to the Shutter Speed.
M (Manual ) Mode
Under this mode, you will specify both the shutter and aperture speed of the camera. You will also determine the exposure setting of the camera. The camera will, through the flash metering system, calculate the flash output to illuminate the fore-ground. - 16003
The Program (P) Mode:
With the P mode, The Shutter speed is set to the highest possible speed to let you be able to hold the camera with your hands. You will also not have the problem of motion blur since the shutter speed is set fast enough to compensate for the low ambient light conditions. The P mode also functions when the ambient light is high. Under High ambient lighting conditions, the Camera will assume that the foreground will be flashed filled. Therefore, the output of the flash will be low powered. Conversely when the ambient light is low, the flash will be adjusted to give a higher output. The shutter speed will also be adjusted accordingly. But the picture will result in having a dark background.
The TV (Shutter Priority) Mode
With the camera in TV mode, the shutter speed will be adjusted by you instead. The camera will only determine the appropriate aperture priority to accommodate the shutter speed that you have chosen to ensure that the exposure level is right. The duration of the Flash pulse will also be determined by the flash metering system. Under the TV mode, the Camera will also be operating the flash in flash fill mode. The EOS system will warn you if the background is too dark. This warning will be indicated by a blinking maximum aperture value in the camera viewfinder. When this is the case, you have to slow down the shutter speed and use a tripod to prop up the camera in order to avoid motion blur.
AV (Aperture Priority) Mode
With this mode, you can fix the depth of field (DOF) by adjusting the lens aperture. The camera will determine the correct shutter speed for exposing the background to the correct level. The metering system will decide also how long the flash pulse should be. You have to note that if the shutter speed is low, you will need a tripod stand to prop up the camera instead of using your hands to hold the camera. This is because at low shutter speed, your pictures will end up having motion blur. Just like the TV mode, the camera operates fill flash mode. There are several cameras which have the exception to this mode. The canon EOS10/10s and the Canon Elan II/ EOS 50 models has a unique function will lets you lock the X-Sync speed to the Shutter Speed.
M (Manual ) Mode
Under this mode, you will specify both the shutter and aperture speed of the camera. You will also determine the exposure setting of the camera. The camera will, through the flash metering system, calculate the flash output to illuminate the fore-ground. - 16003
About the Author:
Tim Harris is a canon camera enthusiast. For tips on choosing and buying cameras, do check out Canon OS Camera website. Camera 40D Digital Rebel XTI 3D Blog
