Using manual controls on none DSLR cameras

chickmug

I used to own an SLR film and so am familiar with manual control but wonder is it worth bothering with on todays P&S particularly bridge cameras. Is there any benefit over just using full auto all the time?

[Deleted User]

Want to control aperture? Well, you can't do that in full auto mode

ManAtHome

I was an oldie film (wassat?) SLR-er as well - rarely use full auto, normally on Program, occasionally Shutter-priority (Program works well as Aperture-priority on my Fuji 9600 as it has a 'quick-change' wheel).

Alternative is to use either Auto or one of the pre-set programs (landscape, portraits etc), but I find it easier to leave on Program.

Rikki

I had a normal SLR camera and when I upgraded to a DSLR I use it in manual. I like being able to control the shots.
I do occasionally use auto, normally when the light is fading and I haven't got my flash unit with me.

A lot of people have been able to discover the advantages of SLR cameras in digital where as they would never have the confidence prior to the digital option.

chickmug

ManAtHome wrote: »

I find it easier to leave on Program.

Thats what I am thinking but now I have the time wondered whether using more manual control would make it more interesting?

chickmug

ringo_24601 wrote: »

Want to control aperture? Well, you can't do that in full auto mode

I know

[Deleted User]

I guess your question is: Is fully auto, on modern cameras, as good as doing it yourself on manual mode ? Hmm.. it can be, as long as you tell it what you are shooting through the modes.

Then again, i've got a dSLR and it has fully auto + scene modes.. not that i ever use them. I don't normally bother with auto-focussing though..

Manual forever!

chickmug

ringo_24601 wrote: »

Manual forever!

I was close between bridge camera high end compact but on the latter NO manual control and I guess I fancy a fiddle:j

trcooke

Why don't you get a compact camera that has all the controls of a DSLR? For example the Sigma DP1 http://www.sigma-dp1.com/

chickmug

trcooke wrote: »

Why don't you get a compact camera that has all the controls of a DSLR? For example the Sigma DP1 http://www.sigma-dp1.com/

Looks like a nice camera and good user reviews but my budget was £150 then £200 and now £250 absolutely, utterly, definitely the maximum --- I think!!

isofa

Definitely, especially when you want to be more creative, and for night shots, with good knowledge and experimentation, manual can yield much better results. The best bridge cameras, in my experience are the top end Canon Powershots, G9 and G10 especially.