The misconception that professional photography necessitates always shooting in manual mode is a common hurdle for beginners. This video addresses this myth, explaining why mastering other camera modes is equally important for photographers at any skill level and why those other modes are actually the better choice much of the time. Understanding these modes can significantly ease the learning journey and make you a better photographer.
Coming to you from Jason Vong, this informative video highlights two camera modes: Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority. In Aperture Priority mode, the photographer controls the aperture while the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed and ISO. This mode is particularly useful for achieving the desired background blur in portraits or still life photography, simplifying the process without compromising control, especially in situations with quickly changing lighting conditions. Meanwhile, Shutter Priority mode allows photographers to manage shutter speed, which is vital for capturing fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife. The camera takes care of the aperture and ISO, ensuring sharp, well-exposed images. These modes represent a balance between manual control and automated convenience, making them a staple for professionals in varied shooting environments. Many people, such as wedding photographers, rely on these modes in a variety of situations. They're also a great stepping stone to full manual mode. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Vong.
I use whatever "mode" that gets me the picture and totally ignore the "must use manual" brigade.
About all the buttons, back in the 70's film days the Canon Ftb came out (I bought and still have) that was like automatic type. It had a built in light meter. So you load your film and on the dial on top you adjusted the ASO like the ISO of the film. Looking through the eyepiece you would see a needle that moved for the light amount and a little round hole in the tip of another needle that moved when you moved the aperture. As you looked at a subject of something the light needle would move and you would put the aperture needle over the needle and all worked according to the Film ASO. Was this a bad thing, not for me! When Sony came out with the A7 camera models it had all selections you have today like Auto but 2 levels, Yes like a point and shoot where the camera does everything and a secret that few ever knew about and even fewer today know about. Mod 1 and 2 A7 cameras had/have programs/apps that could be downloaded all for low $ amounts and some for free, would that be bad? Example there is the "Digital Filter" that splits the image into 3 section but you will use just two, the sky and the foreground. The instructions show a sunrise/set but they fade/ get brighter too fast. I used it for Milky Ways over a lit town/city. The key is you can use any camera adjustment in both sections like a darker in the foreground and brighter somewhat for the sky, it would take a little time to get what you need and you can keep the same setting for your next night and adjust from there. The great thing is you can save in jpeg or raw and adjust the horizon level before sending to the SD card. One other thing to use it for is moving water/ moving clouds, Say you need to do fast speed for a surf exposure but want some milky moving clouds or vise or versa even slow moving water falls with clouds stopped. Why would Sony get rid of these apps on future mods if not for the Filter industry asking, even while still selling the A7M2 brand new in 2023?
Bottom line the camera is a tool that captures light and on the camera has many varied was to do it. Lastly is the metadata info ever on the back of a print - well maybe on the digital image on a website.
Have you ever seen all the play pretty apps on a cell phone or even some old point and shoot camera, Looking back Sony Mod 1's and 2's have most all you could think of from star trails (now built in) and a multi- shoot app where the camera captures a skier in many images and puts them together in one image. Just take a look what is no longer available,
https://www.playmemoriescameraapps.com/portal/
#3 not PS'ed but in A mode because of the lit parking lot
#4 you can also do Bracketing on most cameras and this was done on my new A7RM2 with IBIS without sticks and also using the new, at the time, FE 12-24mm F/4 just another trick a camera has while others are on sticks and some with two cameras!