Automation can streamline your workflow, but it also has clear limits. Understanding when and how to use automation effectively can significantly impact your final images.
Coming to you from e6 | Craig Roberts, this practical video explores why blindly relying on automated settings in your camera isn't always the best choice. Roberts uses a helpful comparison with car speed limiters to illustrate how complete automation can sometimes lead to unexpected issues. Just like his car mistakenly braking at the wrong times, cameras can misinterpret scenes when left entirely on automatic, resulting in less-than-ideal images. Roberts stresses the value of semi-automation, emphasizing why you should maintain manual control in critical settings to ensure your camera consistently meets your expectations.
One useful example Roberts provides is the auto ISO setting, highlighting how newer camera models allow you greater control. Instead of letting the camera arbitrarily decide when to increase ISO, Roberts suggests setting specific thresholds based on your shooting style, such as keeping ISO at 200 until your shutter speed drops below a certain point. He explains how this approach prevents unnecessary noise in your images, demonstrating how semi-automation offers flexibility without sacrificing precision. This method also helps you learn more about your camera’s behavior, making you more aware of its limitations.
Roberts extends the concept to exposure metering, focusing modes, and even white balance. While many photographers default to matrix metering, he points out instances where you need to intervene manually with exposure compensation. Similarly, autofocus, though incredibly sophisticated, isn't foolproof. Roberts recommends using single-point autofocus to retain better control over your focus area, ensuring your camera doesn't mistakenly lock onto the wrong subject. Regarding white balance, he opts for a fixed daylight setting rather than auto, allowing him to better see and understand changes in ambient lighting conditions during shooting.
The video also goes deeper into practical tips for implementing semi-automation in real-world scenarios, encouraging you to adapt these strategies to fit your specific photography style. Roberts clearly demonstrates the benefits of blending automated and manual controls, enabling you to produce consistently high-quality images without the pitfalls of complete reliance on camera software. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Roberts.
