I don't have an account to post up pics but does P-mode on an XSI overexpose shots for anyone? As I understand it P-mode is the same as auto except that you can control iso, exposure compensation, color saturation, flash. Having not touched the exposures and using auto white balance my shots in bright sunlight at the zoo all seemed to come out overexposed.
I am willing to bet that its my shooting technique, but I just wondered if anyone else saw similar issues ... and does anyone even shoot in Pmode or do you guys just jump to Av? I've read through the manual and run the digital learning center online but I didn't see a big explanation of P mode ... closest I understood it is the above settings plus when using flash it limits shutter to 1/30 to 1/200.
Anyone use A-Dep? Is it used typically when shooting someone close while trying to keep the background in focus ... say like a tiger in the back with person in front?
I would recommend reading Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure. Exposure compensation is a must in many shooting situations. Otherwise you will not get acceptable exposures.
P mode, as you know, is pretty much just like Av or Tv mode, but your problem I don't think is P mode, it will more likely be metering mode.
For example, if you take a shot in P mode and the result is over exposed, then you take the same shot in Av mode, then again, the result will probably be over exposed.
I agree with ghozer, the best thing to do is get the Understanding Exposure book. It fully explains metering, situations where reflected metering works, others were exposure compensation needs to be used, grey cards etc., etc.,
In general though, if you use say Eval metering in any P,Av,Tv mode without exposure compensation, if you shoot a white subject your result will be under exposed, if you shoot a black subject your result will be over exposed, if you shoot a grey subject your results will probably be spot on. A camera reads the amount of light being reflected off the subject which can be very different to measuring the light falling onto the subject.
I was playing around a bit more and it seems that in all modes the camera auto exposure is off by -2/3 in broad daylight. Does anyone else see something similar? Just seems like the auto mode should work a bit better.
mdowsing wrote:
I was playing around a bit more and it seems that in all modes the camera auto exposure is off by -2/3 in broad daylight. Does anyone else see something similar? Just seems like the auto mode should work a bit better.
Really and truly, go first for a good foundation in understanding exposure and metering, and a lot of things will clear up for you. Poor exposure is almost never the fault of the camera, but just a lack of knowing the factors in play. Understanding the principles of exposure and metering will give you the control necessary to get the results you want.
The upside is, it's really not that tough, just takes a little reading, a sprinkle of thought, and a whole lot of practice. And with digital, the learning curve is quick, and the practice is free. Get the book, use the histogram, and you're on your way in no time to great exposures.
mdowsing wrote:
I don't have an account to post up pics but does P-mode on an XSI overexpose shots for anyone? As I understand it P-mode is the same as auto except that you can control iso, exposure compensation, color saturation, flash. Having not touched the exposures and using auto white balance my shots in bright sunlight at the zoo all seemed to come out overexposed.
I am willing to bet that its my shooting technique, but I just wondered if anyone else saw similar issues ... and does anyone even shoot in Pmode or do you guys just jump to Av? I've read through the manual and run the digital learning center online but I didn't see a big explanation of P mode ... closest I understood it is the above settings plus when using flash it limits shutter to 1/30 to 1/200.
Anyone use A-Dep? Is it used typically when shooting someone close while trying to keep the background in focus ... say like a tiger in the back with person in front?...Show more →
My 400D/Xti used to need +2/3 exp comp more or less all the time, My Xsi is bang on most of the time. I often use P mode on holiday when I can't be bothered, works very well. I'm not too sniffy about modes, they all have their place to me.
If you haven't mistakenly got your Exp Comp set and yours is always wrong it might need calibrating by Canon IMO
