Exposure methods

wadesworld

Hopefully this isn't a stupid question...if it is, oh well....

So we all know shutter speed and aperture function together to determine exposure. However, in most camera modes today, you're going to get what the camera thinks you should get. That's obviously the case in full-programmed, but it's the case in other modes too. For example, on aperture priority, if I stop it down another stop, the camera is going to slow the shutter speed to maintain the same exposure.

If I don't feel the camera is going to give me what I want, I have two choices: adjust exposure compensation, or change to full manual so I can stop the camera down/up without it changing the speed (and or vice/versa).

The question for discussion is, what are the pros/cons of either method?

pathfinder

Altering Exposure Compensation in Av or Tv, versus Manual Exposure - both styles work fine in experienced hands.

For me, Manual Exposure may be better, but is usually a bit slower in my hands, and if I am shooting something where the light can change quickly - ( think sporting events, birds in flight, etc ) I get more keepers in Av mode - with a close eye on the camera's choice for shutter speed. I rarely use TV, but if shutter speed was more important to me than aperture, I certainly might.

Neither method - Exposure Compensation versus Manual exposure - is "right" - both methods are useful tools to be aware of, and to use if the time is right for them.