Should you always use manual mode?
Manual mode is superb for many situations. It’ll help you step up your photography game and capture sharp, well-exposed, well-composed photos. That said, there are plenty of times when you’ll want to choose a different camera mode instead, such as Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, or Program mode.
Manual mode is good if...
- You’re working in unchanging lighting conditions.
- You want complete control over your different exposure variables.
- You want to underexpose or overexpose your photos for creative effects
- You’re shooting slow, deliberate photos (e.g., landscapes) and you have the time to carefully adjust your settings.
Manual mode should be avoided when...
- The light is changing rapidly or your subject is moving between sun and shade.
- You care about the aperture or the shutter speed, but your other settings are less important.
- You’re photographing action where nailing the autofocus is your primary concern (and your particular exposure settings take a
backseat).
- You’re a beginner and don’t yet feel comfortable with the different exposure settings.