Program mode is a manual mode which is similar to automatic mode but allows control over certain settings. The camera follows some preprogrammed settings but allows a little control over flash, ISO and white balance. It is denoted as “P” and is the advanced version of auto mode. This is ideal for amateurs who wish to capture better images with little control over some of the settings.
This mode is preferred since it allows control of noise with ISO settings, control of brightness with exposure settings and choice of metering for backlit objects. Since the mode lets you choose some of the camera settings, it becomes interesting while shooting subjects of interest. The mode allows control on three parameters which are discussed individually here.
- Flash – Flash plays a major role in illuminating the frame and is adjusted automatically in auto mode. However, in program mode, you can choose to include or exclude the effects of flash according to your wish and settings. Flash can be used in situations when it has lesser chances of being fired automatically. This can be done by popping up flash manually by pressing the flash button while shooting portraits outdoor in well lit locations. This produces a shadow effect that appears interesting. Also, it can be avoided in indoor locations while shooting people to prevent darkening of the surroundings. However, it should be done with care to avoid dark or blurred images.
- ISO – ISO stands for International Standards Organization. Increasing the ISO values makes the camera sensitive to light which helps in providing the correct exposure. This is helpful while shooting indoors and without flash. Raising the ISO values up to 800 can help you capture indoor flash-less images. However, it can even be increased to 1600 or higher but that may create noise or colored speckles in the images.
- White Balance – The color of light differs with different locations and sources. For example, daylight is blue and that from a tungsten bulb is yellow. Generally, digital cameras have the capacity to compensate for these color differences automatically but you may control them for creative results. Cameras are provided with certain preset white balances, which can be used to compensate for the differences. Manual white balance is challenging but can be rewarding as well. This should be done by capturing something completely white to set the white balance prior to shooting other subjects in the same environment. This will yield accurate colors.
Photography is exciting and experimenting with different settings to achieve the desired results can be quite interesting and rewarding.