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Program Mode is Recommended for Beginning DLSR Photographers

How do I use program mode on a DSLR?

By Jo Plumridge Jo Plumridge Writer University of Plymouth Former Lifewire writer Jo Plumridge is a photography professional and writer for photography and travel venues such as BBC, Digital Camera Magazine, and Saga Magazine. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 21, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Travel Tech Digital Cameras & Photography Tips for Mobile Photography If you are new to using a DSLR camera, plan to switch from a fully automatic mode to Program mode and learn how to control more of your camera's functions. Program mode continues to give you good exposures while allowing you a little more freedom in some of the advanced abilities of the camera. When the novelty of the camera has worn off and you are ready to move from Auto, switch the dial over to Program (or P mode) and find out what your camera can do. Using a DSLR camera. Ida Jarosova/Getty Images

What Can You Do in Program Mode

Program mode (the "P" on the mode dial of most DSLRs) means that the camera still sets the exposure for you. It chooses the correct aperture and shutter speed for the light available, so your shot is correctly exposed. Program mode also unlocks other functions that give you more creative control over your images. The advantage of Program mode is that it allows you to learn about other aspects of your DSLR without having to worry about getting your exposure perfect. It is a significant first step in learning how to get your camera off the Auto setting. Program mode gives you control over several key elements: flash, exposure compensation, ISO, and white balance. Circe Denyer / PublicDomainPictures.net

Flash

Unlike Auto mode, where the camera decides if flash is needed, Program mode allows you to override the camera and choose whether to add pop-up flash. This can help you avoid overly lit foregrounds and harsh shadows.

Exposure Compensation

Turning off the flash could cause your image to be underexposed. You can dial in positive exposure compensation to help correct this. Being able to use exposure compensation also means that you can help the camera out with tricky lighting conditions that can sometimes confuse its settings. Dionne Hartnett / Pixabay

ISO

A high ISO, particularly on cheaper DSLRs, can lead to a lot of unattractive noise or digital grain on images. In Auto Mode, the camera tends to raise the ISO instead of adjusting the aperture or shutter speed. By having manual control over this function, you can use a low ISO to prevent noise and then use exposure compensation to compensate for any loss of light to the image.

White Balance

Different types of light sources cast different colors over your images. The Auto White Balance setting in modern DSLRs is usually accurate, but strong artificial lighting can throw off the camera's settings. In Program mode, you can set the white balance manually, allowing you to feed the camera the most accurate information about the lighting you are using. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Why Pro Photographers Say You Should Be Excited About the New Pixel 7 Pro What Is Burst Mode and How to Use It How to Photograph Running Water With a DSLR How to Use the Motorola Camera App Shoot Long Exposure Pictures on an iPhone Using Slow Shutter Cam What Is a DSLR Camera? Functions of DSLR Camera Buttons How to Avoid Camera Flash Problems Mastering Shutter Priority Mode on Your DSLR Understanding Camera Shooting Modes The 7 Best Instant Cameras of 2022 What to Look for When Buying Used Camera Lenses What Is Aperture? The 6 Best Canon Cameras of 2022 Snow Photography Tips: Improve Winter Photography What Is AF-Lock? (Also FE, AF, AE Lock) Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies