One of the most common confusion which occurs with the Canon EOS flash photography is the fact that the Canon EOS modes like the Program (P ), Shutter Priority (TV) , Aperture Priority (AV) and Manual (M) modes handle flash illumination is different ways. This is especially so when the ambient light is not strong. This guide will give a brief run down of how the various modes work when the flash is activated. This guide also assumes that the FP mode is not turned on.
The Program (P) Mode:
With the P mode, The Shutter speed is set to the highest possible speed to let you be able to hold the camera with your hands. You will also not have the problem of motion blur since the shutter speed is set fast enough to compensate for the low ambient light conditions. The P mode also functions when the ambient light is high. Under High ambient lighting conditions, the Camera will assume that the foreground will be flashed filled. Therefore, the output of the flash will be low powered. Conversely when the ambient light is low, the flash will be adjusted to give a higher output. The shutter speed will also be adjusted accordingly. But the picture will result in having a dark background.
Shutter Priority (TV) Mode
Under this mode the camera will let you decide the shutter speed. It will instead choose an aperture priority to suit the shutter speed to ensure that the exposure level for the background is correct. The duration of the flash pulse will be determined by flash metering. In short, the camera always operates in fill flash mode under the TV mode as opposed to P mode. The Canon EOS system will also warn you if the background is too dim. This will be shown when the maximum aperture value of the camera lens starts to flash in the viewfinder. When this occurs, you should slow down the shutter speed. You will also require a tripod if you wish to avoid motion blur.
Aperture (AV) Priority Mode
With this mode, you can fix the depth of field (DOF) by adjusting the lens aperture. The camera will determine the correct shutter speed for exposing the background to the correct level. The metering system will decide also how long the flash pulse should be. You have to note that if the shutter speed is low, you will need a tripod stand to prop up the camera instead of using your hands to hold the camera. This is because at low shutter speed, your pictures will end up having motion blur. Just like the TV mode, the camera operates fill flash mode. There are several cameras which have the exception to this mode. The canon EOS10/10s and the Canon Elan II/ EOS 50 models has a unique function will lets you lock the X-Sync speed to the Shutter Speed.
M (Manual ) Mode
With the M mode, you will choose both the aperture and shutter speed of the camera. You will also decide the exposure level of the camera. With the flash metering system, the camera will determine the correct flash pulse to illuminate the foreground. - 16747
The Program (P) Mode:
With the P mode, The Shutter speed is set to the highest possible speed to let you be able to hold the camera with your hands. You will also not have the problem of motion blur since the shutter speed is set fast enough to compensate for the low ambient light conditions. The P mode also functions when the ambient light is high. Under High ambient lighting conditions, the Camera will assume that the foreground will be flashed filled. Therefore, the output of the flash will be low powered. Conversely when the ambient light is low, the flash will be adjusted to give a higher output. The shutter speed will also be adjusted accordingly. But the picture will result in having a dark background.
Shutter Priority (TV) Mode
Under this mode the camera will let you decide the shutter speed. It will instead choose an aperture priority to suit the shutter speed to ensure that the exposure level for the background is correct. The duration of the flash pulse will be determined by flash metering. In short, the camera always operates in fill flash mode under the TV mode as opposed to P mode. The Canon EOS system will also warn you if the background is too dim. This will be shown when the maximum aperture value of the camera lens starts to flash in the viewfinder. When this occurs, you should slow down the shutter speed. You will also require a tripod if you wish to avoid motion blur.
Aperture (AV) Priority Mode
With this mode, you can fix the depth of field (DOF) by adjusting the lens aperture. The camera will determine the correct shutter speed for exposing the background to the correct level. The metering system will decide also how long the flash pulse should be. You have to note that if the shutter speed is low, you will need a tripod stand to prop up the camera instead of using your hands to hold the camera. This is because at low shutter speed, your pictures will end up having motion blur. Just like the TV mode, the camera operates fill flash mode. There are several cameras which have the exception to this mode. The canon EOS10/10s and the Canon Elan II/ EOS 50 models has a unique function will lets you lock the X-Sync speed to the Shutter Speed.
M (Manual ) Mode
With the M mode, you will choose both the aperture and shutter speed of the camera. You will also decide the exposure level of the camera. With the flash metering system, the camera will determine the correct flash pulse to illuminate the foreground. - 16747
About the Author:
Tim Harris is a canon camera enthusiast. For tips on choosing and buying cameras, do check out Canon OS Camera website. Camera 40D Digital Rebel XTI 3D Blog
