Auto v Manual Mode

[lasssman]

If I switch into Manual ("P") mode, but leave the adjustements alone (so AE program, autofocus on etc) - am I in fact operating the camcorder as though it was in Auto mode?

(I do recognize that in Manual mode now I can change things that I could not in Auto mode, such as turning off the stabilization).

[Krane]

If I switch into Manual ("P") mode, but leave the adjustements alone (so AE program, autofocus on etc) - am I in fact operating the camcorder as though it was in Auto mode?

(I do recognize that in Manual mode now I can change things that I could not in Auto mode, such as turning off the stabilization).

I my view manual mode is there to off a bit of artistic individuality or to allow you to fine tune your camera in the event the electronic can cope: reflective surfaces, etc. As long as you're flying 'straight and level', auto should take care of most of the majority of your needs.

[lasssman]

As long as you're flying 'straight and level', auto should take care of most of the majority of your needs.

I understand that. But I'm also thinkng that if Manual AE mode is the same as auto (for exposure) perhaps I would permanently use Manual mode and only make adjustments on those occasions I want to do something special. I just want to know whether there is something that Auto does that this mode would not do. I know there are plenty of things you can do in Manual that you can't do in Auto ...

[Terfyn]

Auto is for the point and shoot merchants but, like Krane says, it works very well. As most of my filming is on the move I don't have time to mess about with the menu system. I believe that switching from Auto to P will leave evrything in auto mode until you change it. It does remember your last changes if you go from P > A and then from A >P so as nothing is reset then you will have to remember your last settings.

[lasssman]

It does remember your last changes if you go from P > A and then from A >P so as nothing is reset then you will have to remember your last settings.

Could be really useful for people like me who can't remember what I did yesterday - just leave my settings in my favourite state and always come back to them..

[Judy]

Hi Everyone,

I just got my HV20 last week. In about a month or so, we're going on a Culinary tour of India for two weeks. I was able to make a DVD of a culinary tour of Japan using my old Sony TRV900 this past summer. However, I wanted a camcorder that would be easier to carry (I'm not getting any younger) and have a better image quality.

I am concerned that in the "heat of the moment" I might mess up some settings. Which do you recommend...leaving it on "P" with AE or on full Auto? I'll be taking still photos of the food itself (and then turn it into a slide show), but there will be sights and sounds that are best captured on video.

Any suggestions and help appreciated.

I edited the Japan DVD in Premier Elements 3. I have PE 4, but haven't installed it yet. I also have Premiere Pro, and Photoshop (both Elements and Pro). Do you think I need to have Vegas 8 also?

Judy