Canon PowerShot G12, M: Manual Mode

Let’s face it—if you want to learn the effects of aperture and shutter speed on your photography, there is no better way to learn than by dialing in these settings yourself. However, today, with the advancement of camera technology, many new photographers never give this mode a second thought. That’s a shame, as not only is it an excellent way to learn your photography basics, but it’s also an essential tool to have in your photographic bag of tricks.

In Manual (M) mode, the camera meter gives you a reading of the scene. It’s your job to set both the f-stop (aperture) and the shutter speed to achieve a correct exposure. If you need a faster shutter speed, you will have to make the reciprocal change to your f-stop. This can be challenging at first, but after a while you will have a complete understanding of how each change affects your exposure, which will, in turn, improve the way you use the other modes.

When to use Manual (M) mode

When learning how each exposure element interacts with the others (Figure 4.9)
When shooting silhouetted subjects, which requires overriding the camera’s meter readings (Figure 4.10)
When your environment is fooling your light meter and you need to maintain a certain exposure setting

Setting up and shooting in Manual mode

Turn your camera on and turn the Mode dial to M.
Select your ISO by rotating the ISO dial.
Rotate the Front dial to choose a shutter speed, which appears at the bottom
of the LCD. The exposure information is displayed by a scale with marks that run from –2 to +2 stops. A proper exposure (according to the camera meter) will line up with the arrow mark in the middle. As the indicator moves down, it is a sign that you will be underexposing (there is not enough light on the sensor to provide adequate exposure). If the indicator is above the middle mark, you will be providing more exposure than the camera meter calls for (overexposure).
Rotate the Control dial to choose an aperture value, keeping the light meter in mind as you change the f-stop.
Point the camera at your subject and then press the shutter button halfway to preview the exposure. As with the Tv and Av modes, the orange light by the viewfinder will blink if the image is underexposed or overexposed.
Release the button and adjust the Front dial or Control dial to change the setting.
Press the shutter button fully when you’re ready to shoot.

Figure 4.9 Beaches and snow are always a challenge for light meters. Instead of fighting the light meter, switch to Manual mode and dial in a good exposure yourself. [Photo: Michael Gerpe]

Figure 4.10 Although the meter can do a pretty good job of exposing for the sky, you can use the Manual mode to make creative adjustments, such as pushing the skyline elements into complete black silhouette. [Photo: Dean Ducas]