Photography Tips for Beginners - Why Programme mode is the best camera for beginners.

If you're a beginner to photography and want to get more from your camera then Programme mode is for you. In this video using Canon and Nikon cameras, Paul from Photo Genius demonstrates the advantages of setting your camera to the P (programme mode).
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Photo Genius was set up in 2008 by photographer Paul Farris to help others improve their photography with weekly photography courses and workshops held in Brisbane, Australia. In 2016 Paul began also creating content and video tutorials for KZbin, the Photo Genius channel now has now had over 13 Million views and is growing daily. For more info on Photo Genius and our courses please visit our website www.photogenius.com.au
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About this video
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A beginners guide to using Programme mode, featuring practical demonstrations using the Nikon D3500 and Canon Rebel T7 / EOS 1500D.
Watch this beginner photography tutorial if you want to get more from your digital camera.
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#photography #photographytutorial #photogenius

[@photogenius]

I believe that you should use the camera mode that gives you the results you want with the minimum fuss. This video is for YOU if you want more from your camera but you're not yet ready to go full manual... Programme is the ideal mode for beginners. THANK YOU FOR WATCHING - PLEASE LIKE 👍 THIS VIDEO (Thank you). Paul @ Photo Genius

[@mariatruitt]

I made some videos with my DSLR using your advice, they are great but the files are in .mov for some reason I can't find a way to download them on the video editor. Any advice?

[@mtnhorn2619]

I have learned and UNDERSTOOD more in 12+ minutes than several hours of pouring over the manual. Thank you very much for the clear and precise directions.

[@photogenius]

You are very welcome, thank you for the feedback and support.

[@michaelsampson7933]

Hi Paul, Iv had my Nikon D7200 now for 2 weeks, and Iv been thru you tube the manual and just kept going back to the beginning, But your tutorials have helped me achieved more in a few hours then I have in weeks, thank you,

[@VFRhondamike]

Hi Michael how you getting on with your D7200 I’ve just got one last week and there’s a lot to take in the manual is like a book to read ! lol

[@trekstein]

Excellent presentation: clear, well-paced, thorough. Great for beginners like me! I plan to work my way through Paul’s other videos.

[@MrsMinx50]

Thank you Paul I'm learning more from you , than I can get anywhere else , your tutorials are always great I would like to learn M as I'm always on A , stay safe and keep up the great work thank you

[@sueanderson7386]

Wow so much clear information. Thank you!

[@mvuselelor.magongo6320]

We love you Paul watching in Swaziland

[@utilitarian]

Amazing content. I've borrowed my sister's Nikon D5100 for a few days to see how I get on. I've learned more in this tutorial than I have from two hours of guides elsewhere. Thank you - I'm looking forward to getting out there tomorrow and see what I can achieve :)

[@renoholland7090]

Very useful. Thank you Paul.

[@riccardotikulin7471]

love your videos ,well presented

[@lisamellas4640]

Absolutely love your videos and have learned so much. Thank you!!

[@photogenius]

You are so welcome! Your support means so much, thank you.

[@wendyhall5158]

Thank you for letting me understand my camera .it’s for first good camera.can’t wait for the next one .happy snaps 🥰

[@Kenny.G63]

Another great video Paul, have only just seen it.

[@patrickryan43]

Thanks Paul,another amazing video as always 👌👏

[@photogenius]

Glad you enjoyed it Patrick.

[@K.Kamalanathan]

Great help

[@geraldrichards9069]

Wow, this is a great video. Going to try these methods.

[@hurleygreen927]

THANKS FOR THIS INFO! This will be my first time using Program Mode...Again, thank you!

[@mrsakimon]

Definetely have to rewatch this video was so good, so excited👌

[@photogenius]

Happy to hear. 🙂

[@captureallen8632]

Your channel is my favorite channel for learning the fundamental of photography. I know that I have a great photographic eye but I know I have a lot to learn about the ABCs of photography. PLUS you use a beginner's camera and I have a Canon T6. Thank you.

[@Jake-dc3dd]

This really helped, thank you! 🙂👍📸

[@photogenius]

You're welcome!

[@johnnyrbattaglio6943]

Thank you so much as a new beginner this really helps 👍

[@rayemigh3776]

hi Paul. Great video. I always learn so much from your videos. You are the only one i watch and have recommended you anytime i talk with other photographers

[@photogenius]

I appreciate that Ray, thank you so much.

[@deanescott3331]

Love your videos. Always learn something.

[@photogenius]

Thank you sop much Deane.

[@pattyprior2171]

Thank you so much your videos are so helpful. For someone like me who is brand new to the photography world your tutorials have been amazing very well done!!! Learning so much

[@photogenius]

Happy to help Patty - thank you for taking a moment to leave your feedback, it is very much appreciated.

[@ravenlayug5326]

Thank you so much Sir😄!

[@markgilmour5757]

Thank you for your videos, really helped me understand my Nikon d5100. Much appreciated 👍

[@ericwolfe1097]

Yet another great video... Always enjoyable and informative...

[@photogenius]

Glad you enjoyed it Eric - thank you.

[@richardh1764]

just found your channel and subscribed I'm a beginner a d this is spot on.

[@photogenius]

Thank you Richard, I appreciate the support and kind feedback.

[@zulikassim1909]

Excellent video, appreciate the tutorial.

[@photogenius]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@urbankhumalo8617]

He really lives up to his name genuis, for someone like me who has been looking to get into photography but scared because there is so much to take in but your explanation made it so much easier and built my confidence thank sir.

[@sgerstmann03]

SO happy that I found your channel! Great tips for beginners and very informative info. I have just recently bought my first DSLR and have been clueless as how to use it. Thanks to your great videos, I have my foot in the door now, and out of just being in "AUTO" mode. Many thanks.

[@blackbird3456]

I got mine yesterday and I just explored with so little basic to it. I had more trouble with the manual mode and my auto mode has automatically the flash turned on for some reason. I'm trying stuff on my camera to see what please me and not move the configuration too much. I got the eos rebel t7 canon refurbished but looked almost brand new when I opened its package.

[@ivan7453]

Hey Paul. Another very enjoyable video which was well presented for all to easily understand. Good stuff, mate :)

[@photogenius]

Thank you Ivan, I really appreciate your feedback and support 👍

[@steveboys5369]

Hi Paul, I’d skipped over program mode until now. I will give it a go. As ever crystal clear, and thanks again for sharing

[@photogenius]

No worries Steve 🙂

[@katieberberich826]

Great video. I’ve loved photography since I was a little girl with a point and shoot camera. I’ve always wanted to better my technique and am really enjoying and learning so much from your videos. I’m slowly getting my head around the EOS 90D and feel like my confidence is growing. Thank you, Paul. 🙏🏻

[@photogenius]

You are very welcome Katie, thank you so much for watching and supporting my channel. Paul.

[@GhostDigital2k]

Thank you for the help.

[@photogenius]

Happy to help - thank you for watching.

[@ranbirsingh7666]

Brilliant video… this was spooky I was just looking for some advice on photography… and your video just came up on KZbin 😁😁

[@photogenius]

Great timing 😀

[@lottieda32]

Thank you😊

[@1red96cobra]

Great video, defiantly learning a lot from your videos. Ready to get out of auto this weekend and try out some different settings. Hoping to catch some of the eagles I've been seeing and some deer

[@jamesomalley4556]

Great info Paul I forget this sometimes as I am not and everyday photo guy like yourself

[@RonieBoy]

I love this yt channel. I love photography. But i don't have a DSLR camera. Only i have canon powershot a2400. I learn a lot this yt channel.

[@raprocks9421]

Nice vid, thanks!

[@photogenius]

Glad you liked it! Thanks.

[@johnnyrbattaglio6943]

Thank you as a beginner this vidio helps 👍

[@anandaabey7237]

I am a newbie to your channel, I learn lot on P mode from your video. My camera is Canon 90d

[@mickcook4346]

Great stuff for us newbies

[@photogenius]

Glad it was helpful, thanks mick.

[@williamwomack3153]

Thank you. Well done concise video. I have had this Rebel T7 for about 10 years and i decided to pull it out and fiddle with it... the auto mode just gives average pics on par with an iphone. Most other vids either give high level info on all the features or compare 2 cameras. I love the example of the pelican and then how the setting affected it. That is what i am looking for example: here is a family of 3 in a hotel lobby... I set the camera to X and it looks like this... I change the setting to Y and it looks like this. Again, well done video and I will check out more.

[@LarryDMitchell]

Great information and my creative juices are telling me to try P mode tonight! Thanks

[@photogenius]

Go for it Larry, have fun.

[@fardali6654]

I have a Nikon D7100, Nikon D300, Nikon D3100, and a few high end compacts. I was told not to use Program mode years ago so I never tried it. Now I see this is the mode I should mostly be in. Thank you for the lesson.

[@photogenius]

That's a nice selection of cameras you have there!! Thanks for the feedback and support - hope you have some fun trying out the Programme mode. Best wishes Paul @ Photo Genius.

[@no1mzansi-stanced572]

Thanks a lot I have learned a lot from this video. 📹

[@photogenius]

Glad to hear that, appreciate the feedback - thanks.

[@candicebaker2663]

Thank you!

[@photogenius]

Thank you Candice for supporting my channel.

[@hikingwithjackieboy]

Thank you Paul you have been very helpful and I have used many of your tips

[@photogenius]

Great to hear! Thank you.

[@hikingwithjackieboy]

@@photogenius you're welcome

[@patriziabertorello2722]

Thank you very much for this video: explanation was clear and helpful... I'm a beginner and this video will help me to use my camera in the correct way ...

[@photogenius]

You're very welcome Patrizia, thank you.

[@margaretmacdonald6527]

Thanks will try P setting now

[@photogenius]

Have fun Margaret, thanks for the feedback.

[@swapankumardey7246]

Beautifully explained! I use M mode and never tried with P mode. I will try that in future.

[@habibiproductions7195]

🅿️

[@ManhNguyen-sq9gk]

Thanks

[@wendyfeichtl3669]

Great video Paul. Honestly I never use the P mode before.

[@photogenius]

Thank you Wendy, P mode can be especially useful when you need to grab a quick shot but don't want all the settings to be dictated by the camera.

[@MileyonDisney]

MY BEST ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS: Start with the P mode, and binge watch the Photo Genius channel. But don't just watch it, practice what he teaches. He's GOOD!

[@photogenius]

You've been a long time supporter - and for that I thank you 👏 🙂

[@PrincessNottingham]

Hi Paul I love your video’s. They re really helpful. Please can you upload video’s on how to use the Nikon D90 on P M? Thanks Paul

[@john2914]

Hey. Good stuff. My first digital camera was the Minolta Dimage 7. Loved it. Still use it. I have Canon T7. Its average.

[@photogenius]

Thanks for watching John, much appreciated.

[@azlani356]

must try program on my nikon p900.. thank you from Philippines

[@BillMetter]

Great videos Paul. I’m shooting a Canon T6 with a 18-55 and a EF-S 55-200. I have learn a lot from you in the last 2 weeks. I break your information down into little “cheat sheets” on sunrise, sunsets, moon, waterfalls, portraits etc. Do you have any cheat sheets for the Canon? Thank you. Take care. Bill from Boston

[@waygone6657]

I was not aware of the exposure compensation in P mode. Thanks

[@photogenius]

You are very welcome.

[@Neverlost3234]

Great. Never used P. Will now

[@ASM-AmateurScaleModelling]

Paul, loving your tutorials, I have a 200D and due to you, I’m managing to use it in both M & Tv mode.. I’m still learning but, as a beginner, your KZbin channel has helped immensely. I’m in Glasgow, so light is normally an issue ( bright one minute, cloudy and overcast 5 mins later😂) but I’m getting there! I shoot a lot of aviation pictures in lots of very various lighting conditions! Here’s a challenge and video idea for you….. how about a tutorial on photographing moving aircraft!? 👍🏼 Thanks again mate 👍🏼

[@TheGraveDiggersWorkshop]

Do you have a video on "picture styles"? I know you mentioned it a bit on this vid,but Im curious what all it does and what settings you recommend for various shots. Thanks

[@captureallen8632]

Program mode really upped my game lol. 😃📷

[@hw3150]

Please create a video for SONY users as well. How to use sony and operate in them Thank you!

[@vonchef14]

Hello I have a Question when I put my canon 70D on Monochrome or black and white in manual mode the icon show ! Symbol over the M why? Thanks for your time and keep up the awesome work really enjoy your vlog 📷👍📷👍

[@jeffshea1389]

Paul, with fall foliage approaching, I wondered if you might have recommendations for camera settings.

[@hanhuc259]

Hi Paul. Can you make a video about macro lens, how to use it for beginners please?

[@pavankumar-dm3lx]

Video is amazing and informative. Why can’t you make a video on SONY alpha series and variants?

[@photogenius]

I'm considering picking up a Sony camera in the near future so I can feature Sony alongside Nikon and Canon. Another camera and lenses is a large investment thought so I need to see the channel grow to help me make it viable.

[@rizwanmuhammed9747]

❤❤

[@photogenius]

Thank you 😊

[@davidwright8920]

Paul. Enjoyed this video but one quick question. When you talk about Picture Control is is right to assume that you are not shooting in RAW😀

[@jimgardiner3476]

Very informative and well presented as always Paul, thank you. Just a suggestion if I may, could you consider doing a video on metering modes please?

[@photogenius]

Noted! Thanks Jim.

[@jaredlash5002]

Another good video. There is one small omission: you showed how to adjust the flash on the Nikon, and didn't do so for the Canon. I did catch that you said it wasn't available on all cameras. Am I to understand then that it is not available on the Canon?

[@photogenius]

Hi Jared, well spotted - I did mistakenly leave that out of the video 😳. To adjust flash compensation on a Canon (works with most Canon DSLR's) press Q and select flash exposure comp from the options (it's usually next to the light meter). Hope that helps.

[@thegroove2000]

RAW.

[@thegroove2000]

And good for pros. Manual on a tripod. My Nikon seems to do really well with finding the correct exposure and settings. Its fast and fun. Also can adjust exposure compensation. Low Light situations more manual mode but depends. I shoot always in 14 bit RAW as well.

[@thegroove2000]

Im not a pro. Just learning and reading and watching what pros say and do.

[@thegroove2000]

It then is a point-and-shoot camera.

[@thegroove2000]

Well frame, point and shutter half-pressed to focus and shoot ha ha.

[@John-gh5nn]

Hi Paul. Great channel.Please may I ask a question? Please can you advise me the difference between Canon AI Servo & AF-C on a crop sensor camera do I have to have them working together ? also when in Live View the green focus squares do not seem to line up with my focus area . If you can help it would much be much appreciated. Thank you ps just subscribed.

[@photogenius]

Hi John. Ai-Servo and AF-C are effectively the same, just different terminology. When you switch to Live View on some cameras (I don't know what you are using) the focus will work differently (and sometimes) slower than when you are using the viewfinder. This is not the case with all cameras. especially mirrorless where what you see on the screen is the same as what you see through the viewfinder. Hope that helps. Paul

[@davidbentley8848]

Very informative again Paul, Question, did I miss the "Flash Compensation adjustment, on a Canon?"

[@photogenius]

I mistakenly left that out of the video 😳. To adjust flash compensation on a Canon (works with most Canon DSLR's) press Q and select flash compensation flash exposure comp from the options (usually next to the light meter). Hope that helps David, thanks for watching .

[@davidbentley8848]

@@photogenius Thank you again Paul. Useful stuff in that video. Never used the Program mode I usually use "Av and Tv" not yet got onto Manual. Learned some things about where to find stuff, I often forget the "Q" button. Thanks for the quick reply.

[@johnyates153]

Do you use vivid picture control for most your photography ? Thank you.

[@eddiebest1951]

Hi Paul I have a Sony camera can these tips be applied to a Sony.

[@photogenius]

Absolutely, of course some of the buttons may be in different places, but the concepts are the same. Thanks for watching Eddie.

[@hphobby]

Hello. Good video. I'm a new photographer. I bought a used Canon EOS Rebel T4i. So hope you have something about this camare.

[@beth2933]

Thankyou for this information.I just bought my camera but i don’t know how to use it.🥺

[@justnoted2995]

Hi Paul; the nikon playlist link has a list of #challenges

[@photogenius]

Thanks for noticing, I've updated the link 👏👏👏

[@cauger61]

Do you recommend auto iso in programme mode?

[@sarahderby151]

Hi Paul, I have a Canon camera and on the display panel on the back in the bottom right hand corner there is a symbol that looks like a L with a backward D in front of it and I just wondered what it meant please. Sarah

[@photogenius]

Hi Sarah, that is your image quality settings. The L means you are shooting Large Jpeg images which is ideal for most people unless you really want to get into editing your images - if so then you may want to consider shooting RAW. To look at the options press the Q button on the rear of the camera, use the buttons to select the L symbol and press OK to see other options. Hope that helps. Paul

[@sarahderby151]

Hi Paul, Thank you for your reply, yes that helps. Your videos are very helpful. Sarah

[@hphobby]

It should be used for my channel. I'm trying to make a channel about fishing and remote controlled cars. Greetings Henrik from Denmark

[@jravell]

Auto mode has been taken out of pro models? It’s there on my 5D Mark IV.

[@jefferyjames8292]

I learn manual mode first because in photography student need to know manual first after know all setting manual than use other setting mode

[@colintraveller]

As you always use Canon .. Can you tell which Canon Camera is worth buying ..my budget .. being .. £1,500 max . Preferably a Model that already comes with a very good lense As the first camera i ever owned which i still have .. is Canon sureshot supreme cost 130 years ago ..

[@photogenius]

Hi there, It's difficult to recommend gear without knowing much about what you want to photography - but here's what I would look at.... If you are looking for a DSLR then the Canon EOS 850D Digital SLR (with EF-S 18-135mm IS USM Lens) is a great option. If you would like to consider a mirrorless camera the the Canon EOS RP Mirrorless Camera (with RF 24-105mm IS STM Lens) is the one to consider for your budget. Although you specified Canon, I think you should also consider the Nikon Z 50 Mirrorless Camera with DX 16-50mm and 50-250mm VR Lenses - this is a great (cropped sensor) mirrorless camera, and the twin lens kit is great value. Paul.

[@colintraveller]

@@photogenius Aviation , Sunsets , Scenery , wildlife , Shipping

[@photogenius]

I would consider the Nikon Z50 - great camera and the 50-250mm lens (if you go for the twin lens kit) will be great for aviation and wildlife photography. Best wishes Paul.

[@Jennifer_Prentice]

Hi Photo Genius .. I am looking to get a decent starter digital camera .. I am not looking to win contest or to make money with the photos but want nice photos that can sit along side pro photos without much criticism.. I have been looking at the Canon T7 and its lower cost T100 models. I can get a T100 right at Walmart down the road for around 330 bucks. It is a bit more lighter and cheaper feeling and more plastic .. I can get a brand new T7 strait from Canons website for around 450 bucks. Is the build quality and the like 5 MP or so difference really going to be that much of a difference for me? Thanks for any response ..

[@photogenius]

Hi Jennifer, the only real difference between these two cameras is the resolution and build quality and size of the LCD display. The T7 would be the better choice if you see yourself printing images - as the higher resolution will give better results and allow you to print larger. If you're more likely to view images on a device and share to social media then the T100 is more than adequate as well as saving you a few $$'s And btw - I've made a heap of videos about Canon cameras, and even though the videos feature a different model, the tips will apply to either of these cameras too . Paul.

[@Jennifer_Prentice]

@@photogenius Great I was hoping most of the decent Canon cameras had same kinda menu systems :).. Love your videos and hope to learn more about my new Camera when I get it :).

[@Jennifer_Prentice]

@@photogenius Hate to bother you again but hope you get this response.. Lots of my photos will be uploaded to web sites and many of them have a res size limit. I have read that image resolution does not affect file size is this true and if so why do they even bother with the limit? Also if I did get a decent camera and was shooting at 24 MP the output of the file calculates to a 6000X4000 pixel sized image.. I can NOT upload this to any of the sites that id want to. The major question is just how much does reducing the size of the photo in pixels in lets say Photoshop down to like 4000 pixels effect the quality of the photos? Am I still ahead of the game using a better high res camera and reducing the pixel sizes in a photo editor or should I reduce the Mega Pixel settings in the camera?

[@kevinashley478]

Hey, maybe I missed something, and if I did I apologize for wasting your time. On the flash segment, you showed how to pop up the flash on a Canon, but you only showed how to set flash compensation on the Nikon and not on the flash. Could you tell me how it works on a Canon? As I said, I am sorry if I am wasting your time.

[@Man_Cave]

You're over complicating the explanation. Priority mode is really ISO priority mode. You select your ISO and the camera with select the proper shutter speed and aperture based on your light meter.

[@johnclarkephotographyandto4252]

I thought P meant professional. Ha..ha

[@ytraortiz]

💯💪