Program Mode USA - Photography Terms & Glossary

Glossary Of Photography Terms [1]

Program Mode Program mode, often abbreviated as P mode, is a shooting mode found on many digital cameras that offers a semi-automatic approach to exposure control. In program mode, the camera automatically selects both the aperture and shutter speed settings based on the scene brightness and other factors, while still allowing the photographer to adjust other settings such as ISO sensitivity, white balance, and exposure compensation. Program mode is designed to provide a balance between convenience and creative control, making it suitable for a wide range of shooting situations where quick and reliable exposure adjustments are desired.

While program mode offers automation for exposure settings, it also allows photographers to override the automatic settings and manually adjust parameters as needed to achieve the desired creative effect or exposure compensation. Program mode is commonly used by beginners and casual photographers who may not yet be comfortable with fully manual exposure control, as well as by experienced photographers seeking a quick and convenient shooting solution in changing or unpredictable lighting conditions.