What is the “green box” mode found on so many cameras? I was exploring that on my mom’s camera the other day trying to figure it out myself. The simple answer, which can be applied to most cameras it seems, is this: the green box is the “let the camera do everything” mode, fully automatic, brainless operation.
Then, I accidentally found a mode which interested me much more, the P mode. When I am shooting on my camera, I rarely go for the P or “program” mode, but it has one interesting trait when compared to the “green box” mode. P is the automatic metering mode. So, how is that different from the green box? I wondered myself.
Basically, program mode only selects the right exposure settings for your photo. It does not try to figure out where you want to focus, like the “green box” mode does. This is huge, for me. Program mode always focuses in the middle of the screen. “Green Box” mode focuses wherever it thinks it should focus.
To see what I mean, put your camera in “green box” mode and focus, then let up your finger and focus again, and again. More than likely, each time, the focus was in a different section of the photo. Well, computers are pretty impressive, but they cannot read minds quite yet.
With the focus in the middle, I then know where my camera is going to focus and can make sure the subject is truly in focus. With this in mind, I say, go P mode!
