Nikon D300 User Manual page 649

camera settings. The camera takes care of the shutter speed
and aperture for you and uses your selected exposure meter
type to create the best pictures it can without human
intervention. Figure 9-8 shows the P for Programmed auto
mode, followed by the shutter speed and aperture to the right
of the P.
Figure 9-8. Control panel with P-Programmed auto mode
This mode is called Programmed auto because it uses an
internal software program built into the D300(S). It tries its
best to create optimal images in most situations.
However, even Nikon's User's Manual calls this a "snapshot"
mode. P mode can handle a wide variety of situations well,
but I personally wouldn't depend on it for my important
shooting. When I'm at a party and I just want to enjoy myself,
get some nice snapshots, and not think about the camera, then
P mode means "P" for party to me.
P mode actually comes in two parts: Programmed auto and
Flexible program. Flexible program works similarly to A –
Aperture priority auto mode. Why do I say that? Let me
explain.
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