“P” means “Program”.
In program mode, the camera automatically controls the various exposure settings, i.e. shutter speed, aperture and sensitivity to light or ISO.
Program mode differs however from the fully automatic modes in that it allows the photographer to set or modify some exposure parameters, in particular the ISO value.
And on sophisticated digital cameras, this mode allows you, just by turning a knob, to change the relationship between the aperture and shutter speed, to achieve a particular effect, while being assured of having the correct exposure for the image.
This mode thus provides a certain flexibility of usage and offers a degree of photographer control while also being fully automatic.
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© Charles Martel 2015