Originally Posted by Summit
I have a solution for you! Custom mode! You see on your mode dial there are several options including C, M, Av,Tv,and P. C mode is your friend. C mode is awesome. C mode is CUSTOM MODE. You can totally customize your camera so it will start up the same way everytime in that mode for the following settings:
exposure mode, lens zoom, exposure compensation/exposure settings, ISO, metering mode, continuous shooting mode, white balance, special effects, flash mode, redeye mode, flash compensation, focus mode, image size, image compression, etc.
I have my custom mode set to manual 1/320s f/8.0 ISO 50 continuous shooting, max res/size, spot metering, no flash, everything else default.
Every time I turn the camera camera on in C mode it starts out with those settings. This makes the camera VERY fast, especially if you are reaction shooting. Those settings are approximately what I need for direct sun/snow shots (although I may go 1/400 f/8). Through experience, I often know in my mind what my exposure needs to be by the time the camera starts up. ON button, hit the arrows (I know by experience how many times to hit it for what aperture/exposure setting) and I'm good to go.
Here's how to create your custom mode: put your camera in what ever mode you would like C to be. If you are good, M, otherwise probably Tv or P. Tune all the other settings you want and set it up how you want it to be.
Then, hit "menu", hit "up", "save settings..." is now selected, hit "func/set"
Turn off the camera, turn the mode dial to C, turn on the camera, voila! You are set!
Custom = Less waiting + less missed shots + more control = better images
These little camera P&S cameras are amazingly powerfull and versatile tools. It really helps your creative output if you know how to work them.
ONE MAJOR FLAW WITH THE 530/540/700: They lack the CUSTOM SHOOTING MODE.
