Using the EOS Intelligent Program AE mode. The Program AE mode is a feature developed by Canon Inc. and first introduced to the world in 1978 via the top-of-the-range A-series of manual focus camera, the Canon A-1. The second model to feature this mode was the Canon AE-1 Program, introduced in 1983 as the successor to the best-selling Canon AE-1 model. This mode was, however, missing from the New F-1 professional (1981) camera but made available in the later Canon T50 (1983) and T70 (1984), the first two models from the new T-series of Canon's 35mm SLR cameras. Since then, all Canon 35mm SLR cameras, from the manual-focus T90 to all the EOS AF cameras available to date, have the Program AE mode as a standard feature. In the T50, a 35mm SLR camera using Program AE mode exclusively, Canon has revised the algorithm to favour higher shutter speeds to enable hand-held shooting in low-light situations or when using FD telephoto or zoom lenses having focal lengths of 200mm or more as opposed to the standard version mode featured in the A-1 and AE-1 Program models. In both the Canon T70 and T90 cameras, more than one Program AE mode were made available for the users. The T70 has three; the Wide-Program, Standard-Program and Tele-Program while the T90 has seven (that's right). The T90 has three different Wide and Tele-Programs each as well as the Standard Program AE type. Wide-Program modes were suited to favour smaller apertures and wider depth-of-field while Tele-Programs were more geared towards higher shutter speeds and shallower depth-of-field. The standard Program AE mode's priority is to ensure correct exposure without favouring depth-of-field or higher shutter speeds at the given lighting conditions. Due to the limitations of the FD lens system, Canon has no choice but to offer the required Program modes in seven different types for the T90 camera. But advances in AF camera technologies available through the fully electronic lens mount in the new EOS and EF lenses system mean that Canon can combined all the numerous Program modes in one easy-to-use mode: Intelligent Program AE (also known as P mode). This new mode, like its predecessors, calculates and sets both shutter speed and aperture, and is excellent choice for most photographic situations. A particularly nice aspect is that it automatically takes into account the focal length of the lens being used. If the shutter speed is too slow to hand-hold the lens, the Intelligent Program AE mode sets a larger aperture, permitting a faster shutter speed. The result is instant protection against camera-shake. Even when a zoom lens is used, the selected focal length is noted and the P mode reacts to ensure optimum settings. If you want to change the shutter speed or aperture, simply turn the Main Dial of your EOS camera, and the Intelligent Program AE will alter the setting accordingly. This feature is also known as the "the lazy man's way of picture-taking" due to its easy application. In fact, many professionals used this feature when they were shooting in a hurry (or when nobody was looking). In rapid changing situations, time is essential and the last thing photographers don't need is to figure out what are the best shutter speed/aperture combinations for the assignments in hand, especially media personnel. << Back to Main . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8 .