Using the Image Control (PIC) mode of your EOS cameras. Canon's Programmed Image Control (PIC) mode made its debut in Spring 1989 with the introduction of the EOS 630 AF 35mm SLR camera. Since then, it can be found in every entry-level and amateur EOS model, including those designed for the 24mm format Advanced Photo System (APS) cameras like the EOS IX and IX 7. What exactly is the PIC mode? It is another variation of Canon's proven Intelligent Program AE shooting mode but has been refined to meet certain criteria of photographic techniques, where both the beginners and amateurs will find it to be a welcome addition. From the original version that includes seven separate PIC variations in the EOS 630, it was reduced to four in later models and recently gained a new variation - the slow-sync flash (only on certain EOS models) variation using either the camera's built-in flash or an external Canon Speedlite. Canon's Intelligent Program AE mode is designed to set the optimum shutter speed and aperture for correct exposure based on the lens and film speed in use. If a wide-angle lens is used, this AE mode will set smaller aperture favoring deeper depth-of-field or higher shutter speed if a telephoto or a telephoto zoom lens is used. This is okay for EOS users who are experienced in creative photography but for those who have just taken up SLR photography, they may not know the correct techniques required for shooting certain types of images. After the seven variations found on the EOS 630, the current PIC system consists of these four variations: Portrait, Landscape, Close-up and Sports. While the 630 was the first EOS model to utilize it, the PIC feature was actually a modified version of the AE shooting modes found in Canon's first autofocus 35mm SLR camera, the T80 of Autumn 1985. Canon T80 Camera Canon T80's pictograms of shooting modes The T80 utilized the same breech-lock mount as used by Canon's series of manual focus SLR cameras of the '60s to the mid-80s and has three AF lenses specially designed for it. It is not compatible with the current EOS and EF lenses systems. The T80's pictograms depicted shooting modes such as Deep Focus, Shallow Focus, Stop Action (sports) and Flowing (panning mode). In the EOS 630's PIC mode, the Flowing mode was not included. Deep Focus is for deeper depth-of-field which is now offered as the Landscape variation while Shallow Focus is the same as Portrait. Stop Action has been replaced with Sports and Close-up was new to the EOS 630's PIC mode.   << Back to Main . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 .