Originally posted by redpigeons ...I remember that when i took the picture I thought I am on AV mode so I set the aperture to 2.4. and the speed changed accordingly just like in AV so what is the different?
Program mode on the K20D is a lot different than on something like my *ist DS. On that camera, there's almost no user input; the camera decides everything, except I can adjust Ev comp. There's not even an explanation in the manual for how the camera chooses its settings or how the exposure is compensated. I sometimes use it with a fully automatic flash.
On the pro-oriented models, you can choose among three different types of programs, and continue to make adjustments to the settings with the e-dials. Page 84 of the manual explains it, but I don't really get it without the camera in my hands.
Programs are sort of a gimmick anyway, because ultimately there are still the same variables to work with: aperture, shutter speed and ISO. A program can help get you there faster within certain parameters but you can take the same photo in M with the same values. The K20D programs seem to be extremely flexible but I'm not sure I would ever bother.