[dosdan]

I've never used this mode, but use TAv regularly for sports.
What use do you make of Sv mode?
Is Sv only of use on cameras that don't have TAv?

Dan.

[Ash]

I don't use it because I don't use auto ISO in any mode, but for someone who does, switching to Sv means you can set your own ISO and let the camera do the rest - like a P mode...

[Andrew Faires]

I've never bothered with TAV or SV modes to be honest. They make sense, but I've never incorporated them into my shooting. And because I'm mostly doing landscapes these days, I'm generally shooting at ISO 100 no matter what.

[Boris]

I used it only once to experience how it works. I shoot in Hyper-P mode exclusively.

[pop4]

What use do I make of it?

None at all. I only ever turn the mode dial on my K10D/K-7 to Hyper P (which includes Av and Tv), M and B.
I can't really think of any situation where Sensitivity, as opposed to Aperture or the shutter Time, is the main priority.

[Tamia]

After a year with my 200D, I only recently began to use the Sv mode very occasionally. Almost all of my photography is outdoor and nature oriented. Normally I use the lowest sensitivity and have my camera set for 100-200. But now and then, when I happen on a moving bird or animal in a darkish setting like in a forest, or at dusk, I want a quick shift in sensitivity so I can have a better chance at stopping action. That's when I switch over to Sv, which I've set at the highest ISO (1600). Once I've shot the photo(s) I need, I return to manual setting.

[TomK]

The way Tamia uses it is EXACTLY how I use it on my K200D.
Not very often. But I have 1600 available at a dial click away at any time.

[dosdan]

So TomK & Tamia are using Sv mode just as a LL ISO 1600 target-of-opportunity pre-set. Since I can see no other use for Sv mode, I'll set SV to that ISO on mine as it's my max. ISO too on the K20D. It may come in handy some time if I can remember I've pre-set it in Sv.

I not sure how the camera is going to balance Aperture vs. Shutter Speed in Sv mode. My guess is that it will probably use the Normal program line.

Dan.

[Tamia]

That's right, Dan -- target-of-opportunity. In those cases, my main concern is to capture more a documentary shot than an artistic one, so the balance of aperture and shutter speed are of less importance to me than getting a brighter picture.

[Alfisti]

After a year with my 200D, I only recently began to use the Sv mode very occasionally. Almost all of my photography is outdoor and nature oriented. Normally I use the lowest sensitivity and have my camera set for 100-200. But now and then, when I happen on a moving bird or animal in a darkish setting like in a forest, or at dusk, I want a quick shift in sensitivity so I can have a better chance at stopping action. That's when I switch over to Sv, which I've set at the highest ISO (1600). Once I've shot the photo(s) I need, I return to manual setting.

TBH I can't find any good reason to use it, in this instance just set the front dial to change ISO, that way it's always there.

[Rosco]

Found a great use for Sv mode - last week went to Jenolan Caves and used the Sv to take photos inside the caves with the available artificial light (led or halogen). Photos are very good - apertures around 2.8-6 and speeds of 1/10 to 1/80th second using a Sigma 17-70 lens. Thanks Pentax

[jackloganbill]

I've never used this mode, but use TAv regularly for sports.
What use do you make of Sv mode?
Is Sv only of use on cameras that don't have TAv?

Dan.

I have used it to ensure my shutter speed was super quick for my 200 MM lens...

[MadMathMind]

I used it when I first got the camera, back when I really didn't know much about setting apertures on my own but wanted some control. I'd call it a "beginner mode" since it's setting both 'critical' parameters (aperture and shutter speed) for you.

[Rosco]

Hi Dan
The K20D has all the usual settings an Sv which is apparently a Pentax special (or was in 2010). I came across an article on net re K20 and caves. Rather than using flash which flattens the photo, try Sv and it worked. It was like a point and shoot camera in a difficult situation - hard to change settings in poor light, but along with 17mm 2.8 lens great for the caves. Will put some photo up on the net in a few days and put link on this page.
Ross

[00rob0077]

Used it recently for a get together and it came in very handy. My shutter speed remained at 1/100 whilst using a TTL flash. Aperture shifted depending on available light and I would adjust my ISO accordingly from 100 to 800 on my KP. Overall not something I would use all the time since I mainly shoot street/cityscapes for I can see it's use for portraits and events just so long your shutter can freeze the motions and from the few tries using it, it seems to work just fine.