Many Sony digital cameras have two choices of auto: Intelligent Auto and Superior Auto. However, Sony’s own user guide doesn’t say much about the differences between the two auto modes. Some users (myself included) are left to figure out how each of these mode actually works and what are the common scenario when they’re the best choice.
First, auto modes are for people who doesn’t know much about photography technical terms, but still want to end up with somewhat decent photos. If you are serious about photography, obviously auto mode is probably not how you’d like to use your digital camera.
Now, let’s start with Intelligent Auto. This mode is a single shot mode, using algorithm to decide the best settings for a particular shot automatically. To put it simply, this is the basic “auto” as what most people probably expect from a point-and-shoot cameras.
On the other hand, Superior Auto mode takes rapid multiple shots (burst), then use algorithm to come up with “best” result from composite of the burst images. It automatically corrects some issues with back-light and noise, to some level (not a perfect correction, but much better than nothing). Naturally, this will produce much better result compared to Intelligent Auto. However, it does come with a caveat. Superior Auto will produce good result when both the camera and the object are not moving. An example of this situation is taking photos of mountain scenery using a tripod. Capturing photo of a moving child, however, is going to end up with blurry photo if we choose to use Superior Auto.
In conclusion, each auto mode has its own best use scenario. Choose the right shooting mode for the right occasion, and you will end up with better photos.
further, superior auto has 2 settings under auto-..image extraction sub-mode. auto and off. these are well described in owners manuals, of models that have IAM and SA;. I find it works well, on the A7II. SONY may have been omitted on FF, from A7III onwards. Sony is still about a decade ahead of other makers, imo. there will be an IAM of some kind on these models; but with changed functionalities.- refer to manual at Sony.com
re: jep vs raw for Superior Auto please see: http://docs.esupport.sony.com/dvimag/ILCE6000_guide/en/contents/TP0000386482.html
I would like to know about other modes/things that require jpeg, because I think there is more to know about this and I’m not sure that it’s always obvious when you are taking photos that what you might be trying to do with one mode/setting isn’t even possible when some other setting is not compatible with that mode/setting. I’d also like to know your thoughts about lighting re: Superior Auto vs Intelligent Auto.
Thank you for all the good information!
Do some of the modes only work in jpeg, not in raw? Is Superior Auto mode one that only works in jpeg (because of the multiple shots)? I think some of the app modes (and perhaps others) might only work with jpeg also but that information is hard to find in one place.
Also is Superior Auto mode “superior” in all lighting environments (as long as the subjects aren’t moving around) or is it manly superior for lower light situations? “Superior” sounds even better than “Intelligent” but I have the impression that in full daylight or other well lit situations, “Intelligent” might actually be the better choice. Could you talk about that?
using these modes but crefully monitoring the settings they have made, allows one to benefit from fast preparation time beforeshutter isreleased. not having to fiddle with setting hdr in SA, for exampe.
so SA for ow-light and landscape
IA forscenes where action-movement taking place.
if monitoring auto settings shows an anomoly, then time can be spent, switching to A, S,or adjusting sttings in program mode-P.
rather than doing the latter first each time, means less chance of losing a good photo opportunity – because 98%(maybe!), the auto mode algorithyms will have nailed the best settings. try it, see if you agree.
gary fong has a good video on this subject.
also , it means the camera is not going to be autonomous, but controlled.
oh, yes int. auto and sup. auto are jpeg-only