Hi there Jeff,

I would appreciate your clarification as to what difference there is between the "P" mode and the "Auto" mode (without flash) when taking a photo.

The reason that I'm asking this is that the manual (it's on page 67 in the one I have) states that, for the "P" setting (i.e programmed auto), "the camera sets shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure".

What I mean is that, if one selects the "Auto" mode (WITHOUT flash), what really is the difference between these 2 modes? Does this mean that the "P" mode will select a BETTER setting than the "Auto" (without flash) and, if it does, could you please explain the benefit(s) of using the "P" mode.

Hopefully I'm not showing myself up as too much of a beginner but, even asking friends and colleagues (NOT camera experts, unfortunately!), no-one has been able to clarify this for me.

Once again, thanks for all your tips on this site - I'm still working through them!!

Very best regards.

Raymond