Auto mode is all about (mostly) thought-free photography. There is little to nothing for you to do in this mode except point and shoot. Your biggest concern when using Auto mode is focusing. The camera utilizes the automatic focusing modes to achieve the best possible focus for your picture. Press the shutter button down halfway while looking at the LCD, and you will see the autofocus frame light up over the subject. Now just press the shutter button the rest of the way to take the photo. It’s just that easy (Figure 3.1). The camera takes care of all your exposure decisions, including when to use flash. (In fact, most other functions are disabled.)
The G12 offers a bit more information about how it’s going to handle a shot when using the Auto mode. An icon appears at the upper-right corner of the screen indicating the type of scene it has detected.
Let’s face it: This is the lazy person’s mode. But sometimes it’s nice to be lazy and click away without giving thought to anything but preserving a memory. There are times, though, when you will want to start using your camera’s advanced features to improve your shots.
![Auto works great when you just want to snap some shots and don’t want to think too much. This picture was taken during a stroll near my office in Seattle. [Photo: Jeff Carlson]](http://blograby.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/1-6-2555-13-46-46.jpg)
Auto Tracking Mode
The Auto mode has a feature you may have missed while skimming the user manual. When you press the Metering Light button (above and to the right of the Control dial), the G12’s Tracking mode is enabled. Move the camera so the selection rectangle is over an object you want to keep in focus and press the shutter button halfway—a blue rectangle tracks with that object, even when you move the camera or the object moves. Press the shutter button fully to take the shot.