S2 Program vs. Auto

[nycamera]

This may seem like a basic question to most, but is there any real benefit to the Auto mode vs. the Program mode? Program clearly gives you more flexibility, but is there any additional "intelligence" utilized in the Auto mode that is not used in the Program mode.

When my wife uses this camera, it is likely ot be in simple point and shoot mode. I know there are some standard adjustments that people use in Program mode (i.e exposure, etc.) that are not available in Auto mode. I'm just trying to figure out what mode to tell her to use when she uses the camera. Based on the manual, I can't see any benefit to Auto.

While on the topic, what are some of the standard baseline adjustments that many of you have found helpful in P mode?

[FlashX83]

I personally hate auto mode. I find the camera likes to pick a higher ISO speed than really necessary, thus creating a noisy image. I have my Program mode set to Exposure: -1/3ev, ISO: 50, and Effect: Low Sharpening, and I leave P mode there roughly 95% of the time. If my parents, etc are going to use the camera, I put it in P mode and tell them to not play with any of the settings and they'll be fine. ;)

Edit: Oh and I recommend reading the Tip thread at the top of this forum, that's where I've learned a LOT about my S2! :D