Setting up the camera for AP - for conditions of the day

[KarbonBird]

I am interested to find out how you go about setting up the camera to determine the correct settings on the given day.

For example, when it is slightly overcast do you run a couple of test shots to determine the exposure level (histogram perhaps?), or do you guess what will be the best?

If one is using shutter priority:

- do you use ISO 50 or 100
- infinity focus
- shutter speed 1/800 ... 1/1600
- white balance ???
- sharpness ????
- exposure compensation ????

I seem to be having quite a few shots that are over exposed/under exposed or blurred. I don't really want to use the auto setting feature though if I can help it.

[enigma]

I am planning on trying the exposure bracket function on my next shoot. The camera will take 3 pics, quickly, each at a different exposure level, then I can pick the one I like!