I generally try to shoot in the M mode for the challenge of it, but I doubt I am exercising good craft when I do. My question is basically which setting do you tackle first--aperture or shutter speed? I realize that one controls DOF through aperture settings, or that high shutter speed freezes action and slow shutter speeds provide effusive effects. And, of course, there are times when low light more or less dictates your settings.

But what about all the other times?  I generally favor deep focus and try to keep my apertures small, but also have the impression that the E-P1 starts to lose image quality at around f.11. What about it-- landscape shots or general walk around photography out of doors in the daylight: do you first set aperture or shutter speed and why?

I also use "A" mode most of the time. I also shoot static subjects, so I want to control the DOF my self. I prefer having a background a little OOF if I can. It helps separate the subject better.

I also like shooting p/s style.. That is: I set the lens for [hyper-focal] range from 6'-INF' for example. with with my 20mm, that would be f/11 at 10' and take it out of AF mode. Here, I bump my ISO up so my Shutter Speed will be at least 1/200s (ISO 200-400 usually works from cloudy to sunny days).

I've discovered that using A mode on the E-P1 is a very bad idea when you're in anything except perfect light where you're taking pictures.

I've discovered that using A mode on the E-P1 is a very bad idea when you're in anything except perfect light where you're taking pictures.

I'll bite A bad idea in what way?

The camera underexposes horribly, and trying to bring it back up in Lightroom does not make the photos look good.

Not mine. But I check the live histogram and compensate accordingly anyway. Sometimes 1 or 2 thirds up or down but often no compensation is necessary.

Yup, Shoot to [Almost] the right 
Adjust EV accordingly, although I take my own medicine sometimes.