Shallow depth of field on camera

ukcarper

Not sure how big subject is but if it is small any good macro lens will produce a shallow depth of field if subject close enough.


Not sure that image hasn't been photo shopped.

daveyjp

Even the cheapest DSLRs now have multi point focussing. No need to go full frame.

ukcarper

daveyjp wrote: »

Even the cheapest DSLRs now have multi point focussing. No need to go full frame.

Not sure multi point focusing will make any difference if you haven't got the shallow depth of field in the first place.

harrys_dad

cocopops21 wrote: »

Thanks for all your input. I was previously able to achieve a bit of blur by following tutorials online but I want something more like this:

http://cdn.tutsplus.com/photo/uploads/legacy/292_depthoffield/1.jpg

I thought it may have been the camera but sounds like I was wrong. I will take a class when I get some free time.

You have been given some excellent advice above, especially about using a wide aperture (small number fstop). I would suggest you buy (or get from your local library) an introductory book for digital photography where you can learn about the relationship between aperture, shutter speed and ISO setting. I got a really good "introduction to digital photography" hardback book in The Works for £7.

What sort of budget do you have for photgraphic equipment and what else do you want to use it for?

The effect in that picture can also be achieved using photoshop.

cocopops21

harrys_dad wrote: »

You have been given some excellent advice above, especially about using a wide aperture (small number fstop). I would suggest you buy (or get from your local library) an introductory book for digital photography where you can learn about the relationship between aperture, shutter speed and ISO setting. I got a really good "introduction to digital photography" hardback book in The Works for £7.

What sort of budget do you have for photgraphic equipment and what else do you want to use it for?

The effect in that picture can also be achieved using photoshop.

I travel a lot so would like to use the camera for landscapes as well and I'm looking for something that takes good night pictures. My budget is at about £300. You're right I need to read up! Will take a peak at The Works. Thanks for your help!

yangptangkipperbang

Read this:

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/how-to/tech-explained/536453/depth-of-field-explained

closed

cocopops21 wrote: »

Thanks for all your input. I was previously able to achieve a bit of blur by following tutorials online but I want something more like this:

http://cdn.tutsplus.com/photo/uploads/legacy/292_depthoffield/1.jpg

I thought it may have been the camera but sounds like I was wrong. I will take a class when I get some free time.

That's a macro shot, turn the macro function on and the depth of field will be minimal

any camera (dslr or compact) can achieve the effect you are after, you just have to turn off auto and adjust the settings, the blur is all down to the position of the subject, the fstop (lower the better), and the focal length (ie zoom = better)

if the subject is moving, you can also get a similar effect by using a long shutter speed and panning with the subject

bigger fstop or wide angle zoom = more things in focus.

harrys_dad

cocopops21 wrote: »

I travel a lot so would like to use the camera for landscapes as well and I'm looking for something that takes good night pictures. My budget is at about £300. You're right I need to read up! Will take a peak at The Works. Thanks for your help!

For that budget you might have trouble achieving all that. You can get a canon100D with the 18-55mm lens for less than £300 but I suspect the lens will not achieve what you want.

Where are you based? (send me a PM if you want rather than disclose publically). If you join your local camera club you will find people there top help you, and maybe even let you trey their equipment. I will let you know contact details for it once I know where you are.

cocopops21

harrys_dad wrote: »

For that budget you might have trouble achieving all that. You can get a canon100D with the 18-55mm lens for less than £300 but I suspect the lens will not achieve what you want.

Where are you based? (send me a PM if you want rather than disclose publically). If you join your local camera club you will find people there top help you, and maybe even let you trey their equipment. I will let you know contact details for it once I know where you are.

I live in Norwich. Yeah my budget doesn't give me a lot to work with so I was thinking of getting all the equipment second hand on ebay.

WTFH

You'll get a canon 1000d for the, not a 100D.

Can I plug a free tutorial from a friend of mine...
http://stopshootingauto.com/exposure-lessons-in-order/
A book on your birthday list should be Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson.

I should also point out at this stage that I may have a slight bias in my opinion as I'm a member of CPN - although not a pro photographer.