"F8"..... the best there is ?

[283CID]

When I got my G-1 I quickly noticed that F8 was as small an aperture as there was. On a bright day, snowy, that means maybe 1/500 th shutter speed.

I've grown used to it.... I assume the aperture not going down to F16 or F32 doesn't have much effect on Depth of Field, but still I am wondering if anybody knows WHY Canon, et. al......limited us to this ??

[Warman]

Doesnt the use of the ND filter efectively double the aperture?

[283CID]

" N D " ?????????

[Warman]

Neutral Density filter.

[283CID]

Uhhhh...... OK. Would you mind explaining that a little? How can a filter effect aperture? Maybe IT has a F32 ? Would an F32 'filter' in front of an F8 Main Lense have a "F32" value ??

[s00pcan]

ND filters block light without affecting color.

[sdommin]

I assume the aperture not going down to F16 or F32 doesn't have much effect on Depth of Field, but still I am wondering if anybody knows WHY Canon, et. al......limited us to this ??

This is common on most small-CCD prosumer cameras. The f-number is the ratio between the focal length of the lens, and the physical size of the opening formed by the shutter blades (in other words, the aperture). Because these numbers are so small on cameras like the G1, G2, etc., it gets harder and harder (and more expensive) to build aperture blades that close down to a tiny, tiny hole (and still retain the precision needed to allow just the right amount of light in). There's more "wiggle room" at larger apertures, but none at smaller apertures.

The Leica Digilux 2 has f11 as its smallest aperture (just thought I'd throw that in). 8)

[283CID]

Thanks, Scott.... I didn't know that part about the Ratio.... Always wondered why the smaller 'hole' had the higher number !

I had a Petri F1.9 I bought in the Orient in 1958 for $20.... Couldn't have been too high quality, but IT went down to F32.

BUT....I have no clue about it's 'Ratio'...

Thanks again for the info.... I haven't actually been bothered by the F8 limit, but I'm not used to seeing such high stutter speeds on 'still' shots !

[pradeep1]

And since the sensor is also smaller on digicams, compared to a full sized 35mm film, your depth of field will also be larger at a given f/stop. So an f/8 may have a depth of field of what you would get on f/16 or f/22 of a regular 35 mm camera.

[4walls]

Uhhhh...... OK. Would you mind explaining that a little? How can a filter effect aperture? Maybe IT has a F32 ? Would an F32 'filter' in front of an F8 Main Lense have a "F32" value ??
If you want slower shutter speeds with F8, just use the ND filter on the camera and you will be able to shoot at a slower speed. As stated, the ND filter only blocks light and does not affect the color. The small lens on the G series camera already gives plenty depth of field, so you don't "need" a smaller aperature for that purpose. If your only goal is shooting slower, use the ND. Try it out, you might be surprised. It works quite well. Some users add the ND setting ON to C1 or C2 on the dial so it is quicker and easier to use than going through the menu every time you want it.

Check out some ND shots here...http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=28752&highlight=nd. About four posts into this topic is a shot with the ND filter on.

Hope this helps.

[Andy_T]

Hi,

I'm a little bit astonished that f/8 on a 'bright day' would result in shutter speeds always as fast as 1/500.

I normally use f/5.6 (supposed to be the 'optimal' aperture giving the sharpest pictures) and I rarely get shots faster than 1/320.

Are you sure you set the ISO to 50?
(That's what you should do anyway, because it gives the most vibrant colours and the least noise)

Best regards,
Andy

[283CID]

Oh, yeah.... ISO 50 [I did a bunch of tests on the other settings...learned about that!]

Well, here in Klinsman's adoptive home, the sun can really be bright off sand or snow. 1/500 is not 'common', but it is not 'rare' either.

Thanks...

[slejhamer]

FYI, the G1 does not have a built-in ND filter. Don't let some of the above posts confuse you.

However, you can buy an add-on ND filter if you have an adapter.

Also, a polarizer will cut 1-1/2 to 2 stops of light. I would recommend the polarizer first as it is more useful for general shooting, then an ND if you still need slower shutter speeds.