Digital Rebel question

[Blaine]

How do I get sharp focus throughout the photo in P mode?

Thank you very much,

Blaine

[Spargo]

Do you mean a larger depth of field? I don't think you can. P is for Portraits, which purpously blurs the background to focus on the subject. Use a manual mode with a smaller aperture.

[HJMinard]

It's difficult to ensure a particular depth of field in the P mode, although you can try to get the aperature you want by "shifting" the program using the main dial (see owner's manual). Bumping the ISO up to 400 would help allow the camera to select a smaller aperature. Then try "shifting" again.

A better plan would be to use the aperature priority (Av) mode and dial in the specific aperature you would like for the particular effect you hope to achieve (e.g., large aperature for blurred background - small aperature for greater depth).

[HJMinard]

Do you mean a larger depth of field? I don't think you can. P is for Portraits, which purpously blurs the background to focus on the subject. Use a manual mode with a smaller aperture.

No, the P mode is for "Program". It is similar to Auto (green box) but allows for greater flexibility of options (including the shifting I mentioned above). "Portrait" is a mode, but not to be confused with "P".

Another option for Blaine is the "Landscape" mode - it attempts to achieve the best possible depth of field.