Depth of Field Problem Cannon A720 IS

[djpj]

I have a Cannon A720 IS

Please cld some one advise how I can take pics so that I get a blurry depth of field ..

I ve been putting the aperture on 2.8 but still everything appears to be in focus – its like Its really disappointing . I want to take pics so that I have the subject in focus but everything behind is blurred …

Please HELP ….

Thankyou
:)

[Jon]

That's, unfortunately, not something any of the PowerShot line is good at, or even really meant for. Depth of field isn't just a question of "use the biggest aperture". You also need to use longer focal length lenses and get as much separation between your subject and the background as possible. And even at telephoto, your A720's lens is about the same focal length as the wide end of a kit lens on an EOS 400D.

Play with the numbers in this Online Depth of Field Calculator (http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html); you'll get more idea of what does and doesn't work.

[sadatk]

Doesn't the small sensor size also affect how much dof you can get on a point and shoot?

[JustShootin']

Doesn't the small sensor size also affect how much dof you can get on a point and shoot?

Oh yes!!

Gary

[mamadu.bwana]

Isn't there a way to use the Macro mode to get a better separation between the subject and the background? I read somewhere that the Macro mode can be used to take 'regular' photos. Is that true and, if yes, how do you do that?

[Jon]

Macro mode enables you to focus closer. That closer focus means a shallower DoF, but I can't think (mind you, for macro I use a 90 mm Tamron on my DSLR) how you could use macro mode to focus at normal (3 ft. or greater) subject distances.

[mamadu.bwana]

I don't know either, but I recall reading somewhere that using Macro at more than 3fr can actually be used. don't remember where though...

[suesue]

I have a Cannon A720 IS

Please cld some one advise how I can take pics so that I get a blurry depth of field ..

I ve been putting the aperture on 2.8 but still everything appears to be in focus – its like Its really disappointing . I want to take pics so that I have the subject in focus but everything behind is blurred …

Please HELP ….

Thankyou
:)
djpj..
I was wondering that myself..i have the same camera, let me know if you figure it out~ ;-)

[audiobomber]

djpj..
I was wondering that myself..i have the same camera, let me know if you figure it out~ ;-)

You won't find what you're after in a point & shoot or bridge camera. Small sensors create huge depth of field. Setting a compact camera at f/2.8 is like setting a DSLR to about f'/11 according to Bryan Peterson in Understanding Exposure. To get shallow dof, you need a DSLR.

[audiobomber]

I don't know either, but I recall reading somewhere that using Macro at more than 3fr can actually be used. don't remember where though...

You can get shallow depth of field (good blur) with the Macro setting, but you can only photograph small items up close.

[ae86trueno]

You can get shallow depth of field (good blur) with the Macro setting, but you can only photograph small items up close.

yep,
By Macro, it allow you to focus closer to subject = smaller DoF. it does not mean say 1 metre to subject you get some blur then by enable macro with same 1 metre distance you get more blur.
what affect DoF are:
1. Aperture
2. Focal length
3. Distance to object
4. Sensor size.
with P&S' tiny sensor size.. you naturally get large DoF..

[msowsun]

4. Sensor size.
with P&S' tiny sensor size.. you naturally get large DoF..

It really puts in perspective when you compare the sensor sizes side by side:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/msowsun/photo%20stuff/Sensorsizes_640.jpg

[Jon]

Well, here's a post from a new member (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=498903) showing an example of how you can get it.

[suesue]

an example of shallow DOF...

http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/6414/img0372xt2.jpg

[Neel350]

Using macro mode at 720 IS

at F/2.8 (Less Detailed Background)

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/1458/00013bv4.th.jpg (http://img503.imageshack.us/my.php?image=00013bv4.jpg)

at F/8 (More Detailed Background)

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/419/00010ly5.th.jpg (http://img208.imageshack.us/my.php?image=00010ly5.jpg)

Another F/2.8

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/9620/00024ht2.th.jpg (http://img182.imageshack.us/my.php?image=00024ht2.jpg)

Sorry,Can't resist myself post pic in this forum.....this is my first time

[suesue]

Neel..those are good, did you use a tripod? i like #3 the best.

[Neel350]

^^Thanks for your comments....didn't use any tripod(It was 1/249) but wait long time to stop the wind and the flowers become stable.

Pic - 3 info :- f/2.8, 1/249 sec, ISO 80, AWB,Custom Color:- Sharpness,Saturation,Contrast = +1(All), Using AV Mode.
No Photoshoped or Elements.

Another f/2.8
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/4995/00011ts0.th.jpg (http://img178.imageshack.us/my.php?image=00011ts0.jpg)

Same flower (this one is my fav)

http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/7589/00014sc9.th.jpg (http://img164.imageshack.us/my.php?image=00014sc9.jpg)

[suesue]

i was trying to take pics today, but like you said..it was windy...so i picked a few tulips (in my backyard)..lol & snapped this.

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/2695/img0477ed9.jpg