Shallow DOF with S2IS

[Stefan A]

Is it possible to get that blurry background/sharp foreground look with the S2IS? I have tried the largest aperture and I have tried zooming, but the background is still too clear. I am just talking about portraits.

Stefan

[pushtoexit]

Sounds like the only thing left to adjust is the distance between your portrait subject and the background. Widest aperature, longest zoom, distance to backdrop.

[cdifoto]

I don't want to rain on your parade but subject isolation and the inability to obtain/control it is one of the drawbacks to a P&S and why some (a lot?) shooters go with dSLRs and fast lenses.

[Stefan A]

You're not raining on my parade. You're giving me amunition for an SLR .

Stefan

[cdifoto]

Originally Posted by Stefan A

You're not raining on my parade. You're giving me amunition for an SLR .

Stefan

I'll tell you the cheapest way to get what you want brand new is with an XT and the 50mm f/1.8 Mark II lens. The setup can be had for about $870 plus shipping at B&H.

Alternatively you could go for a used XT or used original Rebel for a lot less. The lens I mentioned isn't top grade built but the optics are pretty good and it's cheap enough ($80).

[nwyman]

Originally Posted by cdi-ink.com

I'll tell you the cheapest way to get what you want brand new is with an XT and the 50mm f/1.8 Mark II lens. The setup can be had for about $870 plus shipping at B&H.

Alternatively you could go for a used XT or used original Rebel for a lot less. The lens I mentioned isn't top grade built but the optics are pretty good and it's cheap enough ($80).

But be warned - I did this two weeks ago and am having a difficult time adjusting to the XT. But it might just be me, and general lack of experience. The cold weather isn't helping much either.

If anything, the XT is giving me a new appreciation of the S2. And I didn't get the 50mm f 1.8, but the stock kit lens.

Nancy

[cdifoto]

Originally Posted by nwyman

But be warned - I did this two weeks ago and am having a difficult time adjusting to the XT. But it might just be me, and general lack of experience. The cold weather isn't helping much either.

If anything, the XT is giving me a new appreciation of the S2. And I didn't get the 50mm f 1.8, but the stock kit lens.

Nancy

Well any dSLR is a steep learning curve...but stick with it...you'll love it when you get the hang of it!

[nwyman]

I keep looking at all those wonderfully sharp shots on the Nature and Travel Forums that are taken with the XT and marvel.
Again, with warmer weather, I'll have more of a chance to sit outside somewhere and play.

Nancy

[cdifoto]

Originally Posted by nwyman

I keep looking at all those wonderfully sharp shots on the Nature and Travel Forums that are taken with the XT and marvel.
Again, with warmer weather, I'll have more of a chance to sit outside somewhere and play.

Nancy

Part of that sharpness is due to having a nice lens and part of it is post-processing. Pretty much all photos from Canon dSLRs need post-processing to get the most out of 'em. I'm still learning how to do that.

[Stefan A]

But be warned - I did this two weeks ago and am having a difficult time adjusting to the XT.

Can you tell me what it is about the slr you find most challenging?

Stefan

[nwyman]

Originally Posted by Stefan A

Can you tell me what it is about the slr you find most challenging?

Stefan

I don't think there's enough room on the forum! <g>
Really - I don't have any kind of photography background, other than two very basic classes on digital cameras that dealt with very basic concepts. And I've read several books, most of which confuse me more than when I started them.

There are several functions (if that's the right term) on the XT that are not on the S2 - like Servo. I'm still not sure what that is, but it seems to have something to do with motion shots.
And then there are the parameters.
And the custom settings with the exposure locked to focus, if I understand that correctly.

I don't understand when I am supposed to use autofocus as opposed to manual - and I'm scared to death I'll touch something I'm not supposed to when in auto mode and break something.

Part of the trouble, I think, is that I am starting off trying to do really difficult things, like bird shots - and small, flighty birds at that. I should just sit in the backyard with a tripod and practise. But it's gotten too cold to do much of that right now.

The switches and buttons are in different places on the Xt than on the S2 - and I keep trying to use the S2 when I'm holding the XT.

I also keep forgetting what all the icons mean on the LCD screen when I most need to use them, and I find the LCD screen harder to read.
Might be that I'll have to go cold turkey on the S2 until I get things fixed in my mind.
I'm also trying to learn Photoshop, and Elements 4.0, and that's a lot for my ancient brain to absorb at the same time.

[cdifoto]

Originally Posted by nwyman

I don't think there's enough room on the forum! <g>
Really - I don't have any kind of photography background, other than two very basic classes on digital cameras that dealt with very basic concepts. And I've read several books, most of which confuse me more than when I started them.

There are several functions (if that's the right term) on the XT that are not on the S2 - like Servo. I'm still not sure what that is, but it seems to have something to do with motion shots.
And then there are the parameters.
And the custom settings with the exposure locked to focus, if I understand that correctly.

I don't understand when I am supposed to use autofocus as opposed to manual - and I'm scared to death I'll touch something I'm not supposed to when in auto mode and break something.

Part of the trouble, I think, is that I am starting off trying to do really difficult things, like bird shots - and small, flighty birds at that. I should just sit in the backyard with a tripod and practise. But it's gotten too cold to do much of that right now.

The switches and buttons are in different places on the Xt than on the S2 - and I keep trying to use the S2 when I'm holding the XT.

I also keep forgetting what all the icons mean on the LCD screen when I most need to use them, and I find the LCD screen harder to read.
Might be that I'll have to go cold turkey on the S2 until I get things fixed in my mind.
I'm also trying to learn Photoshop, and Elements 4.0, and that's a lot for my ancient brain to absorb at the same time.

A good bit of that stuff is addressed in the manual. It's worth reading. There's a lot more to it than "how to install the batteries".

[nwyman]

Originally Posted by cdi-ink.com

A good bit of that stuff is addressed in the manual. It's worth reading. There's a lot more to it than "how to install the batteries".

I have read the manual. And am currently reading a Magic Lantern Guide to the Rebel XT. I just don't understand a lot of what I'm reading, nor can I think fast enough to apply it to certain situations.
It will come with time.

Nancy

[cdifoto]

Originally Posted by nwyman

I have read the manual. And am currently reading a Magic Lantern Guide to the Rebel XT. I just don't understand a lot of what I'm reading, nor can I think fast enough to apply it to certain situations.
It will come with time.

Nancy

Yeah it does take some time. I learned the technical side of it kinda quick but the artistic aspect still alludes me. Some people are the opposite. And then there are those other jerks that get it all immediately. lol.


PS: Noticed you're from the Eastern Shore. I had a gf down there several years ago. Last I heard she was going to Salisbury University.

[nwyman]

Originally Posted by cdi-ink.com

And then there are those other jerks that get it all immediately. lol.


PS: Noticed you're from the Eastern Shore. I had a gf down there several years ago. Last I heard she was going to Salisbury University.

Well, it's a relief to know I'm not that kind of a jerk, anyway! <g>
Salisbury U. has gotten very popular in recent years. I'm about two hours north of there.

Nancy