Background blur on auto setting help?

Wow, I am so glad you linked that Virtual Camera thread. Before bed last night, I was thinking over what I've been learning recently about using my camera on the fully manual setting, how to achieve the depth of field that I want, etc. I was really wishing that there was a program on the computer where I could mess around and see instant results of the settings I chose.

Thanks so much!

MayaPapaya wrote in post #6199987
I was really wishing that there was a program on the computer where I could mess around and see instant results of the settings I chose.

Thanks so much!

There's a computer in your camera that displays the photo you take on your LCD screen! Mess around, choose some settings, press the shutter, and you can see results instantly! Seriously.:p

That really is the only way you'll see it (unless you operate your camera from a laptop). Different subjects, environments, etc... will affect which settings you choose, so a program doesn't really make much sense. Why try to learn from a simulated experience when you can take your camera into the field and do it yourself?

I do practice with my camera a lot, but it seems I can't tell whether something was actually in focus until I see it up on my monitor. I just thought the virtual program might help sink the theory of it into my brain faster than with just the camera alone.

No point in having a camera if using a virtual program was the only thing I was going to do!

MayaPapaya wrote in post #6204520
I do practice with my camera a lot, but it seems I can't tell whether something was actually in focus until I see it up on my monitor. I just thought the virtual program might help sink the theory of it into my brain faster than with just the camera alone.

No point in having a camera if using a virtual program was the only thing I was going to do!

One of the lesser known features of the Canon Rebel XTi is that when reviewing pictures in camera can be done at high levels of magnification. Just use the button in the uppermost right hand corner of the back of the camera (has a looking glass in blue with a + sign).

Here is a paper that explains how to examine your images in detail.

************Examining Image Sharpness***********
http://www.zaffora.com …mageSharpnessVe​rsion2.pdf

That will help SO much. I didn't know about the magnification button. I guess I need to re-read my user's manual now that I'm more familiar with my camera. When I first got it there was so much to absorb that I think I missed some important details like this one, and the depth of field preview button.

You guys are wonderful, and thanks for not snickering publicly at me!

MayaPapaya wrote in post #6207822
That will help SO much. I didn't know about the magnification button. I guess I need to re-read my user's manual now that I'm more familiar with my camera. When I first got it there was so much to absorb that I think I missed some important details like this one, and the depth of field preview button.

You guys are wonderful, and thanks for not snickering publicly at me!

Don't feel bad!
I used my XTi for months before I accidentally discovered that feature - which was the primary reason for writing the paper on that topic.