Comments on: Clearing up depth of field http://photodoto.com/clearing-up-depth-of-field/ Photography is for everyone. Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:26:24 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 By: Greg http://photodoto.com/clearing-up-depth-of-field/#comment-139453 Greg Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:14:29 +0000 http://photodoto.com/index.php/2006/04/29/clearing-up-depth-of-field/#comment-139453 I was explaining 'autofocus' and 'composing' a shot with a point and shoot group and after they understood the concept of depth of field (one participant called it 'focus field depth') they understood why you could recompose after holding down the shutter button halfway. I was surprised to discover how many people can't grasp the simple concept of a half button press... I guess I always thought people read at least SOME of their user's manuals. I was explaining ‘autofocus’ and ‘composing’ a shot with a point and shoot group and after they understood the concept of depth of field (one participant called it ‘focus field depth’) they understood why you could recompose after holding down the shutter button halfway.

I was surprised to discover how many people can’t grasp the simple concept of a half button press…

I guess I always thought people read at least SOME of their user’s manuals.

]]> By: The importance of focus and quick tips on how to get it right | Photodoto http://photodoto.com/clearing-up-depth-of-field/#comment-131806 The importance of focus and quick tips on how to get it right | Photodoto Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:10:59 +0000 http://photodoto.com/index.php/2006/04/29/clearing-up-depth-of-field/#comment-131806 [...] a feast for the eyes. Landscape photographers often avail themselves of a little knowledge of hyperfocal distances to keep everything in the scene in perfect focus, from the closest flower to the furthest [...] [...] a feast for the eyes. Landscape photographers often avail themselves of a little knowledge of hyperfocal distances to keep everything in the scene in perfect focus, from the closest flower to the furthest [...]

]]> By: Ray http://photodoto.com/clearing-up-depth-of-field/#comment-6962 Ray Mon, 13 Nov 2006 05:50:43 +0000 http://photodoto.com/index.php/2006/04/29/clearing-up-depth-of-field/#comment-6962 I've been narrowing my depth of field for video interviews (Panasonic DVC PRO 50 Camera) by opening the aperature all the way (on bright days that would normally require a smaller aperature)then increasing shutter speed, so the shutter is opened the least amount of time, ergo lowering the amount of light entering my camera to an acceptable level. Combine this technique with a little increase of distance between me and the subject, zoom in a touch, and the background is nicely softened. The lack of detail behind my subject gives the audience an idea of what's going on behind my subject but causes their otherwise wandering eyes to go back to the subject. I’ve been narrowing my depth of field for video interviews (Panasonic DVC PRO 50 Camera) by opening the aperature all the way (on bright days that would normally require a smaller aperature)then increasing shutter speed, so the shutter is opened the least amount of time, ergo lowering the amount of light entering my camera to an acceptable level. Combine this technique with a little increase of distance between me and the subject, zoom in a touch, and the background is nicely softened. The lack of detail behind my subject gives the audience an idea of what’s going on behind my subject but causes their otherwise wandering eyes to go back to the subject.

]]> By: Dave http://photodoto.com/clearing-up-depth-of-field/#comment-119 Dave Mon, 01 May 2006 07:11:26 +0000 http://photodoto.com/index.php/2006/04/29/clearing-up-depth-of-field/#comment-119 I think it's important to point out that depth of field is relative to magnification at the output (print or screen). You end up with greater depth of field just by leaning back away from your monitor. The as details appear smaller to your eye, you can't tell if they are in focus or not. Thus, the only reason using a longer focal length appears to shrink the depth of field is because the magnification will be greater at the output. If your camera and subject stay in the same place, and you shoot at two different focal lengths, but crop and zoom so that the printed subject is the same size in both prints, the depth of field will also be the same in both prints. I think it’s important to point out that depth of field is relative to magnification at the output (print or screen). You end up with greater depth of field just by leaning back away from your monitor. The as details appear smaller to your eye, you can’t tell if they are in focus or not. Thus, the only reason using a longer focal length appears to shrink the depth of field is because the magnification will be greater at the output. If your camera and subject stay in the same place, and you shoot at two different focal lengths, but crop and zoom so that the printed subject is the same size in both prints, the depth of field will also be the same in both prints.

]]> By: wakalani http://photodoto.com/clearing-up-depth-of-field/#comment-112 wakalani Sun, 30 Apr 2006 10:52:17 +0000 http://photodoto.com/index.php/2006/04/29/clearing-up-depth-of-field/#comment-112 thanks so much, I really appreciate all the information you post here thanks so much, I really appreciate all the information you post here

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