Depth of Field

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stockwell

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Hi,

Could someone explain in basic terms Depth of Field and how this should be used when taking pictures?

I know this might sound like a really stupid question, but I'm trying to get a better basic grasp really!

Thanks
 
stockwell said:
Hi,

Could someone explain in basic terms Depth of Field and how this should be used when taking pictures?

I know this might sound like a really stupid question, but I'm trying to get a better basic grasp really!

Thanks
Click to expand...

Google 'depth of field' should get you more sites than you can shake a stick at.
 
If you stand in a field on one side and then look to the other side, the bit in between is its depth .... its is the depth of the field :)

That was my first photo lesson at my first job in a studio back in the 80s :)

Google is your friend on this one.
 
Im on a Canon 450D - when I put on the Depth of Field Function, I cant seem to have any control over shutter speed - and its holding the shutter open for ages unless I put on the flash - is this nornal? I received the camera with no instruction manual, so trouble shooting has proved pretty tricky!
 
Don't know Canon bodies - but I bet you could d/l a manual from the canon website. Have you looked?
 
wasnt clear what the q was.....
 
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stockwell said:
Im on a Canon 450D - when I put on the Depth of Field Function, I cant seem to have any control over shutter speed - and its holding the shutter open for ages unless I put on the flash - is this nornal? I received the camera with no instruction manual, so trouble shooting has proved pretty tricky!
Click to expand...

Is this a button on the bottom right of camera body near where the lens attaches. Juct under the lens release button?

If it is is only a preview of DOF. ... or am i getting it wrong like an old bloke:lol:
 
There's also a mode on the command dial which tries to get everything on the focus points sharp. I can't remember what it's called as I only selected it accidentally on my 50D and briefly wondered why my shutter was open for so long.

Just looked and it's the A-dep setting.
 
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cheers chaps - button was right where you said it was - holding down and clicking the roller moves the DOF from 5.4 on my lens up to 32

Had no idea what that button even did before!
 
Tokkelossi said:
PM me an I will explain :thumbs:
Click to expand...

Sorry but doesnt that defeat the whole concept of a messageboard and is a bit of a killer for the next person searching the problem if the answer is in PM?
 
KIPAX said:
Sorry but doesnt that defeat the whole concept of a messageboard and is a bit of a killer for the next person searching the problem if the answer is in PM?
Click to expand...

What i explain to one person my not be grasped by the next. Yes its a catch 22. I could explain and then another may not understand etc.

Why not ask one person what they know so far, find out if they know basics and then I know how to help them.

We can all explain and Im not the only one here that can do that. I just wanted to help someone who thought i gave them short change. that all. not a snub. and so in order to make everyone a bit happier:

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/depth-of-field.htm

any questions ;)
 
stockwell said:
Hi,

Could someone explain in basic terms Depth of Field and how this should be used when taking pictures?

I know this might sound like a really stupid question, but I'm trying to get a better basic grasp really!

Thanks
Click to expand...

Depth of field is the zone within the picture that appears acceptably sharp. It extends both in front and behind the point focused on, and the depth of the zone varies with f/number, shooting distance and focal length.

Controlling DoF is a key creative technique and, depending on the cirumstances, can be varied a lot - from just a few mms of sharpness in a macro close-up; to a few feet in a group portrait so that the background is blurred; to making everything sharp from your feet to the horizon in a wide landscape.
 
stockwell said:
cheers chaps - button was right where you said it was - holding down and clicking the roller moves the DOF from 5.4 on my lens up to 32

Had no idea what that button even did before!
Click to expand...

You don't need to hold that button to change Aperture.

Rotating the dial whilst in Av does it alone or
Holding the Av (+ -)with your thumb and rotating dial changes it in Manual mode or
Holding the Av (+ -)with your thumb and rotating dial adds exposure compensation in Tv mode (and also P Mode)

That button is only to show you the effect of the aperture selected as said earlier.

The best way to test it is using a small aperture, eg f22. When you look through the lens you are always viewing through its widest aperture, and it only 'stops down' electronically when you press the shutter.

DoF Preview triggers this action without actually taking the shot.
 
Another Google search would be "canon DOF calculator"
 
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