DOF in compact cameras?

Filmmaker

Filmmaker

Suspended / Banned
Messages
13
Name
Ewan
Edit My Images
Yes
I'm using the Samsung ES78 until I get a DSLR. I'm wondering how you get DOF on it. I know it's really hard to get DOF with compact cameras but is it achievable?

Thanks!
 
Hate to sound pedantic but just in case I've missed the point, I assume you actually mean 'shallow depth of field' rather than 'depth of field'?

If you do mean shallow, as you say, it's a challenge with a compact.

To achieve quite a shallow depth of field, try extending the zoom to it's max distance and then get as close to your subject as you possibly can (use macro mode if it has one). If your subject is tiny, this'll work well. If your subject, is large, you'll have to forget it I'm afraid.

ETA, beaten to it!
 
Some compacts (e.g. Sony HX9V) cheat for shallow depth of field and apply a bit of post-processing in the camera to get a more pronounced effect. I'm not familiar with the Samsung, but using the longest zoom on the camera and putting plenty of distance between the subject and the backgrouns will help. Beyond that, a wee bit of fudging in your image editor of choice can help out.
 
Update:

Can't seem to get it to work at all. The foreground subject which I need in focus is completely out of focus and the background is all in focus...
 
Due to the small sensor in most compacts achiving the out of focus background usually requires a greater distance between the subject and the background
 
You can also experiment with the macro settings for portrait type shots which you might not normal have used macro with it.
 
I'm trying to do some test shots with small objects like watches etc... I'm trying not to make the background too complex. The watch is about 3 feet away from the wall. I can upload some photos to show you if that helps.
 
Ok, managed to get this image. Pretty satisfied.

2e67ipl.jpg
 
Filmmaker said:
Update:

Can't seem to get it to work at all. The foreground subject which I need in focus is completely out of focus and the background is all in focus...
Click to expand...

Minimum Focussing Distance

It's in the manual ;)

Generally, macro will always produce a shallow depth of field and you can focus closer with the shortest focal length (pull the zoom back wider).

If you'd mentioned "macro" earlier in the question.. .. ..
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top