Narrow focus on a P&S?

jdoggg12

Platinum Member
Aug 20, 2005
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Im trying to take an image like this and keep the sign in focus but everything else in the back/foreground blurry, the blurrier the better. I was about 10ft away in that shot.

Kinda like these macro shots
Altoids
flower
pollen

I'm not sure if its really possible with a P&S or if i'll have to wait till i'm experienced enough to pick up a DSLR

Any input is appreciated
 

Jawo

Diamond Member
Jun 15, 2005
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It looks like the examples you posted were from a camera with a small apperature (possibly a dSLR). You can try using the macro mode on your P&S camera, but it will be hard to do that sign, since its off center.
 

jdoggg12

Platinum Member
Aug 20, 2005
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Originally posted by: Jawo
It looks like the examples you posted were from a camera with a small apperature (possibly a dSLR). You can try using the macro mode on your P&S camera, but it will be hard to do that sign, since its off center.

All the pics posted are ones i took with the sd800 though. Maybe use the spot meter then focus lock in macro mode?
 

PowerRanger

Senior member
Jul 11, 2007
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You're not really gonna be able to get bokeh like a dSLR can give you with a P&S. The only thing you can try with that sign is by using your cam's longest focal length (zoom all the way out) and use the smallest f number. I don't think using the macro function in that particular situation is going to help any, but you can give it shot. As for the subject being off-center, just focus lock on the subject (half-press the shutter button) then recompose.
 

AndrewR

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: PowerRanger
You're not really gonna be able to get bokeh like a dSLR can give you with a P&S. The only thing you can try with that sign is by using your cam's longest focal length (zoom all the way out) and use the smallest f number. I don't think using the macro function in that particular situation is going to help any, but you can give it shot. As for the subject being off-center, just focus lock on the subject (half-press the shutter button) then recompose.

Shallow Depth of Field (DoF) on a P&S is very difficult because the combination of a slower lens, especially at longer focal lengths, and a smaller sensor generally makes for a huge DoF. It's one of the inherent advantages of the DSLR (faster lenses, larger sensors), as mentioned above. For very close shots, like the ones you posted, a P&S can do that. I remember trying to do the same thing with my Sony F717, which had quite a good range of controls, and it was typically difficult at anything beyond 2-3 feet.

At 10 ft, I'm not sure you can accomplish that with your camera. Follow PowerRanger's advice above and see what happens. Failing that, you can also selectively blur in Photoshop. It won't be as nice as the in-camera effect, but it will work.

Here's a Depth of Field explanation I found.
 

MadAmos

Senior member
Sep 13, 2006
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Not to jack your thread , but I just about did a spit take :shocked: when I saw your picture, It has been so long since I have been back where I grew up in Goleta CA and I never expected a picture to show up here :beer::D

Amos
 

jdoggg12

Platinum Member
Aug 20, 2005
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Yea, i was just snapping off a few shots on my lunch trying to get a feel for the camera. I love it here
 

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
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There are P&S cameras and P&S cameras. With one that has a full mode dial that includes aperture and shutter priority, and macro, and ISO changes, it is possible to get a shallow depth of field. Sample - I took this with a Canon S3 IS and flash.

Bird of Paradise

Another good way is to do a telephoto macro with a low ISO so that the aperture is forced to widest.