DSLR setting question.

[Ron]

Hi,

I just got a DSLR and I was wondering what setting would produce a picture that would be entirely in focus instead of just one part of the subject?

I have basic camera knowledge but no matter what setting I use I get the head, or whatever I focus on, in focus and the rest of the subject ends up blurry.

Thanks.

[Big Mike]

I'm still trying to save for a DSLR...which one did you get?

What you need to do is put the camera into aperture priority mode (Av). Then set a small aperture (bigger number). Something like F16, F19 or F22.

When you do this, you have to be aware that you are cutting the amount of light getting to the sensor so the shutter will have to open for a longer amount of time. The longer the shutter is open, the more blur you will get from camera shake (if you are holding the camera).

A basic rule of thumb is that if the shutter speed number is lower than the focal length...you will get noticeable camera shake.

The solution is to use a tripod or other support and fire the camera on timer mode or with a remote shutter release. This is a good idea anyway, as it will give you sharper pictures.

Now if you are doing macro or close-up photography. A tripod becomes more important because your Depth of Field (area that is in focus) gets to be very small (shallow). So stopping down the aperture becomes important.

Your camera also may have a DOF preview button. This allows you to view through the lens with the aperture stopped down to it's setting. It will be darker but you will be able to see what areas are in focus.

[Ron]

Hey Mike,

I bought a Canon EOS 20D.

I'll give those a try, I think the trick now will be to get the snakes to stay still.

Thanks.

[Big Mike]

A 20D...I'm very envious. That's what I'm hoping to get. What lens/lenses did you get or already have?

With longer shutter speeds, it may be hard to get the critters to sit still long enough.

The one good thing about compact point & shoot digital cameras is that they make macro photography pretty easy...but of course the image quality will be nowhere near what you will get from a DSLR.

[Greg West]

Here is where I go for questions. Most people are quite helpful there and you usually get a reply right away. Very envious as well. My next camera would be a DSLR.

Greg

http://www.dpreview.com/

[Ron]

Mike,

I got the EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lense. I am also planning to get the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lense. I'm a big fan of free shooting so the IS is pretty much a must.

Greg,

Thanks, I'll check it out.

[Big Mike]

I'm also envous of your lens...I would love an IS USM lens for my Canon.

I would also suggest picking up a nice prime lens. The 50mm F1.8 is the least expensive lens in Canon's EF lineup but it's sharper than most and faster than any of the zoom lenses.

By faster, I mean that it has a larger maximum aperture (F1.8) which lets in more light and therefore allows the use of faster shutter speeds. This also helps when you want to shoot hand held in lower light situations.

Prime lenses also make nice portrait lenses because with wide apertures you can throw the background out of focus (opposite to your original question).

Have fun with your new toy :)

[supgaoo]

If you want a e-book on photography, let me know and I can send it to you. It was some great break downs on how to use your camera.

[Ron]

Originally posted by supgaoo
If you want a e-book on photography, let me know and I can send it to you. It was some great break downs on how to use your camera.

Sure that would be great.

[Greg West]

can you send it to me too?

Thanks

Greg West