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Selective Focusing?

Sep 25, 2005

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    1. I just purchased a Canon Powershot S2 IS today, and I've been playing around with it a lot so far.

      One thing I've noticed is that I have a lot of trouble really focusing on a subject. Usually both the subject AND the background are in focus. I can't get the camera to really focus on particular point while blurring everything else.

      For instance, although this shot was taken with a Nikon Colpix 7900, it's exactly what I'd like. I just tried playing with the settings to try and get this effect, but everytime I take a picture the entire keyboard is in focus. Can anyone help me achieve this effect?
       
      #1 Miss Sha, Sep 25, 2005
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    2. If you are wanting to blur out the background, then you should try shooting in the Av or Portrait mode. Try the Av mode first. This mode allows you to control the aperture while the camera selects the best shutter speed for you. When you shoot with the aperture wide open at f2.7, the background will blur out and the focus will be sharply on what you are aiming at in the middle. I covered this in a past issue of Dollicieux before.


      This picture was shot with the aperture set at F16.


      This was shot at F2.0.

      I suggest you try different aperture settings and see what works best for you. :grin:
       
      #2 nikita, Sep 25, 2005
      Last edited by a moderator: Apr 16, 2018
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    3. Hmm... the lowest apeture I can go is 2.7... I'll try going back to all my default settings and changing just the apeture and see if that helps. ^^;
       
      #3 Miss Sha, Sep 26, 2005
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    4. Nikita, is that scrapbook "wallpaper" in the background? :grin:

      *glad I'm not the only one raiding the scrapbook supplies for my photoshoots*
       
      #4 frzndaqiri, Sep 26, 2005
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    5. Hmm... didn't get QUITE the results I was hoping for, but it's better than what I was getting previously. ^^;

      I used the Av setting, F2.7, in Supermacro mode. I had to use Supermacro because, otherwise, I couldn't get the camera to focus on one object -- it would keep the whole picture in focus. @_x;
       
      #5 Miss Sha, Sep 26, 2005
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    6. Hahah, it is scrapbook paper! They are great for 1/6 and Pinky St. backgrounds! Yeah, buying several of the same one and taping together works for SDs too tho that can be costly ($1.35 each sheet!)

      Shooting in supermacro is fine but it seems as tho your camera can't figure out what you are trying to focus on. Plus, when you shoot at such a large aperture, you'll need to use the tripod. I see that your camera has image stabilization feature but it's still best to use a tripod.

      Another good thing is using manual focus or MF. It's above your macro button on the side of the lens. You can also manual set where the focus square (or AF frame, as they call it) where you want to focus on. http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/s2is/s2_rec_af_frame_anim.gif

      From Steve's Digicam: You can manually select the position of the AF frame by pressing the SET button and using the arrow keys to move AF target mark on the screen.

      That should help you A LOT when focusing on something more sharply.

      Definitely play with all the features of your camera while you read the instruction book. Your camera is packed with a lot of good features!
       
      #6 nikita, Sep 26, 2005
      Last edited by a moderator: Apr 16, 2018
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