DOF

[ILovePlaya]

Was practicing using aperture mode yesterday
experimenting with DOF and Nikon d40's DOF didn't
change from one f stop to another.
Do I have something turned on to cause this?
Thank's in advance.
Craig.

 

[ann]

which priority are you using?

If in aperture you need to pick the fstop and the shutter speed with come along for the ride changing to match the lighting conditions.

If in shutter, change the shutter speed and the aperture should change

or if you change the ISO , the fstop /shutter will also change

you have to take charge and make the first decision.

 

[ksmattfish]

Were you comparing pics, or looking through the viewfinder? The lens stays at it's maximum aperture so that the viewfinder is nice and bright, and only closes down right before the shutter opens or when the DOF preview is activated (I don't know if the D40 offers DOF preview or not, many cameras don't).

DOF is also influenced by focal length and distance to subject. DOF changes will be more dramatic when the subject is close, and/or the focal length is long.