I can't get a blurred background

AndyH · Sep 17, 2010

I've tried several settings but I can't get my camera to blur the background. I just took a picture and I used f/2.7, 1/100 shutter, iso 100, focal length 5mm, metering mode = pattern. To me the background looks as sharp as the subject! What am I doing wrong?

Destin · Sep 17, 2010

For one, try zooming in farther. More zoom=more bokeh. Also, you want the background as far away from the subject as possible....

peanut170 · Sep 17, 2010

Is the subject seperated from the background a decent ways......post the pic.

Counterpoint · Sep 17, 2010

Your focal length is 5mm?

Depth of field is not only controlled by aperture.

How far away from the camera is your subject? How far is the background?

A sample image would help diagnose the problem.

Flash Harry · Sep 17, 2010

use a longer focal length or get closer to the subject, standing too far away regardless of the aperture will not separate the subject from the background in the way you mean and I'm hoping you have the focal length messed up there, 5mm is awful wide angle for the type of shot you're going for. H

PS. by the way the last line was a jest

Derrel · Sep 17, 2010

One of the best/worst issues of small-sensor cameras is excessive depth of field...using a point and shoot camera, depth of field is quite deep at most focal lengths.

AndyH · Sep 17, 2010

haha! I knew I was doing something wrong! I was about 8 feet away from subject and subject was about 15 feet away from background. I wasn't zoomed in any. here is the original unedited pic. I have an edited pic where I cropped my son out of the background! lol!

kundalini · Sep 17, 2010

Flash Harry said:
PS. by the way the last line was a jest

Are you feeling a need to self-censor now that you've posted such a long and inspirational reply this week? Don't be a poser. You is what you is, a leopard doesn't change it's spots. :lol:

AndyH · Sep 17, 2010

I don't understand one thing though. I f I get closer or zoom in, I wouldn't be able to get all of her (head to toe) in the shot. Would I?

Robin Usagani · Sep 17, 2010

Switch the scene to portrait and pray it will work

reznap · Sep 17, 2010

Well, yeah if you get closer or zoom in you won't be able to get her in the shot - you have to step back and zoom in.

You're very limited with that camera... but increasing the focal length (zooming in) is really your only option.

So, take however many steps back, zoom in, go back further, maybe 50 ft... til she's in the frame. Also it'll help to have a lot of open space behind her and a distant background.

If you feel like reading a little on depth of field, I found this pretty interesting: Understanding Depth of Field in Photography

AndyH · Sep 17, 2010

I had it on portrait. I also tried on aperture priority and it didn't work.

Robin Usagani · Sep 17, 2010

you have to be super close. Try only her head for now. Or buy a DSLR.

Derrel · Sep 17, 2010

You can zoom in and back up all you want to--and the background will STILL be in focus. Why???????????

With your camera's tiny sensor, at any distance where you get a full-length woman in,m the tiny sensor's lens will be very close to, or at, or past the hyperfocal distance, given the diminutive size of your P&S's sensor...at ANY focal length available on that particular P&S camera.

You are being given incorrect technical advice by the majority of people here.