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09/14/2006 08:54:23 PM · #1 |
Does anyone around here own a Nikon Coolpix 4300? If so, can you tell me how to change the depth of field? The aperture? The f-stop? Whatever it's called? I love taking pictures, but I don't know any of the technical stuff. Someone commented on my most recent submission that I should have changed the depth of field, and I don't know how to do it.
Thanks for any help you can give! |
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09/14/2006 08:57:45 PM · #2 |
Depth of field is always controlled by the aperture, no matter what the camera. The higher the number, the more stuff will be in focus. The lower the number f-stop, the more shallow the depth of field will be.
You might find some better information in this tutorial.
Message edited by author 2006-09-14 20:58:37. |
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09/14/2006 09:33:32 PM · #3 |
| Thanks, Alan. Now that I know what it is, how do I change it on my camera? |
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09/14/2006 09:44:42 PM · #4 |
Well... on this camera that's a good question. This camera appears to be geared more toward beginners, and has several different presets that can be used for various things (sports, portraits, etc.). It doesn't look like it gives you an easy way of manually setting the shutter/aperture like more advanced cameras do.
Having said that, I'll hope that someone who actually has one of these cameras can give you a better answer.
My best suggestion would be to use this camera as a learning tool. Learn the basics of composition, understand how each of the preset tools are used and what effect they have on the photos. Then save some $$ and upgrade to a camera that allows for more flexibility.
PS -- If you click here you can see who else on the site has this camera. Looks like quite a few folks have it! You might send a few of them private messages to see how they have learned to use it to its best potential.
Message edited by author 2006-09-14 21:46:23. |
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09/14/2006 09:46:07 PM · #5 |
| Thanks for the advice. I'm not in a position to get a new camera yet... but for future reference, what kind would you all recommend? |
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09/14/2006 11:02:52 PM · #6 |
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09/14/2006 11:08:07 PM · #7 |
Asking people what kind of camera they recommend is a lot like asking what kind of house someone would recommend, I'm afraid. In other words, there's no "right" answer -- it all depends on YOU and what your needs are.
If you're someone who just wants to take some occasional decent, but non-professional shots, the camera you have right now is probably sufficient. If you want to learn more nitty-gritty aspects about photography but don't have a big budget, I'd probably look for a point-and-shoot camera that gives you control over your shutter speed and aperture. There are plenty of those out there.
And once you feel comfortable with those types of things, then I'd take the leap into the world of DSLRs. The learning curve is a bit more steep with the DSLR, but the quality and capabilities of those cameras are increased tremendously.
Anyway, the first thing you need to ask yourself is where you want to go with photography -- what are your goals with it?
Message edited by author 2006-09-14 23:09:50. |
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09/14/2006 11:12:41 PM · #8 |
It's really just a fulfilling hobby. I'm planning to take a digital photography class coming up soon, so I'm hoping to learn some of the technical stuff to make my pictures really stand out, but it's all just in fun. Maybe someday I'll be good enough to sell my art, but I don't think it will be any time soon!!!
Some of the things I know I would need is a good macro setting (or lens), good zoom capabilities, and a camera that doesn't have the shutter lag like mine does! It drives me nuts! |
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09/15/2006 10:06:31 AM · #9 |
My first digital camera was a 4300. It took and still takes great photos (my brother has it now). I am not aware of any overide to manually set aperature. The dial settings is the closest you have (as far as I remember). The protrait mode would give limited depth of field, while the landscape mode would be more like an F/16. It has been a couple of years since I used mine and I do not specifically recall if the menu allowed for overiding the aperature. If there is a manual selection on the dial (where the action figure, nightscape, portrait, etc selections are made), then the menu must allow for it. If there is no manual selection on the dial, then my prior suggestion of controlling dof by selecting the correct "image" off the dial, is your best bet.
The shutter lag can be somewhat compensated by selecting the sport mode. That was one of the reasons why I new I needed a dslr. I also prefer to look through the lens, rather than at a screen.
Message edited by author 2006-09-15 10:09:21.
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09/15/2006 11:00:06 AM · #10 |
I have a Coolpix 4300. My first digicam. Still use it when I don't want to pack my DSLR kit around.
Yes, you can control aperture and shutter speed. In shooting mode, press MENU. Go down to page 2, select EXP (exposure mode). Select M.
Now exit the menu and return to shooting mode. Hold down the exposure compensation button (bottom leftmost button on the back below the LCD), and press up/down to change shutter speed, or press right/left to change aperture.
Unfortunately, there are only two aperture settings, but at least it does have many control; it's been useful to me several times.
BTW, you have to have the mode dial in M mode to change the exposure setting.
Message edited by author 2006-09-15 11:00:56. |
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09/15/2006 01:04:48 PM · #11 |
| Skylen, you are a GENIUS! Thank you so much. Now I'll just have to play around with it for a while and see what it can do! Thanks! |
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