"SjT" wrote in message
...
As subject, i really want a cam that will give me a nice soft
background as you see in the movies.

I'm guessing with the characteristics of miniDV there's going to be no
viable options.. but hey, someone out there may know otherwise, or
have some great tips for me.

--
My music @ Skijump FM (Shoutcast/Winamp)
http://213.48.102.230:9174

I don't think you will have much luck there! the reason video cameras have a
large depth of field is because they have small chips, movie cameras use
35mm or 70mm stock so have a much smaller DoF for the same angle of view.
the only real option is for you to use your camera with a large aperture and
with the zoom as long as you can get it, you might like to try using ND
filters to force the aperture open. but basically you are stuffed!

Headrush Films UK wrote:
"SjT" wrote in message
...

As subject, i really want a cam that will give me a nice soft
background as you see in the movies.

I'm guessing with the characteristics of miniDV there's going to be no
viable options.. but hey, someone out there may know otherwise, or
have some great tips for me.
....

I don't think you will have much luck there! the reason video cameras have a
large depth of field is because they have small chips, movie cameras use
35mm or 70mm stock so have a much smaller DoF for the same angle of view.
the only real option is for you to use your camera with a large aperture and
with the zoom as long as you can get it, you might like to try using ND
filters to force the aperture open. but basically you are stuffed!

I'l admit my theory's shaky, but isn't depth of field a function of
aperture and focal length? Angle of view isn't directly relevant, being
itself a function of focal length and size of sensor?

--
Please use the corrected version of the address below for replies.
Replies to the header address will be junked, as will mail from
various domains listed at www.scottsonline.org.uk
regards. Mike Scott Harlow Essex England.(unet -a-t- scottsonline.org.uk)

"Mike Scott" wrote in message
...
Headrush Films UK wrote:
"SjT" wrote in message
...

As subject, i really want a cam that will give me a nice soft
background as you see in the movies.

I'm guessing with the characteristics of miniDV there's going to be no
viable options.. but hey, someone out there may know otherwise, or
have some great tips for me.
...

I don't think you will have much luck there! the reason video cameras
have a large depth of field is because they have small chips, movie
cameras use 35mm or 70mm stock so have a much smaller DoF for the same
angle of view.
the only real option is for you to use your camera with a large aperture
and with the zoom as long as you can get it, you might like to try using
ND filters to force the aperture open. but basically you are stuffed!

I'l admit my theory's shaky, but isn't depth of field a function of
aperture and focal length? Angle of view isn't directly relevant, being
itself a function of focal length and size of sensor?

Yes but the so called standard angel of view will be archived on a much
shorter lens on a camcorder or digital camera then on a 35 mm or bigger
camera and shorter lens have greater depth of field.

"Mike Scott" wrote in message
...
Headrush Films UK wrote:
"SjT" wrote in message
...

As subject, i really want a cam that will give me a nice soft
background as you see in the movies.

I'm guessing with the characteristics of miniDV there's going to be no
viable options.. but hey, someone out there may know otherwise, or
have some great tips for me.
...

I don't think you will have much luck there! the reason video cameras
have a large depth of field is because they have small chips, movie
cameras use 35mm or 70mm stock so have a much smaller DoF for the same
angle of view.
the only real option is for you to use your camera with a large aperture
and with the zoom as long as you can get it, you might like to try using
ND filters to force the aperture open. but basically you are stuffed!

I'l admit my theory's shaky, but isn't depth of field a function of
aperture and focal length? Angle of view isn't directly relevant, being
itself a function of focal length and size of sensor?

--
Please use the corrected version of the address below for replies.
Replies to the header address will be junked, as will mail from
various domains listed at www.scottsonline.org.uk
regards. Mike Scott Harlow Essex England.(unet -a-t- scottsonline.org.uk)

I know someone would say that, actually the DoF is more a function of
aperture and magnification of the lens.[1]
anyone who has used a 5x4 plate camera and a 35mm camera will know the
difference.

[1] Page 82 "The Manual of Photography" Focal Press, (1978) London

In message , SjT writes
Snipped...

I will look into ND Filters, i'm presuming you mean Neutral Density
filters?

I may pop into jessops and see if they can show me the difference when
using them, From reading about them it seems they can sharpen up the
image, sounds very interesting.

You might be better advised to go for a polarising filter rather than an
ND. Much more useful.

For prices, search on Ebay for your lens thread size , e.g '30mm'.
--
Tony Morgan
http://www.camcord.info