Aperture question

[hippy_rocker]

I recently purchased a finepix S3200. I'm not very familiar with using the aperture, shutter, or manual modes. I am looking to learn how to get this kind of effect with my camera: http://www.problogger.net/wp-content/aperture.jpg. I have the basic understanding of what the aperture and shutter settings do but can not seem to get the effect i would like. My camera is a point and shoot so i do not have the option on manual focusing. I may have to accept that i can not do this kind of shot with my camera but if anyone can help me achieve this it would be appreciated thank you!

[RichardTaylor]

I don't own a S3200, however the principals are the same as other P&S cameras.
Try putting it in Macro mode (usually the flower symbol), Aperture priority and select a widish aperture.
You should be able to focus down to 2cm (0.8")

You may want to try shooting at smaller apertures (down to F8) just to see the change in depth of field.

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by hippy_rocker

I recently purchased a finepix S3200. I'm not very familiar with using the aperture, shutter, or manual modes. I am looking to learn how to get this kind of effect with my camera: http://www.problogger.net/wp-content/aperture.jpg. I have the basic understanding of what the aperture and shutter settings do but can not seem to get the effect i would like. My camera is a point and shoot so i do not have the option on manual focusing. I may have to accept that i can not do this kind of shot with my camera but if anyone can help me achieve this it would be appreciated thank you!

The photo you referenced here is known as macro photography. In order to do this you will need a camera and lens that can focus very close to the subject...very often inches. There are lenses made for SLR's that have this capability, and depending on whether your P&S has macro capability built in will determine if, and how well you'll be able to do it. A good stready tripod is also a normal requirement. Obviously, any movement on the camera will kill a shot like this.

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by hippy_rocker

I recently purchased a finepix S3200. I'm not very familiar with using the aperture, shutter, or manual modes. I am looking to learn how to get this kind of effect with my camera: http://www.problogger.net/wp-content/aperture.jpg. I have the basic understanding of what the aperture and shutter settings do but can not seem to get the effect i would like. My camera is a point and shoot so i do not have the option on manual focusing. I may have to accept that i can not do this kind of shot with my camera but if anyone can help me achieve this it would be appreciated thank you!

Depth of field is a product of aperture, subject to camera distance and sensor size. Your P&S camera has a tiny sensor. The lens also does not have a large aperture. As such, its nearly impossible to get a thin depth of field.

Your best bet is to zoom the lens as far as possible and focus on something very close.

[SwissJon]

Your camera does have a macromode, and if you put the camera in this mode, you will be able to focus about 2cm from your subject.. That should be enough to get this kind of shot.

User manual here

http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digi..._manual_01.pdf

[mosgood]

Try different settings on your camera. You'll should find one which is close to what you're looking for. If you can zoom in, all the better!

[hippy_rocker]

Thank you for all the wonderful advice! My camera does have macro mode and super macro mode. I also have a tripod. I'm going our for a nature walk tomorrow going to try these techniques and see what i come up with. You never know until you try.