Depth of Field
 

My camera knowledge is probably at a first grade level compared to some of the gurus in this forum so I appologize if this is a ridiculous question... Does anyone know if the HD100 will have any ability to create that shallow dof look similar to the results obtained by many more expensive cameras? I wonder about that because of what seems to be a very long body design for a DV camera.

Are there add-on lens'/lens kits that can be bought to create/simulate this - or is it purely a function of the optics inside the camera?

The camera will have similar DOF characteristics to other 1/3" CCD cameras. It will have greater depth of field relative to angle of view than a camera with a larger image capture area (such as 2/3" CCD cameras or 16/35mm cameras) because the focal length of the lens is shorter for the same angle of view.

The P+S Technik mini35 is an add on that creates shallower depth of field by projecting the image from a lens onto a ground glass surface that the camera lens then records.

Thanx- I suppose camera prices tripple when you get into the 2/3 CCD range?

Triple in price at least and that's for SD cameras, if you're talking Hi Def then ten times the price.

DOF is a combination of the image sensor (or film size), apperture and focal length. Even with a small sensor like the 1/3" of the HD100 you can get a fairly shallow DOF if you follow a few basic principles:

1. try to stay at the longer focal length of your lens(es); in other words, back the camera away from the subject and zoom in

2. open the iris (low numbers, f1.4-4); if you are shooting outside and it's too bright, apply ND filters. The camera has two grades, you can purchase more add-on filters or use a matte box. Also some other filters will cut down on the light coming through the lens, a good example is a polarizer

3. control your lighting, learn about 'film-style' lighting techniques, using layers, etc.

An adapter like the P+S alone will not make your production look like film. Good lighting is essential and there are some great books available, i.e. Digital Cinematography, The 5 C's of Cinematography, Cinematography Theory and Practice and many others. Check the ASC web book store and good luck:
http://www.theasc.com/cgibin/store/a...gory=Bookstore