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Question: What bridge camera (slr-like) can create shallow depth of field for portrait!?
Is there any bridge camera/slr-like camera that is capable of shooting portrait with shallow depth of field!?

Please give me some suggestion!.

I am hoping to get a bridge camera to create that kind of effect!. The reason I don't want an DSLR is because of my budget!. I could get an entry level DSLR, some people argue the price is closer to a bridge camera!. But after adding some decent lens, it will be way more expensive than a bridge camera!. The default lens that comes with an SLR usually doesn't do much!.Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
You're talking about depth of field!. Only two things affect depth of field magnification and aperture!. The higher the magnification the shallower the depth of field, and the wider the aperture (the lower the f number) also reduces depth of field!.

To maximise the effect (called selective focus) with your camera use maximum zoom and get as close as possible, both raise the magnification!.

To make your camera use the widest aperture use as low a light as possible, unless your camera has Aperture Priority in which case use that and select the lowest f number!.

One of the drawback to compacts and bridge cameras is their small sensor (which reduces the magnification by cropping)!. It's all so much easier with a DSLR and a fast lens!. One of the reason why professionals buy expensive 70 - 200mm f2!.8 lenses is to magnify this effect!.

Go with a DSLR then you can always save for the lenses which make this effect easier, the larger sensor also helps too, they're just so much more versatile than a bridge camera!. You can put the camera on on an astronomical telescope and photograph the heavens or on a microscope and photograph cells, and everything in between!.

It can be done in Photoshop or similar, but its a pain as you have to accurately select what you don't want to be blurred, its much easier to do it in camera!.

ChrisWww@QuestionHome@Com

Any "bridge" camera will allow you to take your picture with shallow depth of field as long as it has manual controls, which they all should!.

What you need to do it set the aperture to it's widest!. This is achieved by using the smallest number available!. (Think, 3!.5, 4!.5 and smaller)

If you aren't experienced setting exposure, your best bet is to set the dial to aperture priority mode!.

also, are you sure you won't regret getting a full DSLR when you end up permanently stuck with what came on your "bridge" camera!. Kit Lenses aren't that bad!.Www@QuestionHome@Com