What I’m doing wrong?

Hi,

I take a lot pictures of small objects, and all the time I get into this problem, the picture is out of focus in front, back or sometimes both with the center in focus. I’m sure has to be something with the F value, but I try a lot of settings and always got the same result. In this picture a little part of the back are in focus.

Any suggestion?



these are the setting of the camera for this particular photo, and the picture was taked about 12 inches.

[Image]
Image Description =
Make = SONY
Model = DSC-H9
Orientation = top/left
X Resolution = 72
Y Resolution = 72
Resolution Unit = inch
Date Time = 2007-09-09 23:46:16
YCbCr Positioning = co-sited
Exif IFD Pointer = Offset: 256
PrintIM Data = 28 Byte

[Camera]
Exposure Time = 1/5"
F Number = F3.2
Exposure Program = Manual
ISO Speed Ratings = 100
Exif Version = Version 2.21
Date Time Original = 2007-09-09 23:46:16
Date Time Digitized = 2007-09-09 23:46:16
Components Configuration = YCbcr
Compressed Bits Per Pixel = 3
Exposure Bias Value = ±0EV
Max Aperture Value = F2.71
Metering Mode = Spot
Light Source = Daylight fluorescent (D 5700 – 7100K)
Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length = 10.2mm
Maker Note = 8460 Byte
Flashpix Version = Version 1.0
Color Space = sRGB
Exif Image Width = 3264
Exif Image Height = 2448
Interoperability IFD Pointer = Offset: 9170
File Source = DSC
Scene Type = A directly photographed image
Custom Rendered = Normal process
Exposure Mode = Manual exposure
White Balance = Manual white balance
Scene Capture Type = Normal
Contrast = Normal
Saturation = Normal
Sharpness = Normal

Regards;

Edgar

Try F8 to give you a larger depth of field. The smaller the F number the shallower the depth of field. The problem is though, F8 will require a lot more light than F3.2. You could try your flash with a diffuser on it to cut down the harsh shadows. Until you buy a diffuser you could try a couple of sheets of tissue over the flash to soften its output.

Also try shooting the side of the object to get the object all on the same plane.

Hope that helps
--
http://www.pbase.com/reelate2
http://www.pbase.com/relate2
Me flying

http://www.livevideo.com/video/80AE9DBD2CD24F40B6F085933A46F1FC/having-fun-at-stanwell.aspx

epaulk said:

Hi,

I take a lot pictures of small objects, and all the time I get into
this problem, the picture is out of focus in front, back or sometimes
both with the center in focus. I’m sure has to be something with the
F value, but I try a lot of settings and always got the same result.
In this picture a little part of the back are in focus.

Any suggestion?

Click to expand...

You are not doing anything wrong. What you are dealing with is called DOF or Depth Of Field.

Any optical device or your eye can only focus at one distance at a time. That is why there is auto focus or manual focus depending on the device.

The area in focus will fade into total OOF (Out Of Focus) from the point of focus to either extreme.

This can be controlled somewhat by aperature. The more you stop down (say from f:4 to f:7) the greater the DOF will be. When close in like your photo you may not be able to cover the entire object. If you turn it on its side or shoot almost straight down on it you will be able to get the entire object in focus.

Take a look at any of the insect photos here and you will see that very seldom is the whole insect in focus. In these cases you want to focus on a point near the front of the object.

--
marion aka OTD one of those Duc Klub people.

Thank you very mucho to both of you for the super fast response!!!!

What a simple solution! I set the F number to F8, and take the tripod about 3 feet back, then I used the zoom, set the shooter to a lower speed walla! Perfect!

This is a sample:



I have to say good night, because I have to “retake” about 400 pictures!
Thanks!

Edgar

Next time look at the whole picture and get the bit you missed on the left there.

Very good.
--
marion aka OTD one of those Duc Klub people.

Great news epaulk, glad to help.
--
http://www.pbase.com/reelate2
http://www.pbase.com/relate2
Me flying

http://www.livevideo.com/video/80AE9DBD2CD24F40B6F085933A46F1FC/having-fun-at-stanwell.aspx