Can someone explain what F stop is?

[Sagedawg]

 Been trying to figure out all the instructions for my new camera. It says I can adjust the F stop , but I have no idea on what or where it is . Any help would be most appreciated. Thanks,


    Sage

[boneaddict]

An F stop is basically the size of the aperature that allows the light into the camera, or how much light that is able to get in.  Basically the smaller the number, the faster the lens is or the lower the amount of light you need to take a picture.(the bigger the hole, the more light that comes in the LOWER the F stop.  Sometimes you can play with your camera and allow more light in than needed to overexpose a shot or vice versa.   

[Sagedawg]

 Thanks Bone. Ok next question, what is the best number to have it set at for taking random pictures?

[LongTatLaw]

doesnt it have an auto - automatic - or green box setting?

if so, thats good for 90% of regular light pics of non-moving subjects.

[boneaddict]

I would guess until you master a light meter, automatic would be the best suggestion.  I have been working on this myself.  One thing to do is see what the camera chooses when you are taking your pictures.  That will help.

[popeshawnpaul]

A lower number is a larger f-stop.  The lower the number the more blurred the background and foreground will be.  If you want everything in focus, choose a larger f-stop when you have enough light to do it.  I would suggest go out back and shoot a flower or an object, experimenting with the different f-stops and then compare.  It'll become apparent how they differ then.  In general, for wildlife I keep my f-stop on the lowest number setting like f2.8.  For landscape shots I keep it on the larger number or smallest f-stop like f16.

Shawn

[Sagedawg]

Hey thanks everyone, I think Im getting a handle on this thing. I hope to post a few pictures in the future.



   Sage

[boneaddict]

Looking forward to them.