On Mon, 16 Nov 1998 22:45:37 +0800, "Leonard Ching" wrote:

>Hi there. I'm pretty much a beginner in video and I'd like to know how depth
>of field (ie where the subject stands out from the background which is
>slightly out of focus) might be achieved using standard hand held videocams.

You are looking for a wider aperture. If your camcorder allows
selection of aperture ("aperture priority auto"), select a
wider stop (smaller number...). If you have no control over
exposure, try adding a polarizer and/or neutral density filter
to soak up some lens speed (which forces the camcorder to use
a wider stop in a given light level). Or, try moving to an area
with a lower light level... Also try zooming in as much as you
can without moving relative to the subject, or moving in as
far as you can without zooming.