I have ordered a P3, and want to use it mostly for still photography. While the camera is obviously capable of taking some really stunning photos, it's going to take some getting used to a camera with a fixed focal length, fixed focus distance, and a fixed aperture. The fixed (wide open) aperture and focus at infinity will mean some loss of sharpness at close quarters. I know this is not exactly how most people want to use the P3, but it would be nice to be able to take close-in photos when needed.
My question is this. An f2.8 20 mm focal length (35 mm format equivalent) lens focused at infinity will have a near depth of field distance of around 24 feet - i.e. subjects this close will still be sharp. The same lens with a focus point at 24 feet, will have a depth of field that extends from around 13 feet to infinity. My reading of the P3 specs is that the former is true - the focus point is actually infinity. Would it not make more sense to set it at 24 feet (the 'hyperfocal' distance)? Or do I have it wrong - the lens is designed to focus on the hyperfocal point, thus providing the maximum depth of field that includes infinity?
Has anyone run tests to determine how close a subject can be to the camera, and still be in sharp focus?
My question is this. An f2.8 20 mm focal length (35 mm format equivalent) lens focused at infinity will have a near depth of field distance of around 24 feet - i.e. subjects this close will still be sharp. The same lens with a focus point at 24 feet, will have a depth of field that extends from around 13 feet to infinity. My reading of the P3 specs is that the former is true - the focus point is actually infinity. Would it not make more sense to set it at 24 feet (the 'hyperfocal' distance)? Or do I have it wrong - the lens is designed to focus on the hyperfocal point, thus providing the maximum depth of field that includes infinity?
Has anyone run tests to determine how close a subject can be to the camera, and still be in sharp focus?