The "INFO" key or "INFO" Menu selection

[Greg Beetham]

I can see the value of a DOF calculator feature in film photography...but I'm a bit hard pressed too "get it" with digital, after all we are all using polaroids now and the rear screens are fairly high res. and probably good enough to see if the DOF was OK, or if it needs stopping down another notch.....besides I think I'd pass out from sheer boredom using a DOF calculator.
Besides there is always the preview button, it's pretty easy too learn how too use that, watch for focus shifts, back edge/front edge sharpness comparisons etc.

The on screen context help icon (extra right arrow press, and the feature can be turned off or on) for each menu item (displayes the relevant page/item from the manual), is a good idea though, except it will still have the "refer to page 33" feature...while you are viewing page 5, that was one of the annoying things about the manual, so you would have to be able too "back arrow" on the controller, back to the menu item you wanted to check up on in the first place.
Greg

[David Kilpatrick]

Digital is not a single format. D-o-f can not be calculated, since it is dependent on print size, and/or viewing size relative to viewing distance. It is also dependent on sensel well diameter (pixel size, in normal language, determined by pixel pitch and active area). The overall effect of the way we use different DSLRs is to change the perceived depth of field, and the program needed would have to do more than just calculate it on the old 10 x 8 print plus acceptable circle of confusion thing. You would need to be able to enter the intended use of the image or at least have three basic settings - web pix, A4 print, exhibition print.

Life is not as simple as it once was, and in fact depth of field scales were next to useless for many purposes when they were standard. Projecting slides to 6ft wide and more with a fairly close audience always demanded a further stop down compared to making a press quality 9 x 6 image on 10 x 8 paper, and that in turn demanded a stop more down from a 6 x 4 machine print.

David

[DonSchap]

Hey Dave,

You think they will ever go for that "INFO" button idea? LOL

Signed,
Mr. "I told ya so" ... himself.

[David Kilpatrick]

The A330 etc info is similar to the Nikon D5000 etc - little hints and tips manual built in to the interface. There is no D-o-F calculator though, that's all I doubted. Just a guide like Olympus's controls, showing you which direction to move the controls for portraits or landscapes etc.

David