DOF and the benefits a small-sensor camera (the LX3)

Greenery, originally uploaded by jiihaa.

Yesterday I discussed the question of the E-P1 vs. LX3, and this is a short followup.

The Online Photographer posted recently a story (and a sequel) on the misconceptions about the depth of field (DOF). One of the excellent observations was how "controlling" (minimizing) the DOF has become an obsession to some, especially gear-oriented photographers. But it used to be the opposite: photographers wanted to get as deep DOF as possible.

And here come the small-sensor cameras to save the day. I must say that I have grown to appreciate my LX3 a lot when doing closeup photography. Many of the shots, especially those taken handheld at f/2.0 or f/2.8 would have been impossible with a DSLR (or equivalent).

The small sensor allows a much bigger DOF than on the DSLRs, which makes it possible to fit all of the subject in the sharp region. And there is enough of the blur to make background good-looking.

And in landscape photography, the same applies: you get a sharp image all the way from foreground to the horizon. Thus I must praise a small camera like the LX3.

The photograph shown here does not really benefit from the small sensor, but it doesn't greatly suffer from it either. It was taken today, and I like the green in it.