Actually, that's not "theory." But you're right, if you can't control aperture you're out of luck. That seems strange, though. I've had a raft of point and shoots over the past ten or so years and all of them would let you shift into aperture priority mode, though often with difficulty.
By theory, I meant...I've learned everything there is to learn without actually having one to experiment with. Like I've researched aperture and f stops and know what all the numbers on lenses mean, shooting modes like raw, lens flaws like geometry and vignetting...the list go on forever. I called it theory just because I mean I've never actually had the chance to see that when I set a lens to f/2.8, less of the background will be in focus than if I were shooting with f/32.
And I'm sure a lot of p&s cams have those sort of settings, but Im using an L18-- the L standing for "life", meaning it's just supposed to be used to take pictures of people at parties etc and has a strong enough flash to white out their face ahah. AND it's even pretty low on the spectrum within the "Life" series. So I figure I'm making out like a bandit with some of my pics
I doubt it - many on this forum come here with issues with their gear asking advice on which company they should throw their money at. You come to the forum with a camera so crippled it needs an iron lung and manage to make pictures better than some with many $$$$$ of kit. Your perseverance certainly gains my respect.
The recommendation was that you use a smaller aperture to gain depth of field. I've been reading your camera manual and the dummy (scene) modes can't help you I'm afraid. However, if you turn off anti shake, it will decrease the shutter speed, increasing the aperture (hopefully!) This might well mean that you need a tripod. My favorite is http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/2837...ripod_with.html and it will keep you sweet with even a DSLR. Using a tripod would also allow your hands to hold a reflector (white foamboard is the cheap answer) that would force mre light and therefore hopefully a tighter aperture.
FWIW though, is disagree entirely with RSL and think that were it all to be in focus, the subject would become rather lost. None of this changes the fact that you could use a new camera like few others right now. Perhaps have a root around your local second hand shops or try KEH.
1rst paragraph: WOW, perhaps the nicest thing anyone in the hobby has told me since I started.
2nd: Hmm, that does make sense. I really like the reflecting board idea, I think I'm going to start incorporating that-- I really like flower shots and that could definitely help. As for a tripod, that seems nice. Right now all of my money is in an envelope with the intention of getting a new camera, however. I'm fairly surprised at the cost of "really good" tripods (seems like people here like gitzo). Just astounding.
3rd: Hmm perhaps it just comes down to a matter of personal preference...
Elby