Is there any way of controlling depth of field on a Digital Video Camera?

Currently using Panasonic NV-GS37EB but would appreciate general answers. I want to film close objects clear and sharp with background blurred out. Used to do it no problem with bromide in the old days!

I got two brilliant answers to my question and in notime flat. But what gobshite has dissed Tao's response? You really are a sad bsartad! Count youself lucky that I can't be bothered to come looking for you!

If the camera has manual settings or an A or AP setting (Aperture Priority) then you can control depth of field by letting the camera choose the shutter speed.
You control the depth of field by opening or closing the aperture.

As you probably know, a smaller aperture produces a longer depth of field, and a larger one produces a smaller depth of field. I take close-ups and portraits with my digital and blur the background as you say. A longer focal length increases the effect so use a telephoto or zoom lens and your tripod.

I read the specifications on your camera. It has a manual iris setting so you should be ok. With that 30X optical zoom, you should produce some dramatic results.

鍜屽钩

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If your camcorder has a manual mode, you will have some latitude to change the depth of field through zooming and focus manipulation. You might also want to investigate what add-on lenses are available for your camcorder.

I had the opposite problem. I needed more optical zoom and found a great little 2x mulitplier to fit on my Sony. I go to a camera store that does both still and video sales and well as film and digital, so if they don't have, they probably know about it and can get it for me. Perhaps there's a nice macro convertor or wide angle lens that would give you the effect your looking for.