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Ok, I am going through an experimental phase with shallow depth of field, for which I have been using my Pentax MZ50 with a telephoto lense and getting some good results (soon to be posted 
However, I read somewhere that it is much more difficult to get a shallow depth of field with a digital camera. Is this true, and would it be possible with a Fuji S5000 ? I have had a few attempts and not really succeeded, but perhaps I am just using the wrong settings. Obviously I am using the largest aperture possible, but should I use the zoom - would that have the same effect as using a telephoto lense ?
Sorry, lots of basic questions, but I have searched the forums a bit and not really found a direct answer. Thanks in advance for any advice !
Al
When playing with depth of field you need to think of the real focal length of the lens as many digital cameras say that it is a 28mm setting for example, when you find out the real focal length is 5mm for example. Generally for a given f stop, the wider the lens angle the greater the DOF. Why the difference well it is all down to sensor size.
So for your question using a longer focal length will help but as the real focal length will be quite small compared to a 35mm camera, you will have greater DOF for a given f stop. Having said that many find the extra DOF a boon so its swings and roundabouts.
Yes, Strawman is correct.
I have a S5000 and differential focussing is only really possible at the 57mm (full zoom) end of the lens @ f3.2 (maximum aperture), this gives a similar DOF to a 35mm standard lens at the same aperture (but with greater magnification). You need to be fairly close to the subject to make the background very blurred.
At the wide-angle end of the lens the DOF is vast, this easily makes everything look in focus.
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