Well, I've found if I photograph in macro with open stop, it is MUCH more blurred in background (and even more so if I use macro lens). That first pic I posted--the white foxglove--the background was as photographed--very blurred. However, I believe I did that one in manual so fiddled with shutter too. This one was photographed, I believe, in Av (aperture priority) so the shutter speed was 'auto'. Also, if I use the 'portrait' mode (which doesn't allow me to select aperture/shutter, but does allow exposure compensation, white balance, etc.), the background is VERY blurred. I didn't shoot this one at all in portrait mode I don't believe. I'll have to check my RAW files and see if there is one--if there was, I considered it too dark (altho' I could have 'righted' that post or in 'edit RAW' I guess). Oh, I remember a discussion about this on rec.photo.digital--has to do with light sensitivity of the chip, I think. Have to see if I can find that post. Diane