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To set long shutter speeds, enter the Function menu, highlight exposure compensation then press the MENU button. The shutter speed is displayed at the bottom of the LCD; select a value from 1 to 15 seconds using the left and right buttons of the 4-way controller. Depress the FUNC./SET button to return to shooting mode.

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Intro
I've been reading about the "bokeh" effect and wanted to try it with the SD800. I was curious of what coud be accomplished with an ultra-compact point & shoot camera with limited controls.

For a narrow DOF you need fast exposure. In this camera you can do it by raising the ISO level but that will add noise. I used the lowest possible, ISO 80.
Another way is to adjust exposure compensation to -1/3, -2/3, -1,.... Images will be darker but if you don't mind postprocessing that's fine.
The apperture will be the same but exposure will be faster.

You also need to focus on very close objects. Using macro focus is a must.
The focus distance was about 2 cm, the shortest possible.
If you have trouble focusing , as I did, try focusing on another object, locking the focus and composing again.


Steps

1. Find something interesting to shoot! Usually helps ;)

2. The subject should be well lit, don't try this in low light.

3. If you have enough light to avoid camera shake (speeds faster than 1/30 if you're not using a tripod), and don't mind postprocessing go to step 4. Otherwise go to step 5.

4. Adjust exposure compensation from -1/3, to -1. Remeber to avoid camera shake!
Tip: To adjust exposure you need to be in Manual Mode, press the FUNC/SET button, go down one step on the side menu and bellow you'll see +/- (Exp.). Go left 1 to 3 steps for -1/3, -2/3 or -1 exposure compensation. The exposure will be faster, less light will enter the lens, the photo will be darker but it will help defocusing the background.

5. Set focus to Macro. You know how to do it, don't you?

6. Focus very close to the subject - about 2 cm.

7. Lock the focus.
Tip: To lock the focus, you should press the Macro button WHILE your still half-pressing the shutter button.

8. Now you're free to compose your photo, because your focus is locked - It will always focus the same distance even if you half-press the shutter button again.
Make sure you maintain the same distance to the subject as when you locked the focus. If you get too far it will be out of focus.
Tip: if you need to unlock the focus just press the Macro button again.

9. Shoot!

10. If you did some exposure compensation you might want to load your photo in a postprocessing program like Photoshop to brighten it a little bit.