 BetterPhoto Member |
Macro Focusing I love taking macro photos, but I always have the hardest time with focusing them. My 5MP HP E327 has a macro mode, but it's near impossible to get a decent macro shot out of it. It doesn't even focus on the LCD. Am I doing something wrong or do I just need a better camera?
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Irene Troy |
Hi Calven, I just completed Brenda Tharp’s macro class here at BP, and since I learned a huge amount, I thought I might send you a few ideas. First, from what I have seen and read, the macro mode on most point-and-shoot cameras is really not designed to capture true macro images. By this, I mean that the lens is not capable of producing good quality 1:1 images – the subject in the image being equal to the true size of the subject – because it cannot focus clearly close enough to the subject. In this case, macro might more accurately be labeled "close-up"”. If you are attempting to capture an image of a flower without much background, your camera would probably be capable of producing an acceptable image. However, if you are attempting to capture just the stamen, the lens would probably not be able to capture this small part clearly. So, it pretty much comes down to what you are attempting to do when you use the term "macro". Why don’t you load some of your images and perhaps we can see what the problem is about and offer some suggestions? Some ideas, if you want to capture better close-ups with your current camera: first, if possible, use manual focus since when you move up close, sometimes autofocus simply cannot figure out what you are trying to get sharp. Second, use a tripod! Even with a lighter weight P&S camera, a tripod is essential if you want maximum sharpness. When you come in close and narrow the depth of field, any slight movement will show in the resulting image and you will lose sharpness. Hopefully, some of this will be of use.
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- Jill Odice Contact Jill Odice Jill Odice's Gallery |
Hi Calven, I think you might want to get a better camera...you can buy something fairly inexpensive with great macro capability on Ebay. I use a Minolta A1 and A2, and they both are awesome for macro images...I can get really close up with no problem....I bought my A1 for about $150.00 and my A2 for about $300.00 on Ebay, much cheaper then buying an Dslr and having to buy a macro lens! Irene is right about having manual focus, it relly makes a difference when focusing in on tiny details...A tripod is essential also. No matter how steady your hands are, even a breath is enough to blur an image when it is magnified so much...I always hated tripods, but once I started doing macro photos, I realized I was wasting my time if I didn't use one...If you decide to buy another better camera, go to www.dpreview.com You can compare side by side any camera and find the one that fits what you want easily...I cannot praise the A1 and A2 enough though, too bad that Konica Minolta doesn't make cameras anymore, they are both great cameras...Sony has taken over the KM camera line and has come out with their own versions of this great little camera! Good luck!
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Charles J. Kelly |
Calvin I agree with both Irene and Jill's comments. I use Macro quite frequently and use a Nikon 105 / f2.8 lens on my Nikon D70. Depth of field is a challenge with Macro, but lots of practice helps and if you have a tripod I recommend using it as well. P & S camers don't have true macro modes as was stated. If you enjoy macro do consider a new camera. Chuck Kelly
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