Canon S50

[Andrea]

I have just purchased an S50 but have not had time to do more than have a cursory look at the controls.
One of my favourite modes is macro, particularly for floral images, and I am looking for advice on the best settings, any ideas welcome. Is the auto feature sufficient?

[sean000]

Andrea wrote:
I have just purchased an S50 but have not had time to do more than have a cursory look at the controls.
One of my favourite modes is macro, particularly for floral images, and I am looking for advice on the best settings, any ideas welcome. Is the auto feature sufficient?

I've had an S30 for about 8 months, and I'm just now learning the manual modes (as well as AV, TV). But the auto and portrait settings also do a fine job. I like using high-speed setting for low-light (dawn or dusk) when you can 't use a flash... as well as the action shots. The macro mode is nice, but it isn't that ...well... macro on my S30. I have a lens adapter with macro lenses that work a bit better.

The auto settings work best for me when I'm shooting outside during the day... or inside when a flash isn't needed. For using the flash indoors, it's best to go with P-mode and then turn the flash down just a little (the manual has instructions for doing this). The regular flash setting is a bit harsh.

The manual settings (especially when shooting RAW images) open up a whole new world of options and amazing results, but I think you can do very well with Auto, P, and high speed. Get to know those first so you can get the shots you want without needing to tinker with the aperture size or shutter speed until you are comfortable with them.

[Andrea]

Many thanks for your reply; I am going to get a little further along the learning curve with my camera and then maybe will look at lens adapter/lenses as you have suggested in your replies to other users. I am assuming that either www.bugeyedigital.com wil deliver to the UK, or I'll be able to find a similar supplier over here.

[PeterS45]

When taking macro pictures I always set the exposure point to equal the AF-point and use spotmetering. That way I can decide on what part of the subject to focus and measure exposure.