Macro's

[KipCotter]

I just purchased a G3 one week ago. I previously owned a Nikon Coolpix 885. I really enjoy taking close-ups (insects, flowers, etc.). I'm definitely having trouble with the focus on my new G3. When shooting flowers, I've struggled to get the camera to focus all the time. I always use a tripod and the self-timer to prevent movement. Even when shooting inside (so the subject doesn't move) I still manage to have some problems. The focus area seems extremely small! I would like to be able to have more of the image be in focus. Any suggestions on camera settings (focus, flash, zoom, distance to subject, etc.) would greatly be appreciated!

I've also noticed regular outdoor shots don't seem to be very sharp either? I shooting at the highest jpeg resolution. Any suggestions?

Thank you in advance for your help.

[PacAce]

KipCotter wrote:
I just purchased a G3 one week ago. I previously owned a Nikon Coolpix 885. I really enjoy taking close-ups (insects, flowers, etc.). I'm definitely having trouble with the focus on my new G3. When shooting flowers, I've struggled to get the camera to focus all the time. I always use a tripod and the self-timer to prevent movement. Even when shooting inside (so the subject doesn't move) I still manage to have some problems. The focus area seems extremely small! I would like to be able to have more of the image be in focus. Any suggestions on camera settings (focus, flash, zoom, distance to subject, etc.) would greatly be appreciated!

I've also noticed regular outdoor shots don't seem to be very sharp either? I shooting at the highest jpeg resolution. Any suggestions?

Thank you in advance for your help.


First of all, I'm going to assume that you've set the G3 in macro mode by pressing on the macro/jump button on the upper left hand corner at the back of the camera.

In the wide angle zoom setting, you can get focus as close as up to 2 inches in front of the lens. In the longest zoom setting you can only focus as close as about 6 inches in front of the lens.

When doing macro work, you are going to be working with a very shallow depth of field. So, to get as much DOF as possible, set you aperture to the smallest opening (highest number) possible. F8 is the smallest aperature on the G3. You'll need a bright light source or a flash to work with small aperatures.

Try to use manual focusing so you can control where the focus point is.

[KipCotter]

Thanks. I appreciate your response. Yes, I put it in macro mode. I think my biggest problem may have been too little light. I did try the manual focus the other day and it did seem to help. I was just used to my Nikon that handled extremely close shots very well. I'm sure the G3 is capable of good macro shots, but I'm starting to wonder if additional lenses and equipment are required to get some great shots.

[KipCotter]

Try this.




http://www.kipsphotos.fotopic.net/show_collection.php?id=21554

[rkhndjr]

Loved watch pic but can't find any exif data. What camera and settings did you use? Great shot.
Russell

[KipCotter]

Glad you enjoyed the picture. If you go back to the picture and click on it, there will be some push buttons at the bottom. The first one is image info. I definitely don't understand all the info. there and wish I did.

Let me know if you can interpret most of it.

Thanks.

Kip