looking for some advice on the S2

[planty]

Ok I know I mostly lurk and try so hard to learn from all you guys. But I just cant fuigger out how you all get those great macro shots. Im fine in super macro mode. You got to get way close and what not.

BUT my issue is this one in regular Macro dosent work like my old A95. I got used to using the macro and zoom together. I cant for the life of me get it to work that way with the S2. Is there a trick that Im not getting? It just seems like you all have nice tight shots and Im no whre near there.

I know it takes time to learn a new camera, so any advice you all have to offer would really help me and a friend of mine that just bought the same camera.
Thanks Crystal

[RossW]

Stay toward the wider end of the zoom range in macro. Keep the subject between 10 and 50 cm (4 inches to 1.5 ft.) from the lens. I also found macro to be a bit tricky to use, but those numbers from the manual should help.

[Roddie]

If you use the macro like the super macro, and leave the zoom alone you should be OK. I've been experimenting a lot lately and have found the camera settings make a difference. I shoot in "P" mode as I am a "newbie" too and have had my own set of problems. It's better to move the camera toward and away from the subject rather than use the zoom. The zoom is very limited in macro. I Set the Is to "shoot only", the Af to "continuous", Af assist beam to "on" and I'll even set the timer to 2 seconds as I tend to jab at the shutter sometimes. Make sure you are firmly braced and holding the camera steady. The slightest movement will throw it off. I you have to, use a tripod although I haven't found the need for one yet. Forget flash, it sucks when you are in close. Find a brightly lit and contrasting subject to practice on. Keep trying you will eventually get it then it will come easy. I used the same techniques with my wifes S1 and although the S1 doesn't have macro I took some great close in shots. Good luck
PS Check the postings a few pages back, "Please Help The Newbie" and "S2 focusing problems"...... I posted a couple of good links to help. Now I LOVE my S2!!!!!!

[planty]

Thank you both for your replies. I hope to learn this sucker LOL