S3IS Macro + manual focus?

[Joates]

I have a question about my S3 IS, some other owners might be able to help.

Is there any reason one cant use manual focus when in macro mode? I do not understand this at all because it is usable in supermacro mode but not standard macro mode. I really dont like this because I cant seem to consistently get the autofocus to lock in where I want it in macro mode and cant seem to adjust it all. I searched google but came up empty handed on the issue and it doesnt seem to be documented anywhere in the manual. Can anyone tell me why this is restricted like it it? Sorry if theres a simple explanation, but Im kind of new in the photography realm.

[wickiup]

I battled my S1 for some time (no real macro of course) with close focusing. Found that focusing on a particle that contrasted a bit from the rest of the scene helps the focus to lock on.

Just got the S3 so don't know about the Manual thing in Macro Mode.

wickiup

[snowrdr]

What I have found with my S2 is there are two things that will prevent autofocus in regular macro mode:

1.) Make sure you are completely zoomed out (use no zoom at all)
2.) Too close to subject (switch to supermacro mode)

Manual focus isn't needed if these steps are followed. :D

[MaxZoom]

When doing macro work I guess most people would do as I do. Switch to manual focus and move the camera in and out to get exactly the point you want in focus. Frequently what you want to be sharp won't be in the dead center of the photo so you have to start fiddling. AF is great for out and about shots, macro usually takes time to set up so I don't see the attraction of AF in this context?

[eccles]

Single macro mode is pointless IMO. You get a larger subject size when at the closest focus distance in full zoom. Try it.

[Keoeeit]

I have a question about my S3 IS, some other owners might be able to help.

Is there any reason one cant use manual focus when in macro mode? I do not understand this at all because it is usable in supermacro mode but not standard macro mode. I really dont like this because I cant seem to consistently get the autofocus to lock in where I want it in macro mode and cant seem to adjust it all. I searched google but came up empty handed on the issue and it doesnt seem to be documented anywhere in the manual. Can anyone tell me why this is restricted like it it? Sorry if theres a simple explanation, but Im kind of new in the photography realm.

The reason that "Macro mode" turns off when you turn on manual focusing, is that you can still manually focus within the macro range. (Try it.) The only thing that "Macro mode" really does is tell the camera to search for a closer focus in auto-focus. You will also find that your zoom setting will limit how close you can manually focus. Many cameras use this method. Like in my Sony F717 for example. You can focus in macro mode manually, but there's no "macro" setting for manual focus. The reason being is that it takes time for long-zoom lenses to find the right area to search in. If you tell the camera beforehand what range you are going to use, the auto-focus is quicker when searching within that desired range. Manual focus is not concerned with this issue.

p.s. Don't forget that nifty "SET" button when in manual focus. Pressing it after you have focused manually will "tweak" your manual focus attempt even more. It restricts the auto-focus mode to within a very narrow distance to search in for an even finer focus than what you could do. A nice work-around they designed to get around the limits of using a rocker-switch and pixelated display for focusing. You can see it momentarily working if you have the focus-assist light turned on and you are taking a macro photo in dim lighting. The focus-assist light will momentarily turn on when you press the "SET" button. Otherwise it only shows a short and slight brightening of the viewfinder display while its searching for a better focus for you. It's a combo manual-focus with an auto-focus assist. I LIKE it!