Yes, I'm a newbie with questions about a new A75.

[BlurHead]

Hi all, nice forum!

Let's go straight to the point. Just bought a brand new A75. When I shake it (lightly), I hear noises, like a spring or a small part. Is this normal?

Guess I'm just a bit nervous... I didnt have time to test the camera properly due to lack of lighting. I'm sure I'm gonna be a power user of this forum. Mainly because I like photography, forums, and just purchased an A75.

Thanks all!

[stopbath]

Welcome to the forum.

I don't have the A75, but I hear that the A75 has a orientation sensor that uses gravity with it's sensor. The noise you hear is the sensor. Nothing to worry about (if that's what it is...) Try simply slowly rotating the camera, does it "click" as you rotate the camera around...

[BlurHead]

It clicks once when I flip the camera on the side. So far, I think this camera is great for the price. I still have to find a way to quickly transfer the settings from auto/preset modes to manual mode so I just have to do some quick tweakings. And also, I did not figure out how to play with the automatic focus features. For example, if the automatic focus chooses one spot, how do I choose another spot in the picture without going in manual mode. I guess I will have to read the manual once again, or familiaize with the manual focus, although it's hard to use manual focus quickly and see the results instantly on the LCD.

Ok, back to shooting small objects. By the way, does anyone know the best way to achieve short field depth when using the macro mode? I guess this has been covered a million times in this forum, anyways... so nevermind.

[stopbath]

Check your manual, but I don't think it's too likely that there is a way to 'transfer' auto settings into manual... What setting is it that you wish to adjust. Perhaps Aperture or Shutter priority would suffice.

Yes, manual focus is tough since you really can't judge clarity from the rinky little lcd. Which they had a prismatic range finder so you could get your distance at least that way (but that would likely pop another $50 onto the price of the camera....)

To limit the depth of field get as close as you can, with a wide open aperture. Use tele mode when able.

[BlurHead]

Hey thanks! You're a very informative person. I love forums. I hope I can contribute to this one soon, but for now, I'm the one with the questions!

Back on topic, I find it impossible to focus on the subject with the A75 on full zoom in (or close). So far, the results are ok when I zoom out. I can blur the background, but not enough. I guess I just found a limitation of that little baby, or at least, limitations of my abilities ;). We have bad weatehr these days around here. Cant ait to try it in full sun light. I wanna see the colors!

[stopbath]

Hey thanks! You're a very informative person. I love forums. I hope I can contribute to this one soon, but for now, I'm the one with the questions!

Back on topic, I find it impossible to focus on the subject with the A75 on full zoom in (or close). So far, the results are ok when I zoom out. I can blur the background, but not enough. I guess I just found a limitation of that little baby, or at least, limitations of my abilities ;). We have bad weatehr these days around here. Cant ait to try it in full sun light. I wanna see the colors!
thanks... :oops:

When zoomed in, the a75 (like the A70) has a longer macro distance. I don't know the specs, so check your manual but is something like 2 inches away for wide angle, and 14 inches away for tele mode. Any closer and you can't focus...

Perhaps the close up adapter may help in depth of field control... I'm suppose it would, but I have no experience with it.

[BlurHead]

Here's my first macro attempt. The background is not very attractive, nor is the subject. But I was just testing while sitting in the park at dinner break. The lighting was so-so, hence the blur, I guess. I could have slowed down the shutter speed a bit, I think. I still have a lot to experiment.

http://pages.infinit.net/puzband/yellow.jpg

Shutter speed: 1/500
Aperture: F2.8

[stopbath]

That looks pretty good. Although the background still has some detail in the blurriness, it does nicely force the user to concentrate on the flower.

Excellent first attempt! The first of many I suspect...