Please help with close-ups (S70)

[Matth3w]

I have an S70 and tripod, and for the life of me cannot take a good close up of ANYTHING. For example, I am trying to take a picture of the engagement ring I bought for my girlfriend. No dice, it looks like crap. :(

[JustShootin']

Are you shootng in macro mode? I've never used the S70, but from reading the specs, it appears to have that feature. Check your manual.

Gary

[Matth3w]

I tried shooting in macro mode but really it didn't seem to make a difference. What other settings should I have it on? Like manual, auto, iso, etc?

[Jon]

Post some examples of what you're getting?

[Matth3w]

http://www.ej20.us/matthew/IMG_1522.jpg

Im trying to remember the settings...this was macro mode, with lamp as a light, tripod. Also a little unsharpen in CS2.

[JustShootin']

I noticed that you were using a very slow shutter speed (1/6 sec). Were you using the self timer. If not, you should be. Were you the correct distance from the ring as specified by your manual? Also some compacts require that the zoom be at it's widest when using macro. Not sure about yours. Are you seeing a sharp focus in your viewfinder or LDC screen, before you take the picture?

Gary

[Jon]

At 1/6 sec. were you using a tripod? You need a support at such slow speeds.

[Matth3w]

Why does self time make a difference? Just curious.

It says I can go really close, lol, can I not use the zoom feature at all? Do I have to physically place it close?

Should I speed up the shutter speed?

[Matth3w]

Yes I was using a tripod. I tried auto, slow, fast, manual, and that was the best shot I got.

[JustShootin']

Why does self time make a difference? Just curious.



The reason for using the self timer is because at very slow shutter speeds it's best to not be touching the camera when the exposure is made.

Gary

[Matth3w]

I see..what about other settings?

[JustShootin']

As I said, I'm not really familier with you S70, but my A560 is about as barebones as they come, and I just now took this picture handheld under a small lamp. As you can see, the shutter speed is 1/60, much faster than what you were using. I see no reason why your S70 wouldn't do the same thing. I think you need to really read you manual on this issue, because there's really very little to it.

Gary

[rpolitsr]

Positioning the camera at the correct distance from the subject is of paramount importance for macro shots. Measure the distances with a graduated ruler until you get some practice.
Most of the G series manuals specify distances from the tip of the lens to the subject; probably the S70 manuals use the same method.

The distance ranges for macro with the S70 are:

wide angle end

min. distance 1.6 in. (4 cm)
max. distance 16.8 in. (44 cm)

telephoto end

min. distance 12.0 in. (30 cm)
max. distance 16.8 in. (44 cm)


For the wedding ring, it seems better the wide angle end.
Check page 52 of the S70 User Guide for more details.

[Matth3w]

What does that mean, wide angle end? You mean have it zoomed all the way out?

[Matth3w]

As I said, I'm not really familier with you S70, but my A560 is about as barebones as they come, and I just now took this picture handheld under a small lamp. As you can see, the shutter speed is 1/60, much faster than what you were using. I see no reason why your S70 wouldn't do the same thing. I think you need to really read you manual on this issue, because there's really very little to it.

Gary
So you have it set on manual and 1/60 shutter? I read the manual, macro mode is like half a page long. It doesn't recommend any settings in that page it just tells you how to turn on macro. And how can you know what speed I'm using?

[rpolitsr]

What does that mean, wide angle end? You mean have it zoomed all the way out?
yes

[Matth3w]

yes to what?

[Matth3w]

Better, but still blurry (no Photoshop correction). Macro mode, 2 sec timer, 1/5 I think, flourescent light, zoomed all the way out, ring about 1.5-2 inches from lens.

http://www.ej20.us/matthew/IMG_1528.jpg

[JustShootin']

Actually, I didn't set the camera's shutter speed at anything. It was a quick snapshot. That's the good thing about automatic exposure. I just set the camera on the lowest ISO setting, which is 80, set the mode to macro. I made sure I was the appox macro distance from the knife, and let the camera decide for me. Of course, I saw sharp focus in the LCD screen before I released the shutter. I'm not saying auto is good for everything, but in some cases, it works just fine, and is very easy.

As for measuring, I see no reason do go to that trouble. If you're too close, your camera won't show clear focus, and on some cameras, the shutter won't release. If that's the case, just move back a bit.

Gary

[JustShootin']

I think you're simply too close to your subject. Move back a bit, then crop if needed.

Gary

[JustShootin']

Also, the ring being so shiney,could be making it hard for your camera to find focus, due of lack of contrast. If' that should be the case, just move the focus point around a bit to find focus, or lay something with contrast on top of the ring (pencil point for instance), focus on that, remove it, then take the picture. You also may need to move the ring or your lighting around a bit to make sure theres no unwanted glare.

Gary

[Matth3w]

Alright, how about this:

http://www.ej20.us/matthew/IMG_1532.jpg

[Matth3w]

That was on auto, 2 sec delay, bout 3 or so inches away, no other settings. Also a bit of unsharpen mask.

[audiobomber]

That last one looks pretty good! Maybe try the same setup but with center AF and frame the diamonds in the center.
When I can I try shots in all the different modes P, Av, Tv, M to see what's working best. I have a few macros, but the shot of my ring isn't very good. I'll have to try again with the diamond setting as the focus.

http://picasaweb.google.com/bonhommed/Macro02/photo#s5178161037444985234

[Matth3w]

I was trying not to block the light by hovering over the diamonds...

[Spike44]

You are still shooting at too large an aperture ( f/2.8 ).....makes it tougher to get all in focus. Try as high a setting/number as you can - F5.3 - this will increase depth of field (more of subject in focus).

[JustShootin']

Agreed, more depth of field would be nice, but what an improvment from your first shot.

Gary

[Matth3w]

Ok, I can do like 7.0 aperture or something if you recommend that...