S5 IS and Macro: n00b help.

Hi, I've been interested for some time in macro photography but I'm new to the non-snapshot taking world. I'd like to become a serious amateur photographer; I've even looked into enrolling in classes at the community college. Unfortunately, they're only offered in the Spring here so I have to wait another year. Tuesday, I get my S5 IS and I was wondering if anyone knew anything about its abilities. Am I able to use extension tubes? Actually, I've only just learned what they are from doing heavy searching in this forum ... because I'm switching up from a Kodak EasyShare C623 and there are no conversion lenses or extra parts. The thought of this new challenge is quite thrilling so any information that is given is valuable.

There several options available to you...one way is to just start reading here, as there is a ton of information to be had...check out the Small Camera and Advanced Camera sections for valuable info on your camera and accessories. Check to see if you have a local camera club, many clubs have mentoring programs with more experienced photographers spending time working with newer folks to hone their skills in various different areas of photography. Certainly keep the class at the community college in mind, even if you have already missed the ones for this cycle...they are very good for learning the basics.

You can't use extension tubes with your camera because the S5IS does not have interchangeable lenses. There are close-up adapters available though. Welcome to POTN. Stick around, ask questions and your will become the photographer you hope to become.

Thank you for the link to those forums! And yes I think I've found at least the TC-DC58B Tele Converter Lens. I have to find out more on interchangeable lenses!
^_^

i'd recommend using the macro/super macro mode on the camera first, and becoming familiar with that...before springing for other lens attachments...the macro mode on my S2 was certainly capable of taking great shots without the need for any other lens accesory

DreDaze wrote in post #5091101
i'd recommend using the macro/super macro mode on the camera first, and becoming familiar with that...before springing for other lens attachments...the macro mode on my S2 was certainly capable of taking great shots without the need for any other lens accesory

Hear, Hear, I concur! I use the macro and super macro modes on my S5 with much success!!

Not my best, but decent example. (The pesky wind decided to blow on this particular day:evil...

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Thanks! It's been a few days since I've been on bc I've been so busy getting acquainted with my new camera. Have to say I love it and it was SO worth the splurge. Still not sure what the "super" macro is on it though ... hopefully I'll figure it out sooner rather than later.

super macro is when you hold down the flower button...it'll first show the flower...and then the flower with an S in it...allows you to get some great close up shots...I think super macro is only available in manual, but could be in tv/or av modes as well...i only used it in manual mode though, so i'm not positive

I agree that you need to get aquanted with the macro features built right into your S5, before buying more lenses. The below shot was made with regular macro on my S2, not super. The bug is no more than 1/4" long. Also it was a non-tripod grapshot. So just imagine what you can do if you're actually trying. Congrats on your new purchase.

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O wow. Yeah, I'll have to play around with the features first. Thank you DreDaze for that tip and JustShootin and DeeDoubleYou for the pictures-examples. With macro I was hoping to get finer details not just close up shots but getting acquainted with all that the S5 can do comes first. I have to say I'm having much more fun with it than with my old EasyShare.

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