Camera Help, please?

[robertifly]

I really want to be able to take pics that show up close so when I tell someone about what I saw and they want me to show a pic of it I can, Not too much to ask is it? I have a Canon PowerShot A540 but I just can't get it to show a real close up without blurring beyond recognition.
Question #1. Is it capable of taking the pic described?
Question #2. Should I be looking for a "manual focus" digital?
Question #3. I have an old Sony SLR with interchangeable lens, can those lens be used on any of the Sony digital bodies and if so which ones?
Question #4. Can you recommend a Camera that I can do the described pics without selling the farm to pay for it?
Sorry for the long post/many questions, I always say if you just don't know ask someone that does, and I don't think the expert at my local camera shop has a clue as to what I really need in the way of close up pics of aquarium subjects. Thanks.

 

[roshi719]

why not use your old sony slr to take the shots you want to take

 

[gregr]

Hi-
Post a couple pictures- that will help us give better more specific tips. To answer your questions- that camera is capable of taking decent close-ups... as far as close-up performance goes it's about middle of the road. To get the best magnification the 540 is capable of you need to have the lens zoomed out to the widest angle, then have the camera no closer than 5cm away from the subject. In macro mode.
Manual focus on point and shoot cameras never really performs all that great in my limited point and shoot experience (Canon G series, Nikon 9 series, Sony F series). A work-around for auto-focus is to aim the camera at something that has good texture and contrast, and that is the same distance away as your intended subject; press the shutter button half-way to get the focus locked on, then recompose the shot keeping that button pressed half-way. When you've got the picture lined up press the button the rest of the way to take the pic.
I don't know for sure if your old lenses will work with the new Sony's but I seriously doubt it based on the way Sony operates as a company... missing a chance to make everyone upgrade? No, I don't think so No fan of Sony here...
If you like Canon their S series (up to S5 now) are great macro performers, as are the comparable Nikon, Panasonic, etc.
Hope this helps,
Greg

 

[MCary]

Yes, your camera is able to take close-up and macro shots. It also has an optional closeup adapter that can be purchased for around $75 which will decrease your minimum focal distance.

You need to read your owners manual. Learn your camera. The macro mode is what you should be using. A tripod will help reduce motion blur. Your camera is capable of a full manual mode. If the auto settings don't work try setting the modes yourself. Start with the aperature wide open, aperature priority mode, and check your depth of field. If the background blurs too quickly, stop down until you have what you want. You can try underexposing and fixing in post if you can't get enough light, or use the flash.

You will not be able to focus if you are inside the minimum focal distance. Checking out your camera yielded this "The minimum distance to the subject in macro mode is 5 cm at wide-angle and 30 cm at telephoto. If you pick up the optional close-up lens those numbers drop to 4 and 14 cm" You'll need to do the conversion to inches.

Hope that helps.

Mike

 

[robertifly]

Thanks for the responses. I guess I'm wanting it to be just "too easy". I 'd like to be able to look through the view finder and dial it in just like looking through a telescope to bring it into focus and snap! Asking too much hey?