? for Canon Powershot A95 Users

[Salamander]

I just can't get any good macro shots with my camera. Anyone have any advice?

When I take the picture the camera begins to focus, zooms into perfect focus then out again to snap the picture.

I've used a tripod, different distances, etc to no avail.

TIA

Mark

 

[gregr]

There might be a few things going on here- could be the autofocus mode needs to be changed for your close-ups. It could also be that you're too close to the subject- with that camera you need to be zoomed all the way out to get the best macros (closest pictures).
Sometimes autofocus systems have a hard time focusing on things that don't have a lot of contrast/texture. Add the tank glass and water... tough situation. A work-around is to focus on something else; something that is very contrasty with good texture; something that is the same distance away as your intended subject... get the camera to focus, keep the button pressed half-way, recompose on your original subject and press the button the rest of the way. Sounds more complicated than it is really, but it works.

 

[Salamander]

Maybe that could help.

It will focus when zoomed all the way out but then it's not getting the macro shot I desire. Not even close.

It's just wierd 'cause it will pass through perfect focus when zoomed in to only take the picture out of focus.

I've tried focusing on other items then moving over to what I want to shoot but it seems pretty hard to get it perfect.

Thanks for your reply gregr.

Anyone else with experience with this camera?

 

[CAreefer]

I have that camera in a drawer at the house, but haven't used it much after buying my D70. I'll pick it up and play with it a bit over the next day or two and see what I can come up with for you. IIRC, I got some decent shots with it. Nothing like what the SLR's can take, but worthy nonetheless. I'll post some up when I get some time.

CAReefer

 

[CAreefer]

Couple things I remembered as I was using it. Stay out of the digital zoom if at all possible. That is when things go bad. Use the macro feature and put the lens right flat against the glass. Use aperture priority mode and use the highest the cam will focus with. These were shot at f/7. something and f/8.

I took maybe 30 shots and these were the only that were even close to useable. The 3rd one I was actually trying to focus on the A. nana in the foreground but didn't catch it. You gotta be flexible.

HTH and I'll try to answer any other questions you may have.

CAReefer

 

[CAreefer]

But if you ever step up to an SLR with a macro specific lens...

 

[Salamander]

Hey thanks for the suggestions CA. I'll try those out tomorrow. Those were some pretty good pics for that camera. I'd be very happy if I could get some that good.

....And nice looking corals too!

 

[Opcn]

I have the same problem with my A95. I Suggest that you switch to manual focus, and for the macros zoom out and move your lense closer if you can. Also be sure you don't have digital zoom on, digital zoom is for idiots, its something you can do on your computer.

The bayonet style lenses have been known to help, I've got the complete compliment coming from amozon (the telephoto I picked is supposedly pretty crappy, but it was cheap) all toll its costing me about as much as the camera did in the first place, I'll let you know how they work out Salamander.

 

[Opcn]

So its much harder to focus with the macro lense. I can get slightly better photos, but It takes more tries, which isn't really a problem with a digital camera I guess, but because its not an SLR the focus on the eye piece isn't correct, so I have to rely on the lcd, which has pretty low resolution so its hard to tell how I'm focused. Also the flash is blocked by the lense.