Nikon D40 + Macro Lens

[matt21ocean]

Im using a Nikon D40 and the Nikon 60mm f/2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor Lens

I dont know much about photography but when I first got the lens, my pictures were coming out very detailed and crispy and I must have played around with some settings on the camera because now my pics are not coming out good. I cant get a crisp shot, the details are not there, and the pictures are coming out very grainy

Can someone please recommend the best settings for the D40 for macro shots?

Before:

Now:

 

[kilroy217]

looks like there's a lot of noise in the images - often a product of having the iso set too high. my first guess (and I'm no expert) would be to try setting the iso lower.

 

[Recty]

The noise looks to be caused from having a high ISO.

Basically, for coral pictures there are four main things to consider.

One, you must use a tripod. Blur caused from hand holding the camera ruins a good macro shot.

Two, be perfectly perpendicular to the glass. Otherwise you deal with distortion from the glass.

Three, turn off all the pumps in the tank and let the water settle for a couple minutes, this will cut down on tons of blur caused by the coral's flesh moving around in the moving water.

Four, turn your ISO down. Since you have a tripod and a stationary subject, you shouldnt need to have your ISO up. My 50D can take a good picture at ISO400 without any noticeable noise and at ISO800 with just a tad bit of noise and only then if you're really going to be getting picky. But I typically shoot at ISO100 and just lower my shutter speed to make up for it. Then I have absolutely no noise in the picture.

 

[matt21ocean]

Thats probably it.. I thought it had to be high and I have it at 1600. Ill try bringing that down.

Thanks!