Tips for new camera.Please.

[BLKTANG]

Ok got another camera,now i have a Canon Power Shot A530,anyone with, or familiar with this camera wanna give me some pointers?T.I.A

 

[BLKTANG]

i cant even take 1 clear pic with this piece.

 

[gregr]

Can you post a picture or two? It'd help us figure out some good suggestions for you.
Greg

 

[BLKTANG]

ok here goes.

Notice the leather is in focus,i was trying to focus on the zooas.Ive tried manual focus,changing apture speed,i cant get focus on objects that are 6" or closer to focus.The pic with the lawnmower the fish is about 5" away,& not moving.

 

[gregr]

Thanks for the pics- that helps a lot. First- were you in macro mode with those pics? I think with that camera the best macro performance is with the lens zoomed out to the widest point- that's contrary to what seems like common sense... to zoom in all the way to get the closest close-ups.
So to get the closest close-ups zoom all the way out, put the camera in macro mode, and place the camera no closer than 5cm (approximately 2 inches) from the subject. If the autofocus has trouble [hunts] aim the camera at someting with lots of contrast and texture that is also roughly 2 inches away, press the shutter release button halfway til the focus is good and keep the button pressed halfway while you reframe the shot on your intended subject- then press the button the rest of the way to take the picture. Let me know if that works any better for you.

 

[BLKTANG]

Thank u soooo much,4 the tips gregr.Im gonna try tomorrow the lighta r out now.O & thats what i was doin zooming all the way in macro mode.Who knew?

 

[gregr]

I know... completely the opposite of what you'd think would be best...

 

[BLKTANG]

gregr,thank u so much,your tips worked like a charm.I think i was still thinking technical after having that Minolta D-Mage,that camera is for a pro.Here is a little sample from this morning.

 

[gregr]

Much improved That is one happy acro too.