Ok, I have a Lumix 12x zoon and a macro setting camera. I understand I have to set on macro, and also set the aperature as low as it goes. So why can't I get a clear macro shot. I play with the zoom etc. As you probably already know. I am very new to this. So please keep your answer simple if possible. Thanks
you goal is lots and lots and lots of light! That will mean small, faster and lower setting for the camera... all of which the camera should do by itself...
I don't know if this will be of much help to you but all of my macro shots are taken with my Nikon P90 (p&s) and I have found that when I have my camera on the macro setting I tend to want to get too close. Zoom out a bit and let the camera handle some of the work. Also, I find that sometimes I have to refocus a couple of times and adjust where I am focusing and then move my camera over a bit to frame the shot how I want. All said, it just takes practice and patience.
Like nikki, my Canon point and shoot does all the macro work for me; I can get in really close. But on the odd occasions when it doesn't work as well as I want, like Autumn I find that I might have zoomed in too much or something like that. Take several shots rather than just the one; sometimes you'll find that just one works out really well and the others not so good.
The trick, as Jordan (@icywarm) has mentioned, is to use a tripod whenever possible because when shooting macro the slightest shake of the camera will result in blurred shots. If you can't use a tripod more light obviously lets the camera use a shorter exposure so this helps.
Avoid windy days because even a slight breeze will make the subject move wildly in the viewfinder!
And always take a few shots - one is usually sharp.
@vikdaddy It's a bit swings and roundabouts - a smaller aperture (higher f-stop number) will give greater depth of field making focusing easier. The downside of that is a slower shutter speed which may lead to camera shake creating a blurred shot.
It all comes down to more light is better. More light means you can have a smaller aperture and a faster shutter speed combination. However this may still not be enough to get a sharp shot which is where a tripod is useful.
You also need to factor in the desired depth of field - if you want to blur the background you'll need a wider aperture (smaller f-stop).
@vikdaddy depends on what you want... but DOF on a CCM sensor that her camera has is tough to control at the best of times... if she just wants to get in close, let the camera pick a number any number... but if I want a sharp macro I often shoot at F/8 or so, unless I can bracket a series of shots....
@icywarm "...but DOF on a CCM sensor...is tough to control at the best of times"
Agreed!
For that reason I'm seriously considering equipping myself with a real macro lens for my EOS 350D where I can control the DOF properly. As much as I love my TZ6 its limitations are sometimes a minor cause of frustration.
VR is very helpful! ^__^ i dont have a macro lens but i can make it look like one wahihihihi as i believe.. hihihihi minus the post processing... i use my lens as if it's a microscope.... ^__^
i'd like to have a 50mm VR i guess for x'mas.. I WISH!!
@icywarm Thank you so much for your input on macro. I don't think I realized how much help a bright light and and a stand for shaking would help me. I have one but it didnt put enough importance in it. Thanks so much.
Thanks so much for all of the great ideas from all of you.. You all just make it look easy and it really isn't. I now appreciate the macros that are so clear. Thanks again, all.
Seems like most people have a cannon. I know my lumix will take great pics because Slava has one a little better than mine. And her shots are beautiful. So,,,practice, practice, practice.
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Diffuse the light... a lamp with a cheese cloth or shade in front (NOT Touching the lamp - FIRE) 150 watts would be great...
Set up the camera so it is steady... tri-pod... whatever you have... just don't hold it! And don't set it up so that a shadow falls on the subject...
Set-up the auto timer... so that when you click the shutter the camera fires (2 secs or whatever after)
for bonus points! Turn off auto-focus (it can pick odd spots) and focus by manually moving the camera closer or further well using live view...
try that and report back!!!
@miata2u I dunno if the Lumix has something similar, but as far as the modes go, I use the Text one on my p&s for better detail than the Macro.
http://365project.org/nodecaff/365/2010-12-06
http://365project.org/nodecaff/365/2010-12-03
http://365project.org/nodecaff/365/2010-11-26
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http://365project.org/nodecaff/365/2010-11-18
The trick, as Jordan (@icywarm) has mentioned, is to use a tripod whenever possible because when shooting macro the slightest shake of the camera will result in blurred shots. If you can't use a tripod more light obviously lets the camera use a shorter exposure so this helps.
Avoid windy days because even a slight breeze will make the subject move wildly in the viewfinder!
And always take a few shots - one is usually sharp.
Good luck.
It all comes down to more light is better. More light means you can have a smaller aperture and a faster shutter speed combination. However this may still not be enough to get a sharp shot which is where a tripod is useful.
You also need to factor in the desired depth of field - if you want to blur the background you'll need a wider aperture (smaller f-stop).
It's never simple is it? :)
Agreed!
For that reason I'm seriously considering equipping myself with a real macro lens for my EOS 350D where I can control the DOF properly. As much as I love my TZ6 its limitations are sometimes a minor cause of frustration.
i'd like to have a 50mm VR i guess for x'mas.. I WISH!!