Macro question

Is it possible to take a good macro shot with a p&s camera?

I realize that with the p&s it isn't really a "true" macro anyway, but more of a close-up, but my problem is getting the shot to come sharp. The camera's user guide says that in Macro mode the shot should be composed using the LCD screen --yah right. What I "see" on the LCD screen while composing the shot, whether its in macro mode or normal shooting, never looks sharp and clear like it does through the view finder; it always looks fuzzy to me. So how is someone supposed to get a good sharp macro shot if they can't see the subject clearly enough on the LCD to tell if it's in focus? Any thoughts, experience with, or suggestions appreciated. I'm using a Canon Powershot A570is with a 2.5" LCD.

 

Thanks Mike.
My camera does have a macro mode, but the problem is seeing the subject clearly on the LCD screen [which is supposed to be used for macro composition] I can't see anything clearly enough on the LCD to be sure I have it in focus so its always hit or miss and most often its miss.....

 

I have taken one of my all time favorites (my cat with a grasshopper hanging out of his mouth) with a P&S and it turned out beautiful.

Just get as close as you can while staying out of the minimal focus area. Also, be sure to set your photo size as large as possible so you can crop in as needed without losing clarity. (That's how I did it anyway!)

 

Thanks Mike & Lyncca, Maybe I am getting in a little too close. I'll try and trust the AF a bit more too. Setting the photo size large sounds like a good possibility too - worth a try. Thanks guys!

 

Try adding a little light to the subject to help you compose and the camera to focus. A desk lamp or even a flash light. Your cameras flash will provide the correct exposure, so don't worry about leaving the light on or off during the shutter release.

 

:thumbup: Will do! Thanks

I'll give it a try too. Thanks

 

I just joined.. But, I use a P&S camera [for now].

You could be to far away like some others have mentioned.. or you might be to close to the subject to focus on it correctly. I plan to upgrading to a DSLR soon, but i plan to keep my olympus sp-510 uz for close up shots because I won't be purchasing a macro lense.

Here is a picture I've taken with my P&S of someones eye.




*edit* btw, that was in a macro mode. There are 2 on my camera, Macro and Super Macro. Also, is there a way to post as a thumbnail instead? Sorry if the image is to large.

 

WOW! I can't get anything near that good. The best I've been able to do so far are these :

1.


2.


3.

 

Macro photography oftentimes requires off camera lighting in order to get some really stunning images (or using natural light with a large aperture and/or high ISO). With on camera flash you're going to get a lot of weird, unwanted shadows.