Having trouble getting good close up shots with V3

[mckeand13]

I'm having trouble getting detailed close up pictures with my V3. I've tried manual modes &automatic. I just can't seem to get it right.

I've found that getting farther away from the subject helps but then I wind up having to crop. I want good pictures right off the bat.

In the attached picture you can see the lack of detail. I was in automatic mode, no flash, macro on, and about 3" - 3.5" away from the part. It looks like it focused on the table behind the part even though I have it set on spot focus and was centered on the part.

Could somebody recommend anything to me? My main use for the camera will be close up shots. I need to figure out how to work this.

Thanks.

[hgernhardtjr]

Your shot had no associated EXIF data to look at, which may have helped. Nonetheless, here are a few tips that should help:

Set your aperture to F-8 (max for your V3), light very well with off cameralighting preferably a brightly lit light-tent and/orsoftbox which would be a goodinvestment if you will be taking a lot of parts shots.

You reallydo not necessarily need to get extremely close (macro setting) as you could keep the camera farther back and zoom in optically, then crop using PhotoShop or a similar editor; you get better depth of field if you are not in macro mode.

Remember, in macro modes focus must be spot-on and depth of field is VERY shallow, almost paper thin in some cases. Use a tripod.

You might check out these links:
http://www.photoflexlightingschool.c...ork/index.html

how to make one: http://www.pbase.com/wlhuber/light_box_light_tent

More tips: http://www.tabletopstudio.com/documents/TTS_FAQ.htm

On edit ... almost forgot: this one is made using inexpensive foamcore board: http://thehowzone.com/how/Photo-Softbox/1 and use instructions are provided.

Hope this points you in the right direction!

[CyberShotNut]

The minimum macro focus distance for the V3 is 4". You can try a macro lens or just back away from the part and crop the picture.

[qball]

Use anyorder of continuous af / monitor af, center af/spot af (1st choice), the assist beam, macro of course, correct distanceand previewing what's in focuswhen you focus. You have to get the camera to show gain in contrast on your subject to help it focus, meanwhile also monitoring it to help it stay focused on that region.

[qball]

qball wrote:

Use anyorder of continuous af / monitor af, center af/spot af (1st choice), the assist hologram, macro of course, correct distanceand previewing what's in focuswhen you focus. You have to get the camera to show gain in contrast on your subject to help it focus, meanwhile also monitoring it to help it stay focused on that region.

That photo looks like a good lit picture. If the assist hologram doesn't fire. Aim at a near dark area, and quickly slide it to the subject.