Comments on: Macro photography

By: Deb

Deb — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 14:31:29 +0000

Hi, that’s partly true. While not as controllable as using a SLR or DSLR with very fast lenses (f stops in the 1.2, 2, etc. range) or using rail systems or bellows, it is possible. Actually, some of the compact cameras have “macro” modes (which is technically what this article was originally addressing) and so shallow depth-of-field can still be accomplished.

By: Artur

Artur — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 14:18:00 +0000

I think the problem with compact cameras is that depth-of-field is too long and you can’t have blurred background so easily.

By: Deb

Deb — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 20:28:26 +0000

Hi, the blur may be due to shooting beyond the minimum focusing distance for that particular focal length, camera/subject movement, too slow a shutter speed, too shallow a depth-of-field, or any combination of these factors. Quite a challenge, yes? But keep experimenting. You’ll soon have the kinks worked out and get stunning results.

By: Leslie

Leslie — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 06:52:15 +0000

Hi, We have both the Nikon P90 and P80′s and though still getting use to the differences between them one of the things they both share is you don’t dare use the zoom feature during real close macros when it would be nice if you could. On occasion I’ll try to capture an insect on a wildflower but in my attempt to get to it quickly if I don’t have the
zoom all the way reduced it’ll blurr. I would think you could use the zoom to move in closer or enlarge the item much like a microscope would. But it doesn’t seem to work that way with the newest digital cameras.

When I have a set up shot with camera on tripod and lens is almost touching subject say inside a flower up close and personal…..I select the timer-mode just as you would if you
were setting up a group shot so you and everyone is in the picture. These cameras don’t have a remote control like the older Nikons did so the timer mode allows you to not touch
the button and by chance blurr the picture.

By: Deb

Deb — Mon, 03 May 2010 15:02:22 +0000

Hi there, it looks like the P90 has two close-up modes determined by the amount of Zoom applied. One that allows for a minimum shooting distance of 4 inches (10cm) and another that allows for a minimum shooting distance of 0.4 inch (1cm). If you don’t want the flower to touch the lens, I’d try using the first close-up mode option, then, as Gail suggested, cropping as needed.

By: Gail Bjork

Gail Bjork — Mon, 03 May 2010 03:22:04 +0000

TC, Make sure you're taking close-up shot with the lens at wide angle. If your camera is like others, the macro mode works best at the widest focal length (Unless, like Panasonic, it has a special mode to take macro shots with the telephoto lens). You may just have to pull back a little, then you can crop the image close to the center when editing.I looked at the Nikon site, and I can't find whether or not the P90 takes converter lenses and adapters. If it does, Nikon may offer a macro converter lens. If the lens has threads or can use a lens adapter, you may want to try close up filters.

By: TC Sweet

TC Sweet — Sun, 02 May 2010 02:51:08 +0000

Hi Gail,
I want to get “inside” the flower. The problem is that when I get too close, the flower touches the lens. How do I get extreme close-ups without having the flower touch the lens? I have a Nikon P90. Thank you much.

By: Gail Bjork

Gail Bjork — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:58:18 +0000

Scavo, please do an internet search on the subjects. While some pointers in the article apply to film, we focus on digital photography at this site.

By: armond scavo

armond scavo — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:52:24 +0000

what about medium or 4×5 film macro work

By: Deb

Deb — Mon, 04 May 2009 15:32:10 +0000

Hi Kami, as Gail wrote, “yes you can.” Just be sure to watch out for glare bouncing off of the surface of your photos when you shoot. It might be best to light them from two sides at an angle.